All I can say for Mr. pl: an appropriate quote from the Bible:
Matthew 23:12
"Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, but whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."

I'm in a pool-which must remain anonymous- $50 entry fee. Every week you pick one team to win. If they win you move on. If they lose you are out. Once you pick a team, you can never pick that team again. Winning pot is $80K. Two years ago I made it to week 7. Last year, out after week 2. Last year there was a tie - 4 winners split $80gs. Two years ago 1 guy walked away with all of it after week 14. He was the last guy left. Amazingly about 40% go out the first week. Talk about nailbiting.