The Australian Open has ignited a firestorm of criticism after unveiling a fan competition offering a staggering $10 million prize, which sceptics are branding utterly "impossible" to win.
The 'Impossible' Challenge Details
In partnership with the cryptocurrency platform Nexo, Tennis Australia will award the life-changing sum to any fan who can correctly predict the winner of every single match in either the men's or women's singles draw. This daunting task requires forecasting the outcome of 127 consecutive matches across the gruelling two-week Grand Slam.
Only one entry per person, per draw is permitted. Should no one achieve the perfect bracket—a scenario widely expected—consolation prizes of $10,000 will be awarded to the highest-scoring entries in both the men's and women's competitions. Tennis Australia's Chief Commercial Officer, Cedric Cornelis, defended the initiative, stating, "This is a game of skill, not chance. The AO Bracket Challenge is about rewarding tennis knowledge and creating an exciting new way for fans to engage with the tournament."
The competition, dubbed the AO26 $10 Million Bracket Challenge, will open for entries after 4pm on January 15, 2026. It is initially exclusive to Australian residents, with plans for international expansion in future years.
Backlash from Fans and Pundits
The announcement was met with immediate derision across social media and within the tennis community. Many fans pointed to the sheer statistical improbability and the impact of injuries in a best-of-five-set tournament.
"Just simply not possible, pointless," argued one critic online. "Too many injury occurrences... Basically they get a whole load of engagement and give nothing back in return." Another added, "They could offer $1trillion, nobody will ever guess 127 matches correctly. What a joke." A third predicted, "Seriously, why even bother? Everyone will be eliminated before the end of round one."
Prominent tennis journalist Ben Rothenburg echoed the sentiment regarding the challenge's impossibility but also took issue with the organisers' choice of partner. "Do not love Tennis Australia partnering with a crypto company to promote a prize that is truly impossible for anyone to win," he wrote on X.
Mixed Reactions and Gambling Concerns
Not all responses were negative. Some fans saw it as a harmless bit of fun. "For many, it's nice to create a bracket and see how well you can do," one person replied to Rothenburg. "No-one is losing money, plus it makes it more fun to watch. We need bracket challenges for every tournament," wrote another.
However, the controversy has extended beyond the prize's feasibility. Some critics have called for Victoria's Gaming Authority to scrutinise the promotion, while others suggested it typifies Australia's pervasive gambling culture. The partnership with a cryptocurrency firm has also raised eyebrows in an era of increased regulatory scrutiny of crypto advertising.
As the debate rages, all eyes will be on Melbourne Park in 2026. Will a fan miraculously predict every twist, turn, and upset, or will the $10 million prize fund remain untouched, as so many believe is inevitable? Tennis Australia and Nexo were contacted for comment on the widespread criticism.
