Weeks of wild upsets, buzzer-beaters, and bracket-busting drama have led to this moment. The NGPF Bracket Madness Finals are set, and it’s a clash between a rising underdog and a fan-favorite simulator.

[SportsCenter theme plays]

BUCK WEALTHMAN: It’s official, folks, We have our championship matchup! And Penny, this Final Four brought EVERYTHING: drama, dominance, and one heart-stopping finish!

PENNY STOCKTON: Buck, let’s start with the STUNNER. INTERACTIVE: Online Bank Simulator and INTERACTIVE: FICO Credit Scores went toe-to-toe in what may be the most intense battle of the tournament. When the dust settled, just THREE VOTES separated them. THREE! The Bank Simulator squeaked through in a last-second thriller!

BUCK: You could feel the tension with every click. FICO fans showed up strong, but the Simulator survived the scare and is heading to the finals!

PENNY: Meanwhile, on the other side of the bracket, we saw the exact opposite. INTERACTIVE: Invest with STAX! came out SWINGING and never looked back. In a total blowout, STAX rolled over PLAY: The Bean Game, proving yet again that this 12-seed is no fluke.

BUCK: From bracket-buster to bracket-BULLDOZER. STAX has flattened the competition, and now it’s one win away from the title.

PENNY: So here it is—your Championship Matchup:

INTERACTIVE: Online Bank Simulator
vs.
INTERACTIVE: Invest with STAX!

BUCK: It's strategy vs. simulation. Interactivity vs. interactivity. And only ONE can walk away as the 2025 NGPF Bracket Madness Champion!

PENNY: And here's the kicker, you’re not just voting for glory. Everyone who votes for the winner in the Final Round is entered to win a $50 gift card! And if you’ve voted in every round? You’ll be entered into a raffle for one of five $20 gift cards. 

BUCK: So what are you waiting for? Cast your vote before midnight on Monday, March 31, and help crown the champ.

PENNY: One final vote. One champion. This is it.

BUCK: We’ll see you in the winner’s circle.

[Theme music fades]

About the Author

Dave Martin

Dave joins NGPF with 15 years of teaching experience in math and computer science. After joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earning a Master's degree in Education from Pace University, his teaching career has taken him to New York, New Jersey and a summer in the north of Ghana. Dave firmly believes that financial literacy is vital to creating well-rounded students that are prepared for a complex and highly competitive world. During what free time two young daughters will allow, Dave enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and taking naps.