Marty Setren won a $5,000 Kentucky Derby Betting Challenge seat through DerbyWars, starting with just $22 and working his way up through satellite tournaments. Setren’s success came from picking winners in a live contest format, adjusting his picks based on track conditions and biases. He is now preparing for the KDBC, focusing on adapting to exotic wagers and aiming to win the competition.

Setren, an old-school handicapper, plans to play the KDBC from home via Twin Spires, using his pen-and-paper skills to make his picks. He grew up near Pimlico and has attended many Preakness Stakes, inspired by his grandfather who introduced him to horse racing. Setren hopes to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps by dying doing something he loves.

The next KDBC qualifier on DerbyWars is on March 9, with opportunities to qualify for as low as $22. The KDBC has a guaranteed purse of $250,000, and Setren is looking forward to the challenge of competing in the prestigious event.