That certainly does happen - indeed our tag line is "making data science a sport"... Like in all sports, there can be a stochastic element to who ends up winnin

That certainly does happen - indeed our tag line is "making data science a sport"... Like in all sports, there can be a stochastic element to who ends up winning! However, in private competitions (which is where the money is!) everyone selected to participate wins something. It's more like golf - make the cut, and you'll definitely make a few dollars, but the winner will take home the biggest prize.