For the first time in nearly a decade, Warren Buffett’s $1 million prize in his company’s NCAA bracket contest has been claimed. An unnamed employee at FlightSafety International, part of Berkshire Hathaway, took home the prize after accurately predicting 31 out of 32 games in the first round of the men’s basketball tournament, known as March Madness.

Buffett, who is known for his love of basketball, started this contest in 2016. Initially, he aimed to reward anyone who could perfectly call the Sweet 16. However, as the years passed without a winner, he adjusted the rules several times to entice more participants. Last year, for instance, he allowed players to disregard the outcomes of games played between the top seeds, hoping to increase their chances. Yet the jackpot remained unclaimed.
This time, he offered a more lenient route: anyone predicting at least 30 of the 32 first-round games correctly would be eligible for the prize. Remarkably, 12 participants hit that mark, but the prize ultimately went to the individual who had the best streak—correctly predicting 29 games in a row.
The excitement didn’t end there. Each of the other 11 participants who made impressive predictions received $100,000 each, making it a lucrative contest for several employees.
This event is part of a larger trend in the growing intersection of sports and finance. According to a 2023 survey by the American Gaming Association, more than 50 million Americans participated in March Madness betting, highlighting the event’s popularity and the evolving nature of fan engagement. As more individuals get involved in such competitions, it sparks conversations about responsible gaming and its impact on sports culture.
These contests bring not only fun and camaraderie but also the thrill of potentially winning significant prizes. The continued evolution of rules in such contests shows a willingness to embrace new ideas, making the experience more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.
For more on sports betting trends, check out this American Gaming Association report.
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