Every March, millions eagerly fill out brackets, predicting the winners of each game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, better known as March Madness. The allure of correctly predicting upsets and eventual champions fuels office pools and friendly competitions across the nation. But the question remains: who can truly claim to have invented the March Madness bracket?
While the NCAA tournament itself dates back to 1939, the practice of creating and filling out brackets is more recent. One popular origin story traces back to a bar in Staten Island, New York, during the 1970s. According to this account, a group of friends began filling out brackets and wagering on the outcomes, creating a system that closely resembles the modern bracket pool. However, pinpointing the definitive 'inventor' remains challenging, as similar practices may have emerged independently in different locations around the same time.
Regardless of its precise origin, the March Madness bracket has become an integral part of the tournament's appeal. It provides a simple and engaging way for fans to participate, even if they aren't avid basketball watchers. The possibility of an underdog team upsetting a top seed adds excitement and unpredictability, making the bracket a fun and accessible way to experience the madness of March.
The History of March Madness Brackets: Who Really Invented Them?
The thrill of filling out a bracket for March Madness is a yearly tradition for many. But where did this tradition begin? While the NCAA tournament has a long history, the origins of bracket pools are debated. Some believe the practice started in a Staten Island, New York, bar.
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