The NCAA March Madness tournament is always a whirlwind of excitement, drama, and heartbreak, and the 2025 edition is no exception. By the second day of the tournament, the dream of a perfect bracket was already shattered for millions of fans. According to a recent article by Antonio Pequeño IV in Forbes, less than 1% of the 34 million brackets submitted remained perfect after just two days of play. This year’s tournament has already delivered jaw-dropping upsets and bracket-busting moments, reminding us why March Madness is one of the most unpredictable and thrilling events in sports.

One of the biggest shocks came when No. 12 McNeese State University pulled off a stunning upset against No. 5 Clemson University, winning 69-67. This game alone wiped out millions of perfect brackets, reducing the number from 11 million to under 2 million. Another major upset was No. 10 Arkansas’ victory over No. 7 Kansas, which dropped the number of perfect brackets below 1%. These unexpected outcomes are a testament to the chaos that defines March Madness, where underdogs often rise to the occasion and leave fans scrambling to adjust their predictions.

The odds of picking a perfect bracket are astronomically low—1 in 9.22 quintillion if you’re guessing randomly, and 1 in 120.2 billion even with a deep knowledge of NCAA basketball. Despite these daunting numbers, the allure of a perfect bracket continues to captivate fans, especially with the incredible rewards on offer. X (formerly Twitter) is offering a trip to Mars or $250,000, SpaceX astronaut training, and a Starship launch viewing for anyone who achieves perfection. ESPN, USA Today Sports, and the NCAA Bracket Challenge Sweepstakes are also offering cash prizes, trips to the Final Four, and other exciting rewards.

Historically, no one has ever picked a verifiably perfect March Madness bracket. The closest anyone came was in 2019 when an Ohio man correctly predicted 49 out of 63 games, only to lose his streak during the Elite Eight round. This year, Duke University is the favorite to win the tournament, with a +320 betting line, followed closely by the University of Florida, Auburn University, and the University of Houston. But as the early upsets have shown, anything can happen in March Madness.

The tournament is more than just a series of basketball games; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings people together. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the thrill of filling out a bracket and rooting for your picks is unmatched. The unpredictability of the games, the emotional highs and lows, and the shared experience of watching history unfold make March Madness a truly special event.

As the tournament progresses, the number of perfect brackets will continue to dwindle, but the excitement will only grow. Whether you’re in it for the love of the game, the chance at a life-changing prize, or simply the joy of competition, March Madness has something for everyone. So grab your bracket, settle in, and enjoy the madness—it’s going to be a wild ride.