January 20, 2004

By: Ross Mak
Website: http://www.1st-in-toys.com

All Aboard! 2003 National Monopoly Championship Takes a Ride on the Reading

Pass Go and collect $15,140. Forty-eight U.S. contestants are playing to own it all on board a chartered Amtrak train, entitled the Reading Railroad, as the 2003 National MONOPOLY Championship takes to the rails. First held in 1973, this year's competition marks the first time the National Championship takes place aboard a moving train. Reminiscent of a whistle stop tour, the train will be making multiple stops as it travels from Chicago to Atlantic City for the final competition. Mr. MONOPOLY christened the ceremonial train and to wished the players good luck on their historic and competitive journey.

The players will compete for the opportunity to represent the U.S. in the 2004 World MONOPOLY Championship along with a $15,140 cash prize, the amount of money included in a standard MONOPOLY game. All elimination rounds will take place on the train, which will make stops at Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Station, Washington, D.C.'s Union Station and Philadelphia's Train Station. The Championship finals will be held on October 18th in the city that inspired MONOPOLY - Atlantic City - at Harrah's Showboat & Casino located on the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk.

We are thrilled to ride the tracks for the 2003 National MONOPOLY Championship as the train ties back to the most popular and strategic properties from the MONOPOLY game, said Frank Bifulco, President, U.S. Games for Hasbro. It's going to be an exciting tournament and we're looking forward to the final competition in Atlantic City, the place that inspired it all.

In order to qualify for the championship, MONOPOLY enthusiasts either competed in a previous National Championship or scored 90 percent or higher on an on-line MONOPOLY quiz that tested their game-playing savvy and knowledge of MONOPOLY lore.

The four players with the highest point totals from the three preliminary rounds will compete in the finals in Atlantic City. In addition to the grand prize, other prizes will be awarded as follows: second place: $5,000, third place: $2,500, fourth place: $1,000.

Phil Orbanes, author of The Monopoly Companion will serve as Chief Judge and representatives from Citibank, the official bank of the 2003 Monopoly National Tournament, will act as bankers during the tournament.

The last National MONOPOLY Championship was held in 1999 in Las Vegas when Matt Gissel of St. Albans, Vt., claimed the title. Matt will be returning this year seeking to own it all one more time. However, this time, he's going to have to compete against his dad, the very man who taught him to play when he was nine.

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About The Author:

Ross Mak is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com.  Find all the toys you wish you had as a kid. Fun and educational toys found here.