David Baker: 11 Years of the ODB Fantasy League in the Poker World

David "ODB" Baker talks about the history and success of a unique $500 poker fantasy league that brought together the top professionals.

David "ODB" Baker Recaps the 11-Year History of the $500 Fantasy League A Unique Format for the Professional Poker Community The world of poker is full of traditions and unique events, but few can match the popularity and engagement of the legendary fantasy league organized by David "ODB" Baker. This league, which started more than ten years ago, has become an integral part of the poker calendar for many well-known players. In a recent interview for the PokerGO podcast, Baker himself shared memories of how the league was founded and developed, as well as its significance for the professional community. How It All Began: The Idea and First Steps David Baker —one of the most respected players in the poker world and a multiple WSOP bracelet winner—decided to create his own fantasy league in 2013. Inspired by the popularity of fantasy sports in the US, he suggested gathering a group of like-minded people to compete by drafting the best poker players for their virtual teams. The buy-in for the league was $500 , which immediately set a high level of competition and seriousness among the participants. League Rules and Structure Every year before the start of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), league participants gather to hold a draft—a kind of auction where teams are formed from professional players. For each poker player, participants place bids based on their predictions for that player’s success in the upcoming series. Throughout the WSOP, teams earn points for their players’ achievements: cashes, final tables, and of course, bracelet wins. This format allows participants not only to track their own progress, but also to dive deeper into analytics, discuss strategies, and exchange insider information. Over the years, the league has become a true arena for intellectual competition among the best minds in poker. Growing Popularity and Impact on the Poker Community Since its inception, Baker’s league has attracted the attention of many poker stars. Among the participants, you can find such well-known players as Shaun Deeb , Justin Bonomo , Daniel Negreanu , and many others. Each year, the battle for the main prize becomes more intense, and discussions about the draft and team results are among the hottest topics in poker chats and on social media. David Baker notes that over the league’s 11-year existence, it has not only strengthened friendships among professionals but also added extra excitement to the already eventful WSOP period. Many participants admit that thanks to the fantasy league, they discovered new players and started following all the series’ tournaments more closely. Key Moments and Memorable Stories Over the years, the fantasy league has seen plenty of funny and dramatic moments. Baker recalls how one team, considered an underdog, managed to surge ahead and win in the final days of the series thanks to a lucky selection of players. There have also been disputes over rules, debates about controversial decisions, and even unexpected alliances between participants. All of this only fuels interest in the league and makes it a part of poker culture. The Future of the League and Its Importance for the Industry Today, 11 years after its founding, David Baker’s fantasy league continues to grow and attract new participants. Baker himself is confident that such initiatives help develop the poker community, strengthen bonds among professionals, and make the poker world even more exciting and diverse. For many players, participating in the league has become not only a chance to win a substantial cash prize, but also a way to showcase their analytical skills and truly experience the spirit of competition at the poker tables. As the organizer himself notes, the main thing in the league is the enjoyment of the game and connecting with like-minded people, while the prizes are just a pleasant bonus. Conclusion David "ODB" Baker’s $500 fantasy league is not just entertainment for professionals, but an important part of modern poker culture. Over 11 years, it has become a symbol of friendship, rivalry, and love for the game, and its story continues to inspire more players to create their own initiatives in the poker world.