Warren Buffett has finally awarded $1 million in his famous March Madness bracket pool after years without a winner. The billionaire businessman eased up on the rules this year, offering the prize to anyone who could correctly predict 30 of the 32 first-round games. In the past, Berkshire Hathaway employees had to perfectly predict the Sweet 16 to win $1 million per year for life.
If no one nailed the Sweet 16, a consolation prize of $100,000 went to the bracket that stayed perfect the longest. Buffett told the Wall Street Journal, “I’m getting older … I want to give away a million dollars to somebody while I’m still around as chairman.” This explains his reason for changing the guidelines.
Buffett eases rules for bracket pool
According to an email sent to participants in the pool, at least one entrant secured “The Prize” with a game to spare in the first round. Buffett, known for his love of March Madness, had previously been part of a promotion promising $1 billion to anyone who could perfectly predict the bracket. College basketball fans have noted the lack of unexpected outcomes in the first weekend of March Madness thus far.
While the dominance of favorites hasn’t provided the desired heart-stopping action, it did result in Buffett finally awarding the prize. Thankfully, he lowered the bar a bit this year, and with a relatively predictable set of first-round results, one or several of his employees were able to cash in.
Image Credits: Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
