The Sweet 16 is already done and we're on to the Elite Eight. That means just two remaining titles in each of our four divisions, so almost like a mini, division-level championship in each one.

BGTG 252C - Mark Madness 2026 (2nd Round [of 32])

1st round votes are in, now each successive round moves quickly—just three days. 2nd round voting due March 18 at noon BGG-time in Texas (UTC-5).

How are you voting? For the games you enjoy the most or the ones you predicted to win (based on what you imagined OTHERS would vote for)? I've heard the latter is like how a political primary works.

Close calls & Blow-outs

• Vikings squeaked by Wandering Towers via a single vote

• Same for Nucleum over Anachrony

• Meanwhile, Top & Down only GOT one vote compared to El Grande, losing 2% to 98

• Similarly Cleopatra & SOA over SOS Titanic, or 7 Wonders Duel over Terror in Meeple City, Diamant/Incan Gold over Andromeda, or Memoir 44 over Warriors. (I told you there were some gimmes in the first round)

But what about Ticket To Ride over Elfenland? 96% to 4%??

Regarding Designer Teams contrasting with individual designers, there doesn't seem to be any pattern in the results yet. That is, designers' individual efforts are not favored over their collaborations…or the other way around. It's just whatever is the better game?

However, thinking about has led me to offer some half-baked theories and observations.

All (almost): the collaborations tend to be with people from the same country, speaking the same language. I'm sure this is naturally easier

Kramer: I think the games with collaborators are more "gamer-y"

Moon: I think his collaborations are more "lush"

Cathala: Similar to Kramer

"Italians": Don't know! But looking forward to Nucleum vs Barrage

The first round is underway! Go vote at https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/375187/mark-madness-2026-designer-teams