How the March Madness Pod Pool Works
A non-traditional March Madness pool where every entry gets a balanced mix of teams and earns points based on tournament upsets.
The Basics
- 16 entries per pool (fixed size).
- Each entry receives 4 teams — one from each seed pod.
- Teams are assigned via random draw or snake draft.
- Points are based on how far your teams advance, weighted by their seed.
Seed Pods
The 64 tournament teams are divided into four pods so every entry gets a balanced roster:
Scoring
Points are earned for wins in Rounds 1 through 4 only (Round of 64 through Elite 8). The Final Four and Championship are handled as separate prize categories.
Formula: Points = Team Seed × Round Multiplier
| Round | Name | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Round of 64 | 1× |
| 2 | Round of 32 | 2× |
| 3 | Sweet 16 | 3× |
| 4 | Elite 8 | 4× |
Scoring Examples
#1 Florida (2025 Champion)
R1: 1×1 = 1 • R2: 1×2 = 2 • Sweet 16: 1×3 = 3 • Elite 8: 1×4 = 4
Total: 10 points (+ Champion & Final Four prizes)
#3 Texas Tech (Sweet 16 exit)
R1: 3×1 = 3 • R2: 3×2 = 6 • Sweet 16: 3×3 = 9
Total: 18 points
Prize Structure
Rewards below are shown at the default 50 coins entry cost (800 coins total pool). Amounts scale proportionally with your entry cost.
| Prize | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lowest Seed Winner — Round 1 | 50 coins |
| Lowest Seed Winner — Round 2 | 50 coins |
| Lowest Seed Winner — Sweet 16 | 50 coins |
| Lowest Seed Winner — Elite 8 | 50 coins |
| Final Four Bonus (per team) | 50 coins each |
| Tournament Champion | 200 coins |
| Tournament Runner-Up | 50 coins |
| Highest Total Points | 100 coins |
| Lowest Total Points | 50 coins |
“Lowest Seed Winner” means the team with the highest seed number to win in that round. If multiple teams share the same seed, the prize is split between the entries that own them.
How a Pool Runs
- The commissioner creates the pool, sets the entry cost, and invites participants.
- Once 16 entries join, the commissioner loads the tournament teams and runs the team draw.
- During the tournament, scores sync automatically from ESPN.
- The leaderboard updates in real time, and prizes are awarded when the tournament ends.