Does anyone have a perfect March Madness bracket? As the NCAA Tournament approaches, this question is on the minds of many basketball fans. The excitement of filling out a bracket and predicting the outcome of each game is a rite of spring for college basketball enthusiasts. However, achieving a perfect bracket is an almost mythical feat, with only a handful of people ever coming close to the ultimate goal. This article will explore the history of the perfect bracket, the strategies used by those who have come close, and the sheer luck involved in this challenging endeavor.
The concept of a perfect March Madness bracket dates back to the tournament’s inception in 1939. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the NCAA started allowing fans to fill out brackets online. Since then, the popularity of the tournament has skyrocketed, and so has the number of people attempting to predict the games. Despite the vast number of brackets filled out each year, only a few have come close to perfection.
One of the most notable attempts at a perfect bracket was made by Joe Human, a software developer from California. In 2018, Human correctly predicted 61 of the 67 games in the tournament, falling just short of the elusive perfect bracket. His success was attributed to a combination of advanced statistical analysis and a deep understanding of the teams and players involved.
Another interesting case is that of Jerry Schilling, a retired engineer from Ohio. In 2012, Schilling correctly predicted 63 of the 67 games, which was the second-best performance in bracket history at the time. Schilling’s strategy was to focus on teams with strong resumes and avoid upsets, which proved to be a successful approach.
While statistical analysis and expert knowledge can certainly help in filling out a bracket, luck plays a significant role in achieving perfection. The tournament is known for its unpredictable nature, with upsets being a common occurrence. In 2018, for example, the University of Virginia, a No. 1 seed, was upset by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, a No. 16 seed. Such upsets can derail even the best-laid plans for a perfect bracket.
To increase the chances of filling out a perfect bracket, some people turn to unconventional methods, such as using algorithms, consulting with experts, or even relying on superstitions. However, the fact remains that the perfect bracket remains an elusive goal for most participants.
In conclusion, while the question of whether anyone has a perfect March Madness bracket may never be answered, the pursuit of perfection is what makes the tournament so captivating. Whether you’re a seasoned bracketologist or a casual fan, the challenge of predicting the games and achieving a perfect bracket is a thrilling part of the NCAA Tournament experience. As the tournament continues to evolve, so too will the strategies and luck involved in this annual quest for the ultimate prize.
