77 points behind, 19th place and just a few Matchweeks to go. Most would’ve given up but Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 Fantasy winner Wilson had other plans.

A Chennaiyin FC fan from Tiruchirapalli, he scripted a dramatic comeback, storming to the top of the ISL Fantasy 2024-25 leaderboard by Matchweek 26 thanks to the Triple Captain booster he saved for the final Matchweek and it was a bold call that paid off. Among the prizes he won was a PS5, a gift card and more.

Wilson, who has followed the league since the 2015 ISL final, revealed he wasn’t interested in the prizes. His goal was to finish first and he did exactly that.

“I didn’t play for the prizes. I played only to finish at the top of the game,” says Wilson.

“After I won, I told my mom and sister and they were happy and surprised as I won it. I didn't tell them I was close to winning this in earlier Matchweeks as I didn't want them to build any hopes.”

A steady climb

Wilson has been playing the ISL Fantasy game for two seasons now. He decided to try the game after seeing a social media post about a Matchweek 1 winner during the 2023-24 season. He finished 53rd overall that season and from Matchweek 1 of the 2024-25 season, Wilson went in with a clear strategy.

The new scoring system, which offered a point for every 15 completed passes or two interceptions, played right into Wilson’s hands. He focused on players who thrived with the ball.

“After seeing the points system of this season, especially with points allocated for successful passes, I believed I can win this season because others will majorly pick the goal scorers,” he explains.

Instead of loading up on attackers, Wilson focused heavily on midfielders and defenders known for their passing volume. Players like Odisha FC’s Ahmed Jahouh and Mumbai City FC midfielder Yoell van Nieff became core components of Wilson’s team along with defensive mainstays like Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Subhasish Bose (the top scoring player in ISL Fantasy 2024-25), Bengaluru FC’s Rahul Bheke and Mumbai City FC centre-back Tiri.

“I didn’t go for attacking players in general. Most of the time, I used players from midfield and defence who make most of the passes,” he says.

“I planned this strategy from the very start of the season.”

Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the top-scoring forward in ISL Fantasy from the recent season and one who broke multiple records, was a key part of Wilson’s team throughout the season. However, when it came to captaincy, he gave the armband mostly to defenders or midfielders; those were players who could consistently rack up passing and defensive points.

“From forwards, I gave captaincy to Wilmar Jordan Gil during a double matchweek and twice for Alaaeddine (Ajaraie), and the rest of the matchweeks, it was always defenders and midfielders,” he shares.

Setback and a comeback

Wilson hit a major stumbling block in Matchweek 22. After sitting second for much of the campaign, a poor Matchweek saw him plummet to 19th. He was a staggering 77 points behind the leader. But luck favoured him. ISL Fantasy announced an unlimited transfer window for Matchweek 23 and it proved to be a turning point.

“I believed I shouldn't miss this chance and should capitalise more on this,” Wilson recalls.

“I tweaked my team and it paid off as I also had two boosters (Bench Boost and Triple Captain) with me.”

Among the most crucial changes he made was bringing in Bengaluru FC forward Ryan Williams, who was owned by few managers at the time. The attacker delivered consistent performances and became a decisive player as the Blues fought hard during the business end of the season to make their way into the playoffs.

In the final Matchweek, with the pressure at its peak, Wilson held his nerve and deployed his Triple Captain chip on Tiri. Mumbai City FC needed to avoid defeat against Bengaluru FC in their final league game and they were playing away from home. Wilson took a risk on Tiri and it paid off as the Islanders not only secured a win but also a clean sheet.

That last chip proved to be the clincher, as he crossed the finish line ahead of the rest by a few points.

“I kept the Triple Captain till the last Matchweek because I thought from other managers' POV and kept it late. Tiri won 9 points and the extra points helped me,” he adds.

For those aiming to follow in his footsteps, Wilson’s message is clear: to watch the matches and trust your instincts.

“One suggestion I would recommend for every manager is to watch all ISL games without fail. It is our responsibility to know about player availability based on injuries or suspensions. Always go with your own instinct and don’t change your teams based on others’ ideas,” he says.

Despite the victory, he isn’t getting carried away. Wilson is already looking ahead to defending his crown.

“I will play next season and try to come out on top again even though everyone will be aware of the strategies,” he says with a smile.