The Fantasy Football World Championships have found a new home at Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, kicking off their first week of the NFL season with a bang. This move marks a significant milestone for the FFWC, which has been held at various venues over the past 20 years but has now signed a five-year contract to be hosted at Circa.
Thousands of players from all over the United States gathered at the casino to participate in the draft for multiple leagues, with buy-ins ranging from $350 to $10,000. The competition is fierce as players vie for the coveted title of Fantasy Football World Champion, which comes with a grand prize of $150,000 and a championship belt.
In the past, the FFWC has often played second fiddle to other events at the casino, but with its new partnership with Circa, the game has taken center stage. Ian Ritchie, owner of Circa FullTime Fantasy Sports, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that being at Circa has helped elevate the experience and has led to an explosion in popularity for fantasy sports and live events.
Ritchie also commended Circa for their exceptional hospitality, noting that the staff goes above and beyond to make players feel comfortable and special. Players are treated to drinks and food while conducting their drafts, with casino staff assisting with the process by putting up picks on a physical draft board. The atmosphere is further enhanced by appearances from celebrities like former MLB star Jayson Werth and NASCAR driver Austin Dillon.
Players at Circa can enjoy the draft experience in various settings, such as the sportsbook or Stadium Swim, a six-pool complex with private cabanas, bars, and giant screens showing all the day’s biggest games. Aaron Oster, Circa’s Media Relations and Marketing Manager, highlighted the popularity of Stadium Swim as a drafting location, with many players taking advantage of the unique setting.
In addition to the FFWC, Circa also hosted its own NFL handicapping competitions, Circa Millions and Survivor, which broke records by attracting a combined $20.6 million in entries. This exceeded their total guarantee of $16 million by over 25%, demonstrating the growing interest in sports betting and fantasy football at Circa.
Overall, the partnership between the FFWC and Circa has been a resounding success, with players enjoying a unique and exciting experience at the renowned Las Vegas casino. The future looks bright for both the FFWC and Circa as they continue to attract participants and spectators to their events.