Norwegian, Bjorn Halvard Knappskog, just won the 2009 Monopoly Championship in Las Vegas. According to the AFP article, "Norwegian passes go to win world Monopoly crown" by By Steve Friess, Friess states "Knappskog bankrupted the American, Russian and New Zealand champions in the finale after two days of horse-trading to become the youngest-ever title holder."
The Norwegian student was the winner out of 41 Monopoly players. Knappskog is one of only 12 Monopoly Champions since 1973, this being the first world championship. Each of the contestants had won championships in their home countries to qualify to compete for this international competition.
The tournament was sponsored by Hasbro, who makes Monopoly, and the last championship crown was awarded five years ago, in 2004 in Tokyo. Caesar's Palace held the monopoly tournament in a banquet room with hundreds of observers. Even the Monopoly mascot Mr. Monopoly, wearng a top hat and tails, was in attendance.
Each contestant received an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas, and without touching the slots, Knappskog went home with $20,580, his championship winnings. The rent for North Carolina Avenue broke the bank on Knappskog's final opponent, who was from New Zealand. According to the Los Angeles Times October 23, 2009 article, "19-year-old Norway student wins Monopoly World Championship in Las Vegas; takes home $20,580" by Oskar Garcia, Knappskog ended the game with only $6,888 in cash and assets.
The winnings may seem like an odd amount, but there is a logical reason; it is the total amount of play money provided in a standard Monopoly game!
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Comments
Great work as usual!
Wow...I never even knew there was a Monopoly championship...very cool!
I'd like to know how long they played. I know an average game takes up about two hours (or more) in this house.
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