The attraction is clear: it provides an outlet for our competitive instincts and allows us to immerse ourselves more deeply in the sports that we love.
The fantasy sports market is set to grow at a CAGR of 12.77% between 2024 and 2032. Currently, the market is worth around $28.41 billion. There are hundreds of fantasy sports leagues operating around the world, something we’ve covered at Dunkest plenty before, with more emerging every year.
Giving Us The Authority To Create Our Own Destiny
Fantasy sports allow fans to assume the roles of coach, general manager, or team president, roles we often believe we could perform better than the real-life incumbents. This engagement extends beyond casual fandom, involving activities like drafting players, setting lineups, and making strategic decisions.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports to create fantasy teams in. However, the NFL leads the way in North America, partly due to its shorter season and weekly game schedule, which demands less time commitment compared to other leagues. Meanwhile, in Europe, it’s football, namely the Premier League, that stands out above all others.
Participation is a big attraction when it comes to fantasy sports. It enhances fan engagement by providing additional reasons to watch games and follow players closely, even those from rival teams. It fosters emotional investment and creates dilemmas, such as cheering for a drafted player against one’s favourite team.
Meanwhile, strategically, fantasy sports blend managerial decision-making with scouting for talent, rewarding managers who can identify and capitalise on underdog players. Competition is another major draw, offering participants the chance to compete for prizes and bragging rights. There’s also a social element to the fun.
Fantasy game-play is a reflection of how sport has transcended the playing fields, courts, and pitches. We want to be engaged. We want to feel part of the competitive action. It’s why video games based on sports are so popular. But today the way we engage with sport – from iGaming to board games to virtual reality – takes our experience much deeper.
Putting Sport Into Our Hands: From Casino Slots to Board Games
Popular platforms include Oculus’ All-in-One Sports VR which includes 13 different sports from basketball to archery. Monopoly created a football-themed version of the board game called World Football Stars while iGaming fans can enjoy a slot game based on almost every sport you can think of from ice hockey and horse racing to sumo wrestling and fishing.
Indeed, these games highlight how fans of every sport have a desire to expand their engagement with it. For example, fishing fans can head to a site like Casino Days to play Big Bass Bonanza, Trout’s Treasure, or Alaskan fishing, to name just a few of the available slot games that were inspired by competitive angling. Despite being considered quite niche, fantasy sports enthusiasts can also join the fun in leagues such as those run by Major League Fishing.
The evolution of sport through fantasy gameplay and diverse gaming platforms demonstrates our deep-seated desire for immersive experiences, according to Forbes. These games allow fans to deepen their connection to sports, making the thrill of competition more accessible and engaging than ever before.
A Deeper Connection To The Sports We Love
Fantasy sport captivates us by merging our love for the game with strategic decision-making and competition. It empowers fans to step into roles like coach and general manager, deepening our connection and elevating our enjoyment. As the fantasy sports market continues to grow, it’s clear this blend of participation, strategy, and camaraderie will keep fans engaged and entertained for years to come.
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Author: Team Dunkest
July 19, 2024 | 8:46 am
