Fantasy football: two simple words that create excitement, disappointment, frustration and ultimately success.

Believe it or not, if you are not part of a fantasy league, you might find yourself in the minority. It’s estimated that this year, 50 million people in the U.S. are participating in fantasy football.

Do you want to join a league but are clueless to the main concept and rules? Fear not. We have you covered. Read on and find out what the hype is all about.
 
Fantasy football anyone?
Fantasy football requires dedication and countless hours from those participating. Although there are many players, there is only one crowned winner and this individual is awarded a cash prize (if applicable), but more importantly, bragging rights.

There are multiple ways to be part of a fantasy league. You can join as an individual on any number of fantasy websites including ESPN, NLF or Yahoo. ESPN en Español even offers a fantasy football league specifically in Spanish.

The more frequent way to play is to join a league by paying a predetermined amount. The leagues often use fantasy football websites to run the whole tournament. A commissioner – the person in charge of establishing and maintaining the rules during the
NFL season – and the people participating – the team owners –make up a league.

Daniel Sylvester is a 15-year fantasy player and the commissioner of the “Crown Their Ass League,” a league started back in 2007 in Chicago.

“I was tired of being in leagues so unorganized that the commissioner would change rules on the fly,” Sylvester said. “It has to be fair for everyone.”

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