posted 03-14-2025 08:12 AM               

X Launches X Bracket Challenge with a Trip to Mars on the Line

X is launching its X Bracket Challenge with the ultimate grand prize on the line. Basketball fans can now compete for a chance to win a trip to Mars — yes that's right, a trip to Mars on SpaceX's Starship vehicle for the perfect bracket or a $100,000 cash prize if there is no perfect bracket. Uber Eats is proud to be the title sponsor of the Bracket Challenge.

For the 2025 NCAA Basketball Tournament, fans can fill out brackets directly on X, share them with the world, and dive into fantasy games at various rounds and real-time conversations — all on X! X users who fill out a bracket will also be eligible for one month of Starlink service for free.*

Beginning at 3:00 pm PST on Sunday March 16, 2025 and until 8:00 am PST on Thursday March 20, 2025, fans can submit their tournament brackets and track their progress as the NCAA Tournament unfolds. Live leaderboards will keep the excitement buzzing all month long, showing who's dominating in real time.

This isn't just about picking winners — X is adding fantasy games for extra thrills on top of sharing predictions and sparking conversations with fellow fans.

What's at stake**

Grand Prize: The perfect bracket wins a trip to Mars on SpaceX's Starship vehicle. Or, alternatively, SpaceX will offer the perfect bracket winner:

• $250,000
  
• 1 year of free residential Starlink service
  
• The chance to train like a SpaceX astronaut for a day
  
• Send your personal item of choice to space on a Falcon 9 launch
  
• VIP viewing of a Starship launch

1st Runner-up Prize (if there is no perfect bracket): $100,000

4 Fantasy Game Prizes: $10,000 awarded to each of the tournament's four fantasy game winners, keeping the stakes high from start to finish.

Official Rules apply.

X is the global epicenter of fandom and the clear home to college basketball buzz, netting more than eight billion impressions during the 2024 tournament. The Bracket Challenge builds on X's position as the go-to platform for real-time sports updates and fan-driven energy. It builds on the success of its NFL Portal, and its recently renewed multiyear partnership with the NBA, to enhance the fan experience across all sports. X is teaming up with Uber Eats as the title sponsor to bring additional excitement to the tournament.

"We're not just hosting a bracket challenge; we're redefining how fans connect, compete, and dream big, all on a platform that's already the heartbeat of real-time sports culture," said Andrew Musk, Lead Product Engineer. "With live leaderboards, fantasy games and a trip to Mars on the line, this is the ultimate playground for our global community."

Follow @Sports for more updates as the X Bracket Challenge tips off in 2025.

*Purchase of kit required. Only valid in the United States. Learn more here.

**Bracket open to anyone, but only legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., who are 18+ as of date of entry can enter the X Bracket Challenge presented by Uber Eats. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Begins 3:00 p.m. PST on 3/16/25 and ends 8:00 am PST on 3/20/25. Sponsor: Uber Eats.

posted 03-14-2025 01:40 PM               

Then again, I suspect that most 20 year olds would jump at the cash and TikTok-tailored experiences regardless the reality of visiting the red planet.

posted 03-17-2025 08:07 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Blackarrow:
Will the winner's flight take place before or after the first Pan Am flight to the Moon?

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