WELCOME TO THE 2026 CHIPPENS TOURNAMENT CHALLENGE

Hello and WELCOME to the 2026 Chippens Tournament Challenge. It's shaping up to be another excellent year here at the Challenge, with a hearty mix of newcomers and veterans, as always.

Current Standings

Player Listing

Picks Summary 

An interesting wrinkle this year: With the Chippens Unpaid Interns all busy crocheting parachute doilies for their ChatGPT inspired business venture, apparently completing the "Smack Talk" field in the bracket entry form was required this year! This was totally unintentional, but a happy unintended consequence nonetheless! 

We encourage all players to scope out your competitors this year and see what they have to say. Spoiler Alert: Joe Leno is back, and he's still enthralled with the ball aspect of the sport. 

As to who they picked, over half the field picked either Duke (36 players) or Michigan (35 players). If those teams fall in an upset, that leaves an opening for the players who picked Arizona, Florida, and ... BYU? Good luck to TheTruth with that pick. Not even Mormon Pope has BYU past the first round! 

You are no doubt all wondering what you'll be playing for this year... So without further ado, here is the GRAND PRIZE T-SHIRT! Thanks to Rosie C., a kindergartner in Bloomington, for this year's design. Good luck! 

Glory Days With Morrie

 Josh Morris is your 2025 Chippens Tournament Challenge Champion. The Chippens rookie rewrote the record books with 197 points and an 84.1% pick percentage, exceeding or tying records that had stood for nearly 20 years.

2025 was the only year except for 2008 in which all four #1 seeds advanced to the Final Four. Not only that--all four regional finals were #1 v. #2 matchups, just as Morrie's bracket had it laid out. Some might say that's a happy coincidence for a conservative picker, but we all know luck has nothing to do with it. 

"It felt like a chalky year," Morrie said. And that's the type of highly-tuned perceptive and analytical abilities one needs to prevail in the Chippens Tournament Challenge. One can't simply lazily fill out a bracket with all 1 and 2 seeds advancing and hope to win. You have to really feel it for it to work. 

For Morrie, it worked wonders. 

"In fact, I won three different NCAA pools" in 2025, he noted. 

The impressive thing about that is Morrie must have used a virtually identical bracket in each pool to win all three. That's not just an amorphous, passing feeling--a feeling like, uh oh, were those clams I ate an hour ago really ok? No, that's a no-doubt-about-it, full-on, nipple-snapped-in-a-mouse-trap sensation. To submit three identical brackets to three different pools, you have to know exactly what's going on. 

Still, as sure as he was, Morrie nonetheless reports checking the scores and standings in those final games "every half minute."

"It was a roller coaster of emotions," he said.  

The win has been worth it, though. When the anxiety gave way to euphoria, Morrie said the experience was "11/10" and being crowned champion was the greatest achievement of his life "by a marathon." 

"I would recommend winning," he said.  

All the glory to Morrie, a Champion for the Ages!

Welcome To The 2025 Chippens Tournament Challenge

It is here. The 2025 Chippens Tournament Challenge is officially underway! This year we have 130 participants, tied for the most all-time! The future 2025 Champion will have to scrape and claw for every point over these next three weekends. 

Links to current standings and other informative reports are below. The current standings page shows when it was last updated. Standings are updated frequently throughout the tournament, though not always in real time. 

CURRENT STANDINGS

SUMMARY OF PICKS

PLAYER LISTING

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES

COMPARE BRACKETS

TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

The media pundits all claim this year's tournament will be "chalky"--meaning the favorites are likely to win and we won't see many upsets. That's especially true with the tournament's four #1 seeds. 

Many of this year's players agree with the experts, with 79% of the field picking a #1 seed as the champion, and 55% of players picking either Duke (30%) or Florida (25%), the two teams regarded as the best in the tournament. 

Those numbers go even higher when we look at the Final Four. Houston was the least favorite pick among players to make it, but they still pulled 47% support. 

The non-#1 team that earned the most support was none other than Michigan State. The Spartans are perennially boosted in the Chippens tourney by their loyal fanbase, but this year's #2-seeded MSU team could deliver, and that has the Spartan bandwagon at full capacity. 

Some on the bandwagon are quite confident, including current MSU student Syd the Squid, who had a message with her picks ("Umich doesn't stand a chance"). 

An amazing 73% of players have the Spartans advancing to the Elite 8, and 37% picked them for the Final Four. 

Contrast that with rival Michigan, which only garnered 12% support to the Elite 8, and only nine players picked them into the Final Four (Apologize for the word, Blizzard T. Husky, LeBron James, Mama, MKizzle07, My Dada is 2 Cool, Waltzin 2 Victory, Cotter, SueHeffer). 

Despite winning the Big Ten Tournament, Michigan's support to the Elite 8 substantially lags other Big Ten teams Wisconsin (41%) and Illinois (18%). 

SMACK TALK FIESTA

The keys to winning this tournament, the most prestigious spectator sport contest in the world, are actually pretty simple:

• Limit your pre-picks research to which team has a guy who looks like he's 40 and can hit 85% from three point range. 
• Scream at your TV 
• Ignore all other responsibilities in your life  
• Never sit down
• Invest in the ComfyCath, a personal liquid evacuation device developed by Vanadeum, 20-year Chippens veteran.  
• Get in the heads of your opponents 

As to the last point, you can deploy many different strategies. Some players park in their chief opponent's driveway the night before and lay on the car horn all night. 

Others, even bolder, put their smack talk right in their handle (The REAL Wylder, Better than Maurie). 

There are players like KayAllDay, who has prominently displayed her third place prize from last year in her household all year long. 'Nuff said. 

And then there are those who absolutely light up the Smack Talk box when submitting their picks. 

We have some good ones this year. Yes, MonsterTruck, I WILL come to Austin! Go Oregon and Marquette! 

Daphne's Unstoppable was almost unstoppable in her message box pronouncements. Polar Bear played it a little cagey, but we know he's watching and ready to pounce. 

But the best goes to on again, off again player 2 Su's, who simply put "NA" in the Smack Talk box. That's right, not applicable. When you're high on the mountain top like Susu, descending into the mud at sea level just isn't even an option.  

Susu doesn't play this game often, but when she does, she excels. 

In fact, she's the former #1 ranked player. She still could be except she only plays about every third year and so becomes ineligible for the all-time records. This will be her seventh season, and in her previous six she's racked up four top-28 finishes. That includes an 11th place in 2019--the other year that had 130 players  

Good luck to all! 

The 2025 Chippens Tournament Challenge

 The Challenge is back! 

MAKE YOUR PICKS

The game is the same. The rules are the same. The chance at glory or utter humiliation is the same. 

NOTICE: If you are using an iPhone or iPad and the Picks Form does not submit (hangs endlessly with spinning pinwheel of death) make sure you have the Safari Setting "Fraudulent Website Warning" turned OFF (located under the Settings App, under "Safari")

RULES: Entry is free. One bracket per person. Must be old enough to make your own picks. Deadline is noon eastern time, 11 a.m. central time on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Please use a valid email address. Don't worry, Chippens doesn't sell your data to anyone outside Nigeria. 

FAQ: How do I change my picks? You can email Chippens HQ with a change or two, or you can submit a new bracket. Use the exact same info so I know it's the same person. New submissions will overwrite old submissions.  

PRIZES: Yes, of course there are prizes. 

• Third place will receive a fridge magnet!

• Second place will receive a slightly larger fridge magnet!

• First place will receive the GRAND PRIZE T-SHIRT AND ETERNAL GLORY! 

BEHOLD

THE GREATEST OF ALL HUMAN ACHIEVEMENTS

The GOAT in every sport makes it look easy: Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Al Kaline, Miguel Cabrera, Joe Louis. (I swear I am not trolling my friends who root for the hapless Chicago teams. These are just facts.)

The 2024 Chippens Tournament Challenge was no exception. The Tourney GOAT seemed to barely register an effort above Ty Cobb hitting off a tee to breeze to the 2024 title.  

"Is this on the record?" he asked. "I don't want to make it sound like all my 114 competitors were like that kayaker swallowed up and spat out by a humpback whale, or as soft and helpless as Jordan against Laimbeer, but I've taken naps that were harder than that." 

His Excellency The Champion scored 175 points in taking the crown, the most of any player since 2019 and tied for 9th all time. He's now 2nd in lifetime average place, 3rd in lifetime total points, 7th in lifetime average points, 8th in average pick percentage, and tied for 1st in total top 10 and and top 20 finishes. Wow that was a long list. Just a second my fingers are tired from all that typing. 

Ok. Yeah, this guy is impressive. But his humble demeanor amidst all of his unparalleled success in the annals of human history is easily his most impressive quality. 

"I want to make sure my competitors know how grateful I am to them for giving me the opportunity to watch with bemusement as they scrabbled amongst themselves for second place, or what I call the first loser," he said, generously handing out credit despite it not being due at all in a show of pure class.  

"Winning is so easy (for me, at least) it becomes blasé. But it is still quite entertaining to watch the struggle of the little folks try to figure it out. 

"It's kind of like watching someone wearing boxing gloves try to stuff a big pillow in a little pillow case. If they even make a little progress you feel good for them. I mean, not a lot. But just a little flicker of acknowledgment that there are people out here for whom, like, 74th or 77nd or 82nd place is a cue for all the other seals to start barking and clapping. That's nice. You like to see that. 

"And, really, that's what winning is all about for me. Letting other people reach their much lesser potentials, especially in a game of pure skill, talent, and intelligence like this one. It's a joy!"   

Congratulations to State St. Propheteer, a Champion for the Ages! 

Other Notable Finishes:

• Congrats to Pam T. and Khalila M. for finishing 2nd and 3rd, respectively. It's the first time "in the prizes" for either veteran player. 

• Congrats to 117th-ranked player Maya C. for finishing in 12th place, 101 spots better than in 2023! 

• Marli P. finished right ahead of Maya in 11th place, following up a 5th place showing in 2022. She debuts on the All-Time Average Place list in 9th in her first year of eligibility. 

• Marli P. and Sarah N. also earn the "Overachiever Award"--the players in the top 20 with the lowest pick percentage. 

• The award for the biggest underachiever goes to former champ Matthew M. He's the only player above 60% pick percentage who didn't finish better than 90th place. 

• Only three players notched back-to-back top 20 efforts in 2023-2024: His Excellency The Champion (18th and 1st), Jake W. (2nd and 17th), and Adam L. (11th and 7th). 

• Austin S. played in his fifth tournament in 2024, making him eligible for the record books, and he took advantage with a 23rd place. His five tournaments span 18 years but he's picked his spots well, participating in high scoring years and he's now #1 in lifetime average points. 

• Second year player Ryan H. reversed his fortunes from 2023, quite literally. He finished 81st in his rookie campaign and 18th in 2024. 

• "Most Improved," however, goes to Sarah N., who jumped from 93rd in her first year to 8th in her second year. Honorable Mention to Amy W., who improved from 92nd to 20th.

• Abby W. is heading in the other direction. 8th in year one, 22nd in year two, and--yikes--96th in 2024. 

• Cotter regained the top spot in All-Time Average Place with a respectable 26th place finish. 

• Van M. is the charter member of the Ripe 'n Juicy Mango Club for finishing in a very impressive 6th place. This is something I just made up, but he will understand. 

Welcome To The 2024 Chippens Tournament Challenge

We are underway in the 2024 Chippens Tournament Challenge! It looks to be another exciting year with a mix of veteran and rookie players, and a new generation looking to make its mark.

Here are the links to the standings and reports:

CURRENT STANDINGS

SUMMARY OF PICKS

PLAYER LISTING

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES

COMPARE BRACKETS

DAILY RECAPS

Day One

TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

Whether the tournament will have a repeat champion this year is a question with a consequential answer. Forty players, or 35% of the field, has picked UConn to repeat and 57% of players have them to at least reach the finals.

If you are one of those players, this means you'll have to look to this weekend to separate yourself from the pack. 

One player who picked against popular opinion was Cinderallie. She chose 31-3 James Madison to win it all. She is one of five players to be the only person to pick a certain team to win. The others are Allie Bracket (Northwestern), PAWWWL (BYU), Turing Test (Creighton), and Sugarduck 52 (Baylor).

Purdump?

The concept of history repeating itself shows up in this year's tourney in a couple other areas. 

The first is whether Purdue will repeat its historic first round loss from last year, when it failed to win a single game as a #1 seed. 

It should be noted, of course, that the only other time this happened, to Virginia, that team came back the next year and avenged its humiliating loss by winning the title (in part by beating Purdue in miraculous fashion). 

Twenty players have faith the Boilermakers can do what Virginia did. Three players--Sarah, SnowDaysInApril, and Sugarduck52--have seen enough and won't be fooled again. They have Purdue losing tomorrow night.

The other area where we might see history repeat involves defending champ Stump. He picked UConn all the way again, and he also predicted victory for himself. "Going back to back!!" was his bold statement. 

UConn isn't the secret it was last year, however, so Stump will need some help from the likes of #12 seed Grand Canyon, who he has in the Sweet 16. 

New Chippens Frontiers?

With Stump becoming the Challenge's first two-time champ, there are only a couple "moonshot" barriers left to crack. 

One is breaking 200 points in a single season. The record still stands at 192 points, last achieved by tournament savant Blizzard T. Husky in 2009. What's more, only player since 2013 has even cracked the top 20 list for single season points. 

A New Generation Of Players

Perhaps, with the Chippens player population becoming ever more aged, addled, and fossilized (speaking only for myself, of course), it will fall on a new generation of players to break records.

The previously-mentioned Allie Bracket and Sugarduck are part of a sizable contingent of young players reaching the age of "majority" (in Chippens terms this can be very young) and thus able to fill out a bracket on their own.

The "Next Gen" crowd of school-age wunderkinds also includes V, TrueWisconsiniteE, Unicano156, Gray is cool, Dawg, DaphneDooster, ChaChaTheCuriousWinner, Chucky's Fan Girl, and Addygator. 

These youngins have the advantage of nimble minds, fertilized by sweet naïveté, and thus are able to do things with their brackets most adults couldn't do without first putting on a diaper and checking with their cardiologist. 

Not bound by "safe" or "logical" choices, these are dangerous players who need just one or two blessings of fortune to come away with the Grand Prize and perhaps a new record. 

Good luck to all! 

The 2024 Chippens Tournament Challenge

Greetings, Players!

You can now MAKE YOUR PICKS in the 2024 Chippens Tournament Challenge!  

The rules this year are the same:

• Entry is free
• One bracket per person
• Must be old enough to make your own picks
• Deadline is NOON EASTERN / 11 AM CENTRAL THURSDAY, MARCH 21
• Prizes to the top three finishers! 

Make sure to also read the FINAL RECAP from last season! And check out the updated ALL-TIME RECORDS! 

HERE IS THIS YEAR'S GRAND PRIZE T-SHIRT!

UNSTUMPABLE

 "It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." -- Sir Edmund Hillary

"This achievement literally stands by itself." -- Mike Stump

Mike Stump has officially reached the mountaintop--twice. He has accomplished a feat many thought impossible in becoming the first and only two-time Chippens Tournament Challenge Champion. What many dream of accomplishing just once in their lifetime, Mike has done twice. 

"A second Chippens Tourney win ranks right up there with the birth of my second child," Mike said. "It's a goal I set after winning my first Chippens Championship. Stick with it long enough, kids, and you can accomplish your goals!" 

Mike's path to glory ran through UConn. He was one of only two players to select them as the 2023 champion. 

"History has told me that if I correctly picked the champion I would have a chance," he said. "I was fortunate enough that UConn battled their way through the field and helped me secure victory." 

Stumper's success isn't all pure luck, though. He did reveal his strategy relies a little bit on studying his fellow Chippens competitors and their tendencies, something he has had ample chance to do over 18 Chippens seasons. 

"It always helps to know there is a lot of competition that will build in MSU to go far," he said. "It doesn't hurt to pick against some of the 'assumed field favorites' to pick up points." 

Stumper's win moves him up to 2nd all-time in average points, 2nd in pick percentage, and 6th in average place. He retains his position as the all-time career leader in total points. He is now tied for the most top-10 and top-20 finishes all-time. 

As for being a two-time champ and also a two-time father, it is heartening to know Stumper is properly training his little ones and inspiring them to greatness.  

"I've hung my championship t-shirt up on the nursery wall so my daughter grows up knowing what a winner can accomplish," he said. "She falls asleep to 'One Shining Moment' every night as we recall the thrill of UConn winning the final game. Reliving the feeling of victory gives me the energy to get through midnight feedings and diaper changes." 

We look forward with anticipation and a little trepidation at the next generation of formidable Stumpers battling in the Tournament Challenge.  

Congratulations to Mike Stump, a (two-time) Champion for the Ages! 

Other Notable Results:

• Congrats to Jake Willis and Michelle Reichenbacher for finishing second and third, respectively. It is the first time either has been "in the prizes" in the Modern Era. In fact, Michelle's previous best result was 48th place in 2010.

• Congrats to Travis Rogers for finishing in 4th--easily his best finish ever in 18 seasons. 

• Following a 15-tourney hiatus, Greg Huffaker came back strong with a 6th place finish, beating his only other result, 22nd place in 2006. 

• Jason Armstrong, in 5th, finished in the top 5 for the second time in four years. 

• Congrats to Brandon Christol in 8th place. The former champ notched his 4th top-10 finish, tied for Stumper with the most ever. 

• Daphne Corwin rounded out the top 1o with a strong sophomore performance. 10th place was a big improvement from her 93rd place freshman season. Daphne and Mackie Mo tied for highest pick percentage at 61.9% each. Mackie finished in 13th. 

• In 19th place, Julie Thompson picked up her third top-20 finish in the last four seasons and 5th overall.

• Congrats to Adam Lombard for his 7th top 20 finish, Trevor Sierra for his 6th, and Jeff Vandellen for his 5th.

• Congrats to Pete Dabrowski for having perhaps the greatest least-successful-yet-completely-reasonable brackets of all time. He managed just 28 points with a 30.2% pick rate and of course finished last in 118th. This amazingly horrific result is despite putting a #1 seed, two #2 seeds, and one #8 seed in his Final Four and picking a 29-5 #2 seed to win it all. 

The 2023 Chippens Tournament Challenge

We are underway in the 22nd installment of the Chippens Tournament Challenge, the most glorious tournament challenges of them all. 

Here are the links to the standings and other reports:

*As standings are updated, you may need to refresh your browser to see the latest version*

CURRENT STANDINGS

PLAYER LISTING

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

SUMMARY OF PICKS

TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

Once again over 100 players from all over the world have met in a great contest of spectator sports to test their mettle, determination, fortitude, thumb dexterity, and attention to deadlines. 

Here are a few storylines we will be keeping an eye out for this year.

Returning Champ

James Wylder returns to defend his 2022 championship. No player in Chippens history has won two titles, let alone back-to-back. Last year, the "Prairie Prodigy" swallowed his pride as an Illinois fan and strategically picked the Bill Self coached Kansas to win it all. He figured he needed a team that could win but one that not necessarily many players would choose. 

This year, Wylder picked . . . Kansas again! (It's always easier the second time). Last year, only nine players picked Kansas. This year . . . only nine players picked Kansas. 

Perhaps even more than Kansas, though, Wylder will be looking to Duke. He's only one of two players with the Blue Devils in the title game, and one of only seven with them in the Final Four.

Howe Bui Do It 

Of course, the Grand Prize T-Shirt is a big draw for the Chippens Tournament Challenge. Past Champions generally either get theirs framed for the living room centerpiece or put them in a safe deposit box for future generations. 

This year's t-shirt is another fan favorite. In fact, MonsterTruck reportedly exclaimed out, "OH! I want that!" as soon as she saw this year's design. 

The Monster has a Gonzaga-Purdue final with Gonzaga winning. She's one of only four with Gonzaga winning, but one of 20 with them in the final. 

Monster is currently the 104th ranked player in Chippens history (out of 106). So she's due for a big year! 

She will have to beat out her husband Wait ... what's happening (Ian Howe) if she wants the t-shirt. 

Howe has two top 20 Chippens finishes and has figured in the top of the standings to the final weekend multiple times. A Houston fan, he has found success with the Cougars in the past. This year, though, even though they are a fan favorite pick to win the title, Howe only picked them to the Final Four. He is one of 11 with Arizona winning it all. 

Houston, A Problem?

More players picked Houston than any other team in this year's tourney. Almost a quarter of the field has them going all the way. That includes wily veteran Old People Rock (Uncle Leo), who has lived in Houston for many years. 

Another player, though, who named himself Houston, You May Have A Problem (Adam Lombard) picked the Cougars to crash in the Final Four. 

Lombard may be referring to the fact Houston's best player suffered a season-ending injury in the conference tournament. 

Lombard is playing in his 17th straight Chippens Tourney and has six top-20 finishes. 

For Uncle Leo, this is tourney lucky number 13. His last top-20 finish was in 2013. Former dalliances and his brother-in-law Señor Wences report he has as many as 13 toes. 

Will that be enough to claw Houston to the title? Uncle Leo will be crossing his fingers and toes. 

Rookies To Watch

Each year intrepid rookies take their shot at a Chippens Championship. This year AmyD, Wade Walker, ChaChaTheGreat, dmartorana, Nuscher, Lowder, Horwath, Sarah, and Swisher are some of the new names vying for a title. 

The amazing Yma Nevob is the only player in history to win as a rookie. But in this most unpredictable year, miracles can happen again! 

Good luck to all. 

The 2023 Chippens Tournament Challenge

 GREETINGS!

You can now MAKE YOUR PICKS in the 2023 Chippens Tournament Challenge!!! 

We have a different look this year, and there are sure to be some hiccups as we figure out the new system. So make your picks early and keep a copy for your records! 

Once again, entry is FREE and there will be PRIZES for the winners. 

Third place: Fridge magnet

Second place: Bumper sticker

First place: GRAND PRIZE T-SHIRT 

This year's grand prize was designed by star artists ChaCha Corwin (front) and Daphne Corwin (back). This one of a kind collector's item can be YOURS, if you make your picks! 

RULES:

1 bracket per person

Must be old enough to make your own picks 

Deadline is noon eastern / 11 a.m. central Thursday, March 16. 

Want this t-shirt? MAKE YOUR PICKS!!!

WYLDER WINS

Abraham Lincoln and James R. Wylder. 

One of these men came from a modest background on the prairie to become a famed and accomplished Illinois attorney. He is noted for above-average height and plain speech, along with a distinctive hairstyle, fondness for "circumlocutory" storytelling, and that classic, ever-serious statesman's gaze in portraits (befitting his lofty station). His name is on buildings here in Central Illinois, and his legacy is sure to endure for generations as one of the nation's greatest American heroes. 

The other man is Abraham Lincoln. 

Congratulations to James Wylder for winning the 2022 Chippens Tournament Challenge, something not even that other Central Illinoisan Abraham Lincoln ever accomplished. 

"It's a unique, stand alone victory," Wylder said, when asked to rank this accomplishment among his many other now-lesser achievements. "It's in a category by itself." 

Wylder rode the Kansas Jayhawks to victory. He was one of only nine players to correctly pick them all the way. 

"I wanted a team that could win, but that not many would pick," Wylder said in explaining his rationale to back the Jayhawks. 

Wylder said he "became confident" in his route to the championship when Arkansas beat Gonzaga. He was one of only four players with the Arkansas upset, and the win knocked out many players who picked Gonzaga to win it all. 

It was then the thrilling thought of victory first entered his mind as a true possibility, sending a charge from his penny loafers up his khakis to the ample bulge in his . . . breast pocket of his trademark blazer (where he keeps a year's consignment of emergency supplies).

The proximity of triumph was almost as exciting to Wylder as the prospect of free Scotch and Newports and a pile of purple chips at a blackjack table during "Buxom Ladies' Night" at some dimly-lit establishment with the word "Saloon" in the title and where you have to ask to borrow a key for the bathroom.    

Indeed, Wylder was on vacation in the Caribbean during his meteoric rise to the top of the standings. As his victory edged closer and closer--like having two face cards versus a dealer showing a six--his attachment to checking the leaderboard grew stronger and stronger. 

"I decided to check (the standings) every time I got a drink," Wylder said, no doubt in order to keep a steady hand lest the nerve-rattling excitement caused him to drop his phone in the pool (or perhaps in the décolletage of a swooning "admirer"). "So it was pretty often between noon and 1 a.m."  

Going into this year, as one of the Chippens Tournament Challenge's lowest-ranked players  (98/106), Wylder knew he would have to change his strategy to change his fortunes. 

"This year I picked with my head and not with my heart," he said. "It's not easy for an Illini to pick a Bill Self team to win it all." Let this be a lesson to future Chippens hopefuls: It is that type of self-sacrifice that forges a true champion. (Wylder's new ranking is 87/105).  

Wylder now has the distinct honor of donning this year's Grand Prize T-Shirt. We are all looking forward to seeing him wearing it as he takes his rightful place in the Hall of Champions. Then, Wylder said, he will put the t-shirt away in safekeeping "for the Chippens Champion Reunion Cruise." 

If that cruise ever happens (doubtful), Wylder will be among familiar faces. With his victory, he becomes the fourth member of his extended family to win the title. There are only seven adults in the group in total, so Wylder said that means "the pressure is now on my two remaining daughters, Allie and Beth, and my son-in-law Ethan." 

And after that? 

"My grandkids will then be old enough that I think the streak can go on in perpetuity," he said. 

Congratulations to James R. Wylder, a Champion For The Ages.   

Other Notable Results

• Congrats to She Winns and politicalgrrl for getting second and third place, respectively. This is politicalgrrl's second consecutive top-5 finish, an accomplishment matched by only two other players in history. She Winns is in her fourth year of competition and now has two top-20 finishes. I believe she also had the biggest one-year improvement, up to 2nd from 98th last year.

• Another Winn, abbywinn, finished in 8th place as the Challenge's top rookie this year. 

• Susu finished in 28th place, good enough to take over the top spot on the All-Time Average Place list. She couldn't beat J Willis, though, who finished 27th, beating Susu on the first tie-breaker. I'll let them decide who gets bragging rights for their respective accomplishments. 

• Farther down the standings, BMac also edged out Beachy, 82nd place to 83rd place by virtue of the first tie-breaker. Beachy, who ranks 101/105 in the All-Time list, send in about 10 brackets this year so we know she was really trying! It wasn't quite enough to beat her husband, but neither of them will get household bragging rights as those belong to young Corvette Guy, who finished an impressive 39th in his Chippens debut. 

• Ferris Mueller picked up his third top-12 finish in the last four years. 

• Last year's defending champ, Jessica Crum, had another solid year picking up a 20th place finish. 

• Benny and Make It Count also achieved top-20 finishes for the second year in a row. 

• Of the early leaders Slinger, Budd Dwyer, and BoilerBaller, the Prideful Peacock of Purdue had the most staying power, finishing 6th. Dwyer notched 19th, and Slinger slipped to 64th. 

• Finally congrats to the players smart enough to pick Kansas: the top three finishers along with MarliMazy (5th), MrsJT (7th), Candle Guy (10th), and The Chris (11th), PrunkenDicks (13th), and sydthekid (14th). Those are the top finishes ever for Marli and MrsJT. It's the second top-10 finish for Candle Guy, and The Chris just missed his fourth top-10 finish out of the last six. For Mr. Prunken, he snaps a streak of three straight finishes in the Century Club, the very bottom of the barrel. As for Syd, 14th place is only her third best finish ever.  

Thanks to everyone for playing, and we hope to be back next year!

The 2022 Chippens Tournament Challenge

Greetings, Players!

First of all, congratulations on joining The Chippens Tournament Challenge. You are in for an exhilarating ride! 

Click HERE for player listing, player picks, current standings, projected standings, and more! 

Daily Recaps

• Day One
• Day Two
• Day Three

TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

Friends, another epic chapter begins in the Chippens Tournament Challenge. The storylines are emerging already, and on this first day of competition, hopes are high, and the possibility of glory is still within reach. Read on below to see what to watch for as the games unfold and destinies are determined.  

Another Hero Returns

As I said last year, every year we have at least one player come back out of the wilderness and rejoin the Chippens fold. This year that player is The silver lake hero (M. Fowler). 

"Hero" has three tournament results, the last being in 2009. His A-Frame Awesomeness, as he is known around the lake, finished 38th in 2009, 41st in 2007, and 35 in 2006. Not bad results, but of course the Tournament gets tougher every year. 

Hero has chosen Iowa to be his own hero. He is one of just four players with the Hawkeyes advancing all the way to the title game. Foolish or Hawkeye-like vision? Time will tell. 

Juwan Howard Smackdown

Two players have paid homage, or mockery, to that whole Juwan Howard haymaker incident--Juwan Howard's Right Hook (B. Brennan) and Juwan Howard's Sucker Punch (A. Kelly). These players have personal allegiances to Michigan and Michigan State. I'll let you guess from their respective descriptions of the incident which is which. 

They each have wildly divergent interpretations of the bracket as well. Right Hook likes Kentucky over Arizona with Michigan advancing to the Elite 8 and Michigan State losing in the first round. Sucker Punch has Gonzaga over Tennessee with Michigan State advancing to the Sweet 16 and Michigan losing in the first round.

Will either of these players land a punch? Or will both be swings and misses? Last year Kelly started out strong and faded. Brennan, now in his 13th season, hasn't had a top 25 finish since his rookie campaign. But this year could always be the year!  

Rookies

One of the Rules of the Chippens Tournament is you must be old enough to make your own picks. This year we have two rookies who have met that milestone, Daphne Dooster (D. Corwin) and ThatGuyOverInTheCorvette (W. McCall). 

One thing about the younger players is they usually either go strictly by the book or just go wild, completely uninhibited and undaunted by things like seeding, records, conferences, etc. These two players seem to fit each category, respectively. 

Corvette has the 1-2 matchup in each region in the Elite 8, all four #1 seeds in the Final Four, and an Arizona over Gonzaga final. If the tournament plays to chalk, as they say, Corvette will be speeding out to the front. 

Dooster will need a big booster from Texas. She just seemed to like the name. She's the only player with Texas winning it all. 

5-year Ringers

I always like to point out who's up for their 5-year rings. This year we have Con Man, MonsterTruc, Train, Lanfreak, and Bsnides earning their eligibility for the All Time Records! 

The 2022 Chippens Tournament Challenge

The Chippens Tournament Challenge is back for its 21st year! We are ready for you to MAKE YOUR PICKS

The 21st running of the Chippens Tournament Challenge is sure to be another spectacular spectacle. There is a lot to share about this year's tournament so let's get to it. 

The Final Year

I regret to say this will be the FINAL year of the Chippens Tournament Challenge in its traditional format. But don't get too sad yet. Let me explain. The good folks who make the Chippens Tournament Challenge software are retiring and closing their company. Chippens has used this software since 2002. This means in order to continue in 2023 we will need to find new tournament software. The search is on and we are hopeful we can find something for next year that is equal in quality to what we've been using for 20 years. In the meantime, enjoy this final run with Chippens Classic.  

The Grand Prize T-Shirt 

This year's Grand Prize T-Shirt, seen below, is just plums magnificent. This baller T will be more valuable than your family jewels! Win this t-shirt and you'll never walk into a room again without everyone going nuts!

Tournament Rules & Regulations

• The deadline to MAKE YOUR PICKS this year is Thursday, March 17 at 12:00 noon eastern time, 11 a.m. central. Games this year are back to their traditional Thursday schedule, so don't miss the deadline!  
• As always, entry is FREE and there is a great lineup of prizes for the winners. 
• First place will receive the Grand Prize T-Shirt and Eternal Chippens Glory. 
• Second place wins a bumper sticker. 
• Third place wins a fridge magnet. 
• One entry per person. All entrants must make their own picks and be old enough to do so. Must submit a valid email address. 
• If you want to change your picks, you can submit a new bracket or email me the changes. If you submit a second bracket, it will automatically supersede your first bracket. 

GRAND PRIZE T-SHIRT

Front

Back

This year's Grand Prize T-Shirt is truly eggcelent. Whoever has the most balls bounce their way will be wearing this t-shirt to all their most important events! 

Good luck, and enjoy the tournament! 

Absolutely CRUM-trulescent

"It is like looking into the face of God, and having him stare back and say, 'You are my most wondrous creation.'" That quote from the 2001 Saturday Night Live skit Inside the Actor's Studio was of course meant to be over-the-top and played for comedic effect. 

But when one looks at 2021 Chippens Tournament Challenge Champion Jessica Crum's bracket, no other description seems to suffice. In fact, if anything, the description is too staid. Jessica delivered a truly brilliant -- no, a truly Crumtrulescent performance, to borrow another line from Will Ferrell. 

Jessica was one of just eight players to pick Baylor, a move that proved the deciding factor, but she got to the finals through the strength of picking favorites. She is the only champion in Chippens history to win without earning any underdog points. 

Jessica said her Baylor pick was "pure luck," but that pick and her pick of Houston into the Final Four (she was one of just 10 players to do so) set her apart from a field that largely favored Big Ten teams. "I enjoyed watching Baylor growing up," she said. "They usually have a good team." 

Jessica also credited her success to the fact her favorite team, Kentucky, didn't make the tournament. UK not being in the field, "was probably the reason I did so well," she said. "Otherwise they would have been selected as winning everything as I usually do!"   

A 20-year military veteran, Jessica was introduced to the Chippens tournament through fellow military veteran Bone. Jessica said she enjoyed beating Bone this year more than anyone else, "but I believe I enjoy beating him every year," she added.  

Jessica said her plans for the Grand Prize T-Shirt were to "display it proudly in the office" next to her college diploma. "That is where it rightfully belongs as one of my greatest accomplishments," she said. 

As for next season, there is no doubt Jessica will be game to defend her title. She said she loves "the friendly but fierce competition each year." Jessica admits the "pressure will be on" in 2022, which will be her eighth Chippens season, but she claims she's "up for the challenge." 

The Champ, who joined the military at age 17, showed no signs of intimidation with her final words. "Come and get me!" she said. 

Congratulations to Jessica Crum, a Champion For The Ages. 

Other Notable Results:

• This year's Champ was correct that she regularly defeats Bone (this year marks four in a row and five of the last seven), but Bone still holds one piece of bragging rights: His 191 points in 2009 rank as third all-time, just one point behind Nicholas A. Schultz. Interestingly, the two players finished tied for points this year. Unfortunately for both, it was at the bottom of the standings, in 116th and 117th place, respectively.   
• Speaking of ties, there were two ties in the standings between husband and wife pairs. In each case, the lady won the tie-breaker. The contest between former champs KLoco and ILL - BIG10 People's Champ was decided on the first tie-breaker, pick percentage. The contest between K8Burst and Candle Guy had to go all the way to the second tie-breaker, most teams in the Sweet 16. Still, a win is a win. 
• Speaking of ties again, the contest between not going to win (J. Charak) and not the winners (Whitey) had to go to the first tie-breaker, with Whitey ... winning (at least that much). In the big picture, both players were correct as they finished 49th and 50th, respectively. Both players also beat Winner of shirt, who did not win the shirt and finished in 98th. 
• Ok, one more tie story. Señor Wences edged out his brother-in-law Lifeguard LeolaRamona on the first tie-breaker for 47th place. Not top performances for either, but still entertaining like watching two guys fall over the finish line in a sack race, or like one of those sausage races between innings. 
• Congrats to second place finisher and top rookie Big Al (no, NOT THAT Big Al of Peoria . . . don't Google that). Her pick of Cleveland State over Houston in the first round proved a little too ambitious--common rookie mistake--but we look forward to more great things from her in the future. 
• Congrats to third place finisher Better than last year. The 2014 Champion is now one of just four players with multiple top 3 finishes. Only fellow former champ Betty Rumble has three top three finishes. 
• It was a bittersweet ending for Robert DuPrau, who finished just one point and just one spot out of the prizes in fourth place. Still, the 10-year veteran used his strong performance to move up the list in All-Time Pick Percentage. 
• Congrats to theRabbit and BrutalBrutis, two longtime tournament vets who each notched their fourth top-10 finish. Only five players in history have that many. 
• A heartfelt thank you to all the players who contributed to this year's fundraising effort for St. Jude, and congrats to the three players who took home prizes for their generous donations and excellent play: politicalgrrl, The Breeze, and Cotter. 
• Cotter, especially, had a successful tournament with a 13th place finish. Once described as a spring-loaded albino gopher, the 2013 Champ is tunneling his way straight to the top of the All-Time Records. Brandon Gamble retained his top spots in All-Time Average Place and All-Time Average Points, but Cotter moved up to second place in the former category and to third place in the latter. These two titans have a rivalry that makes Borg vs. McEnroe look like Siegried and Roy. We can't wait to see what next year brings.  
• Congrats to SAME OL' G. Already named Central Illinois Woman of the Year, the eighth-year player completely one-upped herself by finishing 36th in the 2021 Chippens Tournament Challenge. That is her BEST FINISH EVER and worthy of another feature article in the alumni mag! 
• The Comeback Player Award goes to rookie Tammois, who only had 16 correct picks in the first 32, but surged over the final rounds to finish 26th . . . 13 places ahead of early leader AK.
• Alley oop I did it again . . . This is for you just to see if you're reading. Good job finishing 78th. 
• Finally, congrats to Catch me if you can! She was one of just five players to put three teams in the Final Four. Her performance moved her up to 19th in the All-Time Average Place list and 15th on the career points list. She said this year was just a preview of what she expects will be a dominating performance next year. She also said she loves tournament time because it means she gets to go to bed alone and spend more time with the kids. 

Thanks to all competitors for another great season! See you next year! 

Welcome to the 2021 Chippens Tournament Challenge -- Special 20th Edition

The 2021 Chippens Tournament Challenge -- Special 20th Edition is now underway! You can CLICK HERE to see the player listing, player picks, current and projected standings, and much, much more!  

Daily Recaps

• Day One
• Day Two
• Day Three
• Day Four
• Sweet Sixteen
• Final Four Preview

Tournament Preview

Once again, we've had wonderful participation as veterans have been pining to get back in the action after a year off and rookies have come of age, ready to try their hand at the fabled Chippens Challenge to see their names etched in history. This year's tourney has 119 worthy competitors, all vying for the right to wear the Chippens Grand Prize T-Shirt with unabashed pride at the first large group gathering they are allowed to attend. 

Dads Do Battle

Two veterans will be vying for the title of top dad this year. Alia's Dad and Gracie'sDad will be at their couch command centers, running all TVs and handheld electronic devices at full capacity as they try to leave their daughters a lasting legacy. No dad or daughter could ever hope for more than a Chippens Championship with their name attached. 

These two are both fearsome veteran competitors. In 2017, Alia's Dad, then playing under the handle Baby's Is Coming, finished the first weekend in first place. Alas, he eventually faded to a 73rd place finish, and the last two contests has earned membership to the Century Club, finishing 116th and 105th. His big chance this year is everything-is-bigger-here Texas. He's one of only four players with Texas reaching the championship game. 

As for Gracie'sDad, he's coming off an excellent third place finish in 2019. A potential Texas-Alabama matchup in the Sweet 16 could be the decider between the two dads. Gracie'sDad is one of only three players with Alabama winning the title. 

Journeyman Hero Returns

Every year, the Chippens Tournament Challenge sees a competitor return to competition from years in the spectator sport wilderness--time no doubt spent wandering adrift and wondering what was missing from life until finally listening to the siren song of Chippens competition and returning to a life of fulfillment exercising the clicker finger and staring obsessively at a screen. 

This year that person is Lebron's ACT Coach (D. Froelich). Froelich has not competed since 2014. In the comments he submitted with his picks, Froelich tells a tale of the last seven years greater than that of Odysseus. Though unlike Odysseus, he seems to have found his Penelope along the way. "I moved from Houston to Cleveland, met an amazing woman and married her, bought a house and had a child...." he writes. 

And what of the rest of us, left here waiting for his return? Froelich has a warning.

"It has been seven years, but I have reemerged like the itch, a confused cicada, or a Ralph Nader bid," he writes. 

"I left a boy and have come back a man. Now you all have the honor of watching me bloom from myth into legend." 

Of course, Froelich has been a legend (in Cadillac, at least) long before now, but to burnish his credentials he will need a Chippens Championship. He has some work to do. In 2013, he finished 88th out of 112, and in 2014 he finished 28th. Not bad, but not yet the stuff of Chippens lore. 

5-Year Ringers

A big milestone for Chippens competitors is of course their fifth year of competition, when they become eligible for the All Time Records. Two competitors earning that honor this year are Purdue-ing it for St. Jude and Pawwwl.

Forced to wait an extra year for their Rings, these two are no doubt eager to make a good showing this year. So far, Pawwwl hasn't been able to match his rookie campaign when he finished 34th. Purdue has had many heartbreaks in the Chippens tourney over his four years of competition (who can forget Purdue's loss to Virginia in 2019). His best year is also his first, when he finished 16th. But he's come close to greatness before, like in 2016 when he finished as the tournament's top rookie, only for a cruel twist of chance to snatch away his glory. 

Pawwwl will be looking to take victory late in the tournament, as he is one of just eight players with Baylor winning it all. Purdue will need success in the early rounds to separate himself from the pack, as he is one of many, many players with a Gonzaga-Illinois final. 

Rookies To Watch

Pudue's arch-nemesis on the summer cornhole circuit, HowDidKentuckyGo9and16, is making his Chippens debut, along with bride-to-be Cinderallie. Only one rookie has ever won the Chippens title, but these two come from an impressive extended family that has won three of the last five Chippens titles. 

Cinderallie will need a Cinderella performance from Wisconsin as she is one of just three players (along with perennial Badger partisans fungibility and MonsterTruck) with the Badgers in the finals (of course, the last time Wisconsin made the finals was when they ... beat an undefeated Kentucky team). Without Kentucky in the tourney to root for, Mr. 9and16 is another player with a Gonzaga-Illinois final. He'll be hoping for Cinderella performances from Ohio and UC Santa Barbara early in the tourney. 

Good luck to all!

The 2021 Chippens Tournament Challenge -- Special 20th Edition

The Chippens Tournament Challenge is back, and we are ready for you to MAKE YOUR PICKS!

We here at Chippens are so pleased to host the Special 20th Edition of the Chippens Tournament Challenge. All the things you love about the Chippens Tournament Challenge will return in 2021, plus some enhanced features! Yes, the Daily Recaps will be back and Extra Spicy. (Watch out, Cotter!)

Special In 2021 -- Enhanced Extra Booty

Because we missed last year, this year Chippens is ROLLING OVER last year's prize booty into this year's tourney. Enhanced Extra Booty will be available to players who participate in the fundraising efforts. Fundraising link will be available later this week. 

Tournament Rules & Regulations

• The deadline to MAKE YOUR PICKS this year is Friday, March 19 at 12:00 noon eastern time, 11 a.m. central. Games are running Friday-Monday this year instead of Thursday-Sunday. This gives you an extra day to study your bracket. 
• As always, entry is FREE and there is a great lineup of prizes for the winners. 
• First place will receive the Grand Prize T-Shirt and Eternal Chippens Glory. 
• Second place wins a bumper sticker. 
• Third place wins a fridge magnet. 
• One entry per person. All entrants must make their own picks and be old enough to do so. Must submit a valid email address. 
• If you want to change your picks, you can submit a new bracket or email me the changes. If you submit a second bracket, it will automatically supersede your first bracket. 

 St. Jude Fundraiser

As in prior years, the Chippens Tournament Challenge will be run in coordination with an optional fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause very close at heart to the Chippens Organization. Donate by clicking the link below! 

DONATE NOW

No family ever receives a bill for anything at St. Jude.

Angel to the Innocents: Donate $100 or more and you are an Angel to the Innocents. Beat all the other Angels who also donated at least $100, and you will win the MUG OF MAGNIFICENCE. The mug, beautifully adorned with an apt yet understated message befitting its eventual owner, will make a superb breakfast time complement to anyone who proves worthy enough to win it. Click HERE to become an Angel. 

***Enhanced Extra Booty*** The winner will also receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

Cancer Conqueror: Donate $50.00 to $99.99 and you are a Cancer Conqueror. If you become a Conqueror and beat all the other Conquerors in the Chippens Challenge, you will win the tasteful dinner plates. This set of 8 paper plates, in an appetizing color, will surely make all the guests at your next dinner party green with envy. Click HERE to become a Conqueror. 

***Enhanced Extra Booty*** The winner will also receive a $30 Amazon Gift Card. 

Gold Club Competitor: Donate $o.01 to $49.99 and you are Gold Club Competitor. Gold is the color of childhood cancer awareness. If you become a member of the Gold Club and beat all the other Gold Club Competitors, you will win the Gold Button. The Gold Button comes with a wonderful message to raise awareness of both childhood cancer and of the wearer's supreme dominance in this year's tournament. Click HERE to become a Gold Club Competitor. 

***Enhanced Extra Booty*** The winner will also receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card. 

FAQ  

• If I donate $0.01-$49.99 to become a Gold Club Competitor, am I competing against the Angels and the Conquerors, too? No, you are only competing with others in your "class." 
• Do I have to donate to play or to win the traditional prizes? No.
• What if I finish at the top of my donation class and also finish in the top three overall? Then you win the prize for your class and the corresponding traditional prize as well. For example, you would win the Mug and the Grand Prize T-Shirt if you donated at least $100 and finished in first place overall. 
• What if my spouse and I donate $50 or $100 together? I'll ask you to clarify what you want in terms of "class" membership.  
• Can I see how I'm doing in the standings for a couple weeks before I donate? You can donate at any time, but to be eligible for the prizes, you must donate by the picks entry deadline of Friday, March 19, 2021 at noon eastern time. 
• Will I know who the other players are in my class? What if I want to make an anonymous donation? Anyone can make an anonymous donation. However, to ensure complete transparency in giving out the prizes, anonymous donations will not be prize-eligible. 

Now without further ado, here are the PRIZES

GRAND PRIZE T-SHIRT

Front

Back

ANGEL TO THE INNOCENTS MUG OF MAGNIFICENCE

Donate at least $100 and you could enjoy your breakfast coffee or tea every morning with this magnificent prize, which reads "I donated a massive sum of money to help end pediatric cancer and also crushed like tiny little insignificant bugs all of my feeble competitors in the 2021 Chippens Tournament Challenge."

CANCER CONQUERER PAPER PLACE SET

Donate $50-$99.99 and become a Cancer Conquerer eligible to win this tasteful set of 8 paper plates.

GOLD CLUB COMPETITOR BUTTON

The person who donates $0.01-$49.99 and beats everyone else who did the same will get to wear this button proudly 24/7.

Good luck, and enjoy the tournament!