DraftKings users might have noticed a new promotion today when they checked their app. The site is running a “High Stakes” Survivor Contest that combines DFS with survivor pools.
Players can enter the new game format from the DraftKings DFS lobby. It kicks off on Friday night’s NBA slate and continues until May 14th. Contestants set their fantasy lineup for the night’s NBA action, attempting to beat half the field and survive to the next round. The field is cut in half every night until the final round of 128 players on May 14th.
DraftKings Survivor: DFS Meets Survivor Pools in New Promo
The first round is set for 2048 entries with an entry fee of $28. Players can enter up to 62 lineups. Round 2 will take place on May 7th, also with NBA action, cutting the field in half again to 512. Rounds 3 and 4 will be on May 9th and 12th respectively, as players compete in MLB DFS play. The finale will have 128 players and take place on May 14th. DraftKings will be announcing the final format once NBA playoff scheduling is determined.
DraftKings‘ new promotion has each round playout like a DFS “cash game” withthe top half of the field advancing. However, there is additional equity in the contest. Each night’s action will have prize payouts for finishing in the top-5, including ~$500 to first place. The final 128 entries that compete on May 15th can win $10,000 for first place, $4,000 to second and $2,000 to third. All 128 finalist will receive a payout.
The promotion also differs from traditional “survivor” pools because it guarantees that half of the contestants will advance. Typical survivor pools eliminate anyone that selects a team or player that doesn’t win on a given sport and night, usually NFL.
Players will have to think about their typical DFS strategy for this contest. The additional prizes each night and the importance of eliminating weaker players mean’s that playing the cash optimal lineup is not necessarily the best strategy. That being said, a top-5 finish is hard to come by in a 2000+ field, so simply beating out the top half each night is paramount. Finally, how players match their play to the number of entries they have– 1 to 62– is relevant, as well.
More information on the promotion is available on DraftKings promotion page: “High Stakes” Survivor. Players can build the sharpest lineups using Stokastic’s fantasy point projections.
We’ll help you get ready for the start of Friday’s contest and the rest of the playoff slate on Stokastic NBA Deeper Dive and Live Before Lock shows at 7:00 p.m. ET on YouTube, brought to you by PrizePicks — new customers sign up by going through this link and receive 30 days of Stokastic+ Premium an initial deposit match up to $100.
