Ask the Bracketologist: Joe Lunardi diagnoses ‘Bracketbrain’ as ESPN Tournament Challenge tips off

As fans gear up to enter the ESPN Tournament Challenge and fill out their brackets, Front Row caught up with ESPN’s Bracketologist – and the face of ESPN’s new Bracketbrain campaign – Joe Lunardi.

“Dr. Lunardi” offers advice for fans chasing the elusive perfect bracket while diagnosing the familiar March condition known as Bracketbrain.

Both the Women’s and Men’s ESPN Tournament Challenge games are now open, giving fans the chance to create entries and join or start groups. Last year, ESPN Tournament Challenge set an all-time record with 24.4 million brackets, marking the third consecutive year of growth and a 10 percent increase over 2024’s previous high.

Fans can also catch Lunardi throughout ESPN’s wall-to-wall Selection Sunday coverage this weekend, as ESPN delivers comprehensive analysis, reaction, and insight across its networks – setting the stage for another unforgettable March Madness.