Warren Buffett offers $1 billion for a perfect bracket

    What would you do with one billion dollars?

    This spring, one lucky American may be able to answer that question with certainty. Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has teamed up with Quicken Loans to give $1 billion to anyone who submits a perfect March Madness bracket.

   “March Madness” is a nickname for the college basketball national championship tournament. The tournament occurs every March and features the 68 best teams as chosen by a selection committee. The winner of the tournament is crowned the national champion for NCAA Division 1 basketball.

   “I think it is a good idea for Quicken Loans to advertise and get their name out a month before everyone does their taxes. There is no incentive for Warren Buffett, so it seems strange for him to do it, unless he just likes giving away his money. Of course I would submit a bracket because there is nothing to lose. I would not listen to experts’ predictions because everyone else will and then I will have a similar bracket,” Spanish teacher Chris Yep said.

    In addition to the $1 billion, Quicken Loans will also pay $100,000 to the 20 qualified participants who come closest to a perfect bracket. The money is to be put towards purchasing, refinancing or remodeling a home. Quicken Loans will also donate $1 million to education non-profit organizations in Detroit and Cleveland.

   “If I would win the $100,000, it would go towards making more room for my boys as they grow older. If I would win the billion, I would not continue teaching, maybe a half day,” Yep said.

    While the potential reward is great, the chances of predicting a perfect bracket are very slim. The chances are 1 in 9.2 quintillion, a nine with 18 zeroes or 9,223,372,036,854,775,808. Statistically, one would have a better chance making four holes-in-one in a single round of golf. With those chances, if everyone in the United States filled out a bracket, there would be a perfect one every 400 years.

   “I do not normally watch basketball, but given the opportunity to win $1billion, I would definitely fill a bracket out,” senior Michael Russell said.

    The contest will run from March 3 until March 19 and the first 10 million people to enter will be eligible to win. To be eligible to participate, you must be a U.S. Citizen and at least 21 years of age. The prize will be given out in either 40 annual installments of $25 million or a $500 million lump sum.

    For contest updates visit facebook.com/quickenloans.