Who’s eligible to join the pool?

HWCI members, friends, and family.

What are the requirements?

The only requirements are that the $10 entry fee is paid before the 2nd day games have begun, and that the pertinent entry information is received before the start of the tournament. The pertinent entry information would include:

– Real name
– Preferred nickname (I am the Mighty Mobelfakta, so that name’s taken already).
– Prediction for the total combined score of the championship game (for tie-breaking purposes).
– Predicted winners of all 63 tournament games.

Our Web Entry form is the most convenient way to get that info to us. See the section How to Enter.

How are the points scored?

2 points for each 1st round win
3 points for each 2nd round win
4 points for each 3rd round win
6 points for each 4th round win
8 points for each 5th round win
12 points for correctly picking the NCAA Champion

There is no weighting for “upsets”.

How is the prize money distributed?

In 2023 with 194 entries, there was a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and bonus place prize. The $1940.00 pot was split as follows: 1st-$735.00, 2nd-$370.00, 3rd-$250.00, 4th-$185.00, 5th-$130.00, 6th-$95.00, 7th-$75.00, 8th-$60.00, and Bonus-$40.00. This year the money will be split with roughly the same proportions going to the winners.

What if there’s a tie?

The participant whose prediction comes closest (higher or lower) for the final combined score of the championship game will win the tie-breaker. If there is STILL a tie, the money will be split. For instance, if there is a tie for first place, the winners will split the combined prize money for first and second place.

Can I enter more than once?

Each person can enter up to 3 times.