USA TODAY Bracket Challenge Contest 2026 – Win $20K or $1 Million Prize

The madness is back, and this time the stakes are massive. The 2026 USA TODAY Sports Men’s Bracket Challenge gives you a shot at turning your predictions into serious rewards with up to $20,000 in cash prizes—and the ultimate goal, a $1 million perfect bracket prize.

Every game, every pick, every upset matters. From buzzer-beaters to bracket-busting surprises, this is where strategy meets excitement. Whether you’re analyzing matchups or going with your gut, this college basketball bracket contest delivers the thrill of competition and the chance to win big during the iconic NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

Compete against fans across the country, track your progress, and watch your bracket climb as the tournament unfolds. With high-value prizes, perfect bracket rewards, and nationwide competition, this is one of the most exciting March Madness contests and sports sweepstakes of the year.

Pick smart. Stay sharp. Chase perfection. Because one perfect bracket could change everything.

Limit: Only one account is allowed per eligible person, per email address. The minimum age limit to enter the giveaway is 21. It is void in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. 

How to Participate in 2026 USA Today Sports Men’s Bracket Challenge

To enter the Contest, participants must visit the official contest website at brackets.usatoday.com/ and register by providing a valid email address along with the required contact information. Each participant is allowed only one account and one email address.

Before fifteen minutes prior to the start of the first men’s college basketball game, entrants must select the team they believe will win each game in every round. Once the deadline passes, selections cannot be changed. Participants earn points for each correct prediction, with points increasing in later rounds. The more correct picks made, the higher the total score.

The contest progresses through multiple rounds, starting with the First Round and ending with the Championship Game. Participants who continue to correctly predict winners will advance through each round. Rankings are based on total points earned, with higher scores ranking above lower ones. In case of a tie, participants will share the same rank.

To qualify for the Perfect Bracket Grand Prize, entrants must correctly predict the winner of every game throughout the entire contest period.

USA TODAY Sports Bracket Challenge 2026 Winner Selection:

Perfect Bracket Grand Prize:

An entrant who correctly selects every winning team throughout the Contest Period and achieves one hundred ninety-two (192) Contest Points will be eligible to be designated the Perfect Bracket Grand Prize winner.

In the event more than one entrant achieves one hundred ninety-two (192) Contest Points during the Contest Period, the Perfect Bracket Grand Prize will be divided equally among all such entrants.

Contest Winner:

The entrant with the highest total number of Contest Points at the conclusion of the Contest Period will be eligible to be designated the Contest Winner and to receive the Contest Prize.

In the event of a tie for the highest number of Contest Points, the Contest Prize will be divided equally among all tied entrants.

USA TODAY $1M Bracket Challenge Contest Prizes:

One Perfect Bracket Grand Prize:

• Winner will win $1,000,000 (awarded as a payment).

One Contest Prize:

• Winner will win $20,000 (awarded as a payment).

Maximum Combined ARV (if won by same entrant): $1,020,000