Third time proved to be a charm for Jordan Etemadi after he was crowned The Royal Gazette’s Fantasy League champion at the end of the 2022-23 season.

The 20-year-old came out top in one of the closest title races in recent memory to secure bragging rights and the winner’s cheque for $1,000.

Etemadi’s Oh My Goodness amassed 2,598 points over the 38-week season, which was ultimately enough to top the list of 521 entrants and clinch the championship at the third attempt.

“This was my third season playing, my best finish and it feels good,” he said.

“I always enjoy watching football and watching the Premier League, so it was a fun experience to try to see who picked the best that week and try to see who can do the best.

“It’s really all about predicting and trying to come out ahead of all the rest of the contestants.”

Etemadi is a supporter of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who led for a huge chunk of the season before falling off the pace to finish runners-up to Manchester City.

“I thought we had a good season overall,” he added. “Obviously the ending was a bit disappointing but if William Saliba hadn’t got injured, we would have probably won the league.

“Credit to Manchester City. They were a good team this year but next year I think we have a good chance as everyone is still young in the team.”

Thirteen points adrift of the winner in second place was Kyle Harvey, whose late surge came up just shy of the promised land.

The 27-year-old’s Eze Does It amassed 2,585 points, which earned him $500 for his efforts, with his finishing position coming as something of a shock.

“It was a little bit of a surprise because I was never near the top all year and then the last five weeks I found myself in the top ten and then I just started taking a couple of risks and made the top two,” he said.

“It paid off and I was happy I was able to make it work at the end. Playing Fantasy is always tough because Manchester United has had a few rough years and I have done bad picking my team, so I just pick my favourite players.

“This year I went with my head a bit more and not my heart, and Manchester United had a few good Fantasy players, too, which is nice.

“I played with Marcus Rashord and Luke Shaw a lot and they got me a lot of points, which is nice because normally United guys get me nothing.”

Erik Ten Hag’s team ended the campaign on a sombre note after being edged 2-1 by city rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley last weekend.

“It was quite disappointing and not the best game to watch either,” Harvey added. “But the result was definitely disappointing. Next season should be better. We need a few more signings but all I can ask for is improvement.”

Third place went to Mike Tait’s HertzBeStill who finished only four points behind Harvey on 2,581 points. He earned $200 for his efforts.

Chris Alexander’s Earth Wind & Maguire (2,575) and Mr Hullo’s No Way 2 FC (2,574) rounded off the top five finishers.

The 2023-24 Premier League season begins on August 12 with fixtures to be announced on June 15.