Forget winning the lottery; Shane Schroeder just set the new standard for the American Dream -- well, at least for any warm-blooded male in the coveted 18-45 demographic. This past weekend, Shane became the first ever fantasy football millionaire by winning the Fantasy Football Open Championship at the famed Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He bested the fifteen remaining finalists of literally thousands of entrants, earning a cool million dollars and the title of the world's best fantasy player. Not a bad way to celebrate the holidays. Amidst the whirlwind of publicity, Shane was kind enough to answer a few questions from Fantasy FanHouse. Move over Trey Anastasio, I think I have a new idol.Ryan Dembinsky: Who would you say was your team's MVP this season, the guy who delivered every time you needed him?
Shane Schroeder: I have to say DeAngelo Williams. His epic performance during the Sunday night game is what put me in a position to win it all and he was really great down the stretch. Besides, you can't really argue with more than 1,300 yards and 18 TDs.
RD: Fill us in on some of your savviest moves this season.
SS: I think I drafted really well and did a good job of anticipating who was going to have a big season by picking guys like Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams and Philip Rivers.
I've got to say that luck also plays a part.
RD: Are you a big fan of working the weekly matchups or do you stick with your stars?
SS: It has to be a combination of both. I definitely study the matchups intently, but also look at starting the more established players.
RD: Do you have a general strategy you employ heading into the draft? For instance, do you stockpile your running backs early and wait on a QB, take the best on the board, or something to that effect?
SS: I usually take running backs and wide receivers over quarterbacks. I got [Philip] Rivers a little later and he ended up with a huge fantasy season. This league was unique, because you could have a quarterback as your offensive option and I did pretty well by having Aaron Rodgers in there too.
RD: How much of your success stemmed from the original team you drafted versus intra-season waiver wire pickups?
SS: In this league, you keep a deep bench (10), so it's definitely about drafting really well.
RD: What are you planning to do with the cool million? I hear the market is hot. My friend told me about these commercial mortgage-backed securities that sound like a great investment. No seriously, you're gonna quit your job though, right?
SS: No, I am still keeping my job and I am not going to do anything too crazy with the money. I do want to give some to my parents and help them out. It's something I've always wanted to do.
For myself, I will probably have to pick up a DeAngelo Williams jersey.
RD: Have you gotten laid yet just for being a millionaire?
SS: [Laughs] My girlfriend may not appreciate that.
RD: What was the first song you listened to after finding out you won?
SS: I can't recall any particular song, but having Jerry Rice present me with the championship trophy and the grand prize was pretty memorable.
RD: Finally, we'd like to invite you to play next season here at Fantasy FanHouse where the real Gs come to play. Think you can hang with the big dogs?
SS: Absolutely. Would love to. I've already been lucky once.
RD: Thanks Shane and congrats!
