March Madness is not just a college basketball tournament—it’s a national phenomenon that captivates both die-hard sports fans and casual viewers every spring, as they watch 68 teams compete.
For many, filling out a bracket is an annual tradition that makes following the NCAA tournament even more exciting. The goal is to predict the winner of each game, from the first round to the championship final.
It also means participating in friendly competitions like the popular office pools, among friends or on online platforms. The main attraction lies in the unpredictability—so-called “Cinderella teams” often defy the odds.
Understanding the bracket: Your roadmap to the Madness
Before making your picks, it’s essential to understand how the bracket works. The Men’s NCAA Tournament features 68 teams, with four “First Four” play-in games narrowing the field to 64.
A detail of the South Region bracket after the Virginia Cavaliers defeated the Purdue Boilermakers 80-75 in overtime of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional. (Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
These teams are divided into four regions, each seeded from 1 to 16 based on their performance during the season. Your task is to predict the winner of each matchup, round by round, until you select the national champion.
Step-by-step guide to filling out your bracket
Start with the First Round. Choose the winners of the 32 first-round matchups. Top-seeded teams generally perform well, but the thrill of March Madness lies in potential upsets.
- Advance through the regions: Continue predicting winners through the second round, Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. Pay attention to how teams are performing in the tournament and any potential injuries that could affect outcomes.
- Final four and national champion: Narrow your choices to four regional champions who will meet in the Final Four, then select your winner for the championship game.
- Tiebreaker: Most brackets include a final score prediction for the championship game. This serves as a tiebreaker in case multiple participants have similar picks.
Strategies for bracket success
When crafting a winning bracket, a blend of logic and intuition is key. While top-seeded teams have a strong track record—No. 1 seeds historically win about 60% of the time—March Madness is famous for its surprises.
March Madness 2025 bracket (Source: NCAA)
Lower-seeded teams, known as “Cinderella stories“, often defy the odds and advance further than expected. For example, in 2018, UMBC made history as the first 16-seed to defeat a No. 1 seed, shocking Virginia and basketball fans worldwide. Identifying potential upsets can give your bracket an edge. Look for underdogs with experienced players, strong defenses, or recent hot streaks.
Balancing safe picks with bold predictions is another effective strategy. While it’s tempting to play it safe by advancing all the top seeds, taking calculated risks can pay off. Research team records, offensive and defensive statistics, and injury reports to make informed decisions.
At the same time, don’t overlook momentum—teams that finish their regular season strong or win their conference tournaments often carry that energy into March Madness. Ultimately, the most successful brackets strike a balance between careful analysis and bold gambles. Embrace the chaos, trust your instincts, and enjoy the ride.
Why upsets make March Madness unforgettable
The allure of March Madness lies in its unpredictability. Classic upsets like George Mason’s 2006 Final Four run or VCU’s 2011 journey from the First Four to the Final Four highlight how anything can happen.
A detail view of the bracket after the Connecticut Huskies beat the Purdue Boilermakers 75-60 to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship game. (Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
These moments captivate audiences and remind us that no team is invincible. Even casual fans become invested in the drama. The possibility that a double-digit seed might defeat a powerhouse adds a layer of suspense and excitement to every game.
Why filling out a bracket is so much fun
For many, completing a bracket is an annual tradition that fosters friendly competition. Whether you’re participating in an office pool, challenging friends, or simply following along, the bracket transforms watching the tournament into a shared experience.
Newcomers can enjoy the process by embracing the unpredictability. You don’t need to be a basketball expert to win—sometimes, a lucky guess can outshine the most informed picks.
Embrace the Madness
Filling out a Men’s March Madness 2025 bracket is about more than just picking winners—it’s about joining a community of fans who revel in the chaos and excitement. So, trust your instincts, take a few risks, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. After all, in March Madness, anything can happen.
