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For millions of football fans, the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is as much a part of the season as the football itself. The traditional format has become a cultural phenomenon as players assemble a virtual squad of 15 real-life Premier League stars within a £100 million budget, earning points each week based on goals, assists, clean sheets, and other match stats.
But in recent years, fantasy football has evolved far beyond the classic format. For instance, have you played FPL’s Draft mode, which introduced a new way to play, where each footballer can only be owned by one manager per private league? Or have you given FPL Challenge a go? This created fast-paced, one-week contests that reset after each gameweek.
Other Leagues Worth Taking a Look At
Elsewhere, other platforms offer subtle but engaging alternatives. The Telegraph Fantasy Football, for example, appeals to the purists. Managers can enter up to five teams, select any mix of players without club limits, and make transfers between individual matches. However, you only get 40 transfers for the entire season and no captain mechanic.
The game also includes FA Cup fixtures, meaning fixture planning and timing transfers become key strategic elements. Its bonus system is simpler, rewarding tackles and saves but not passing or shots, making it a more stripped-back, numbers-focused experience with a £5,000 prize for the overall winner.
By contrast, Sun Dream Team is designed for accessibility and excitement, with the potential for big rewards including a £50,000 top prize. It features captains, price changes, and three “boosters” (Max Captain, 12th Man, Park the Bus), adding extra layers of interest.
It includes all domestic and European fixtures, encouraging players to consider the broader football calendar when building their squads. With just two free transfers per week and no bench, Dream Team balances simplicity with the thrill of high-stakes competition, making it a popular choice for those wanting a faster, more flexible alternative to traditional fantasy football.
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Other Games for Fantasy Football Fans
The entertainment afforded by live football matches has also led to other examples of in-game play. One of the most popular is Match Bingo, which has taken the concept in a playful direction by putting live match events like corners, goals, and free kicks on digital bingo cards.
Its success reflects the wider boom in online bingo, where the appeal of chance meets digital convenience. With bingo promotions now driving record engagement across the industry — such as Buzz Bingo’s new Full House game offering a £100,000 cash prize — Match Bingo is placed at the crossroads of live sport and gaming innovation.
In the game, each card lists 15 random match events. They are automatically ticked off as they happen live. Players race to hit the classic milestones of one line, two lines, and a full house, with formats covering everything from the Premier League to the Champions League.
Different Kinds of In-Game Entertainment
Whether it’s the Telegraph’s strategic depth, Dream Team’s high-stakes fun, or the unpredictability of Match Bingo, today’s live football gaming entertainment offers something for every kind of player. As fantasy football continues to evolve, fans now have more ways than ever to turn their sporting passion into season-long — or even match-long — excitement.