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Extreme Points and Large Contests

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  • Giovanni Valvassori Bolg`e

Abstract

In this paper, we characterize the extreme points of a class of multidimensional monotone functions. This result is then applied to large contests, where it provides a useful representation of optimal allocation rules under a broad class of distributional preferences of the contest designer. In contests with complete information, the representation significantly simplifies the characterization of the equilibria.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Valvassori Bolg`e, 2026. "Extreme Points and Large Contests," Papers 2601.19331, arXiv.org, revised Feb 2026.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2601.19331
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. David Lagziel & Ehud Lehrer, 2022. "Screening Dominance: A Comparison of Noisy Signals," American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 14(4), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Andreas Kleiner & Benny Moldovanu & Philipp Strack, 2021. "Extreme Points and Majorization: Economic Applications," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 89(4), pages 1557-1593, July.
    3. Ian Ball, 2023. "Bauer's Maximum Principle for Quasiconvex Functions," Papers 2305.04893, arXiv.org.
    4. Yaron Azrieli & Christopher P. Chambers, 2024. "Success functions in large contests," Papers 2403.07152, arXiv.org, revised May 2024.
    5. Kai Hao Yang & Alexander K. Zentefis, 2023. "Monotone Function Intervals: Theory and Applications," Papers 2302.03135, arXiv.org, revised Apr 2024.
    6. Frank Yang & Kai Hao Yang, 2025. "Multidimensional Monotonicity and Economic Applications," Papers 2502.18876, arXiv.org, revised Aug 2025.
    7. Letina, Igor & Liu, Shuo & Netzer, Nick, 2023. "Optimal contest design: Tuning the heat," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 213(C).
    8. Frank Yang & Kai Hao Yang, 2025. "Multidimensional Monotonicity and Economic Applications," Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers 2428R1, Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University.
    9. Kai Hao Yang & Alexander K. Zentefis, 2024. "Monotone Function Intervals: Theory and Applications," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 114(8), pages 2239-2270, August.
    10. Frank Yang & Kai Hao Yang, 2025. "Multidimensional Monotonicity and Economic Applications," Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers 2428, Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University.
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