GPP (Guaranteed Prize Pool) tournaments are where the big money is won in DFS. But winning a GPP requires a completely different approach than cash games.
Understanding GPP Dynamics
In GPPs, only the top finishers get paid, with prizes heavily weighted toward first place. This means you need to beat thousands of lineups, not just finish in the top 50%.
Embrace Variance
GPP success requires accepting that you'll lose most weeks. The goal isn't consistent finishes—it's hitting big when you do win. High-upside plays are essential.
Ownership and Differentiation
Ownership percentage is crucial in GPPs:
Chalk: Highly-owned players everyone is playing.
Contrarian: Low-owned players that differentiate your lineup.
To win a GPP, you need to be different from the field. If everyone has the same player and he goes off, you don't gain ground.
Stacking Strategies
Stacking is pairing players from the same game or team:
QB + WR1 + WR2: When the QB throws for 4 TDs, you capture multiple.
Game Stacks: Players from both teams in a high-scoring game.
Bring Backs: Adding a player from the opposing team to your stack.
Stacking creates correlation—when one player succeeds, the others are more likely to as well.
Game Selection
Target games with:
High Vegas totals (48+ combined points)
Close spreads (competitive games mean both teams are throwing)
Fast pace of play
Finding Low-Owned Value
Look for players who are:
Coming off a bad week (recency bias drives ownership down)
In a great matchup but overshadowed by chalk plays
Priced down due to perceived role uncertainty
Multi-Entry Strategy
If the contest allows multiple entries, diversify your lineups:
Vary your stacks across lineups
Mix chalk and contrarian plays
Cover multiple game environments
Final Thoughts
GPP success is about maximizing ceiling and being different from the field. Embrace variance, stack aggressively, and don't be afraid to be contrarian.