It's Year Five in our wonderful little gambling experiment. Someday, we're going to be big enough to be threatened by men in suits. Until then, just tell everyone it's for pride.

Final analysis

Well, Psycho T gets his championship, and Roy Williams saves embarassment because he didn't have to cuss on national TV this time.

Not too much excitement on the court or in the final standings this round. Sean takes home the top prize, with Brian N. second, 15 points behind. The only other person to pick North Carolina, Nick, finishes third.

It's been another great tournament, folks. Now, go hit the driving range. It's almost time for hot weather. See you next year!

Welcome

Bienvenidos! You've have arrived at the official home of The Official 436 Bracket Challenge.

Made possible through an unexpected donation of university grants and funding from viewers like you, the Bracket Challenge was established early in 2005 in hopes of bringing the pomp and pageantry of the NCAA Men's College Basketball Tournament right into our home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Through the tireless work of our dedicated staff we have established a pool that not only embodies all that is great about gambling on amateur athletics, but also adds a new level of accessibility to the tradition by providing a welcoming forum in which you can enjoy the games as much as we do.

We sincerely hope this year's tournament experience is a pleasant one for you and your friends and will strive to consider your requests for making next year's pool even better.

Happy Bracketing!

Entry form

Click here to fill out your bracket

Rules and Regulations

1. All brackets submitted to the Rules Committee before tip-off of the first game on Thursday, March 19, 2009 shall be deemed eligible. Entries may by submitted in paper or electronic form. (Smoke signals have been disallowed after some confusion last year.)

2. Entry fee shall be $5, paid upon completion and submission of entry form. Multiple entries are allowed.

3. Prizes: Winner's share will vary according to number of entries received. Second place will win $10, winner receives the rest. (In case of a tie for first, no second place prize will be awarded. In case of a tie for second, each will receive $5.)

4. Scoring: Each entry shall receive points on a round-by-round basis. Person with most combined points at the end of the tournament is the winner. Points will be awarded on the following scale:
First Round winners: 5 points
Second Round winners: 10 points
Sweet 16 winners: 20 points
Elite 8 winners: 40 points
Final Four winners: 80 points
Championship game winner: 160 points

5. Ties will be broken using the score of the final game. Closest participant to the combined final score wins.

6. All complaints and problems should be taken up with Rules Committee before start of next round of games.

Wall of Champions

2009: Sean C., 650 points

2008: Tim P., 680 points

2007: Steph, 800 points

2006: Tim B., 380 points

2005: Danny H., 675 points

Thanks to our sponsors!



I'm Rick Neuheisel and I approved this pool.
And I'm Pete Rose. Better count me in, too.
And I'm John Daly. I bet you $30 million I win this.
And I'm Charles Barkley. I'm faster than a referee.
And I'm Tim Donaghy. I have the mafia on my side.
And I'm Bernie Madoff. I'll collect the cash.