A 50/50 contest is a type of daily fantasy football competition where approximately half of the entrants win a prize and the other half do not. Because the chances of winning are generally higher than in large tournaments, 50/50 contests are popular with managers looking to build their bankroll steadily.

Some fantasy sports platforms refer to 50/50 contests as double-up contests because successful players typically win around double their entry fee, although the exact payout varies between operators after fees are deducted.

How 50/50 Contests Work

In a typical 50/50 contest, managers pay an entry fee to compete against other players. When the contest finishes, approximately the top half of the leaderboard receives a payout, while the remaining entrants do not win a prize.

For example, if a contest costs £5 to enter, successful managers may receive around £10 before any applicable fees are deducted.

Strategy for 50/50 Contests

Unlike large guaranteed prize pool (GPP) tournaments, 50/50 contests reward consistency rather than taking unnecessary risks. The objective is simply to finish in the top half of the field rather than achieving the highest overall score.

Many experienced fantasy managers therefore favour reliable players with consistent point-scoring records instead of selecting high-risk players who may either score very highly or contribute very little.

Who Should Play 50/50 Contests?

50/50 contests are particularly suitable for beginners and managers who want a lower-risk approach to daily fantasy football. They can also form an important part of a sensible bankroll management strategy by providing more consistent returns than large tournaments.

50/50 vs Guaranteed Prize Pool Tournaments

Guaranteed prize pool tournaments usually offer much larger prizes, but only a small percentage of entrants receive a payout. In contrast, 50/50 contests offer smaller prizes but a much greater chance of winning.

Many successful fantasy football managers play a combination of both formats, using 50/50 contests to build consistency while entering larger tournaments for the opportunity to win bigger prizes.