Exclusive Report! Steve Wiebe Goes For Donkey Kong World Record

By George 'El Guapo' Roush on July 18, 2008

Last night I went to a social networking event party thrown by Twiistup at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica. I didn't actually go for the social networking part because I don't like things that are social and I hate networking. Actually I hate people in general. No, I went because the big draw of the event was Steve Wiebe was going to officially go for the World Record in Donkey Kong, taking back the title he once held. I am a HUGE HUGE lover of classic arcade games and I couldn't miss this event.

In the center of one room was Steve playing Donkey Kong surrounded by tons of onlookers and classic arcade games. Outside were tables showing off the newest social networking sites, but it was in this room where I spent most of my time.

If you've never seen the 'documentary' The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, here's how it breaks down:

On July 13th, 1982 Billy Mitchell scores 874,300 on Donkey Kong offically making him the world record holder.

On August 17th, 2000 not mentioned in the documentary, game player Tim Sczerby scored 879,200 points to become the DK champion and knock Billy off of his throne.

On June 30th 2003, Steve Wiebe scores 947,200 points and submits the score via videotape to Twin Galaxies. Twin Galaxies main referee and founder Walter Day says the score is official despite being recorded on a "Double" Donkey Kong board. (Double meaning Donkey Kong Jr. was also playable)

After so much back and forth madness (chronicled on this easy to follow website) the high score kept changing hands and being disputed.

On June 3rd, 2005 Steve Wiebe scored 985,600 live at Funspot reclaiming the title.

January 6th, 2006 Billy Mitchell's video taped submitted score of 1,047,200 in 2005 is accepted. Billy is now the world record holder.

August 29th, 2006 Steve Wiebe submits a taped score of 1,049,100 to Twin Galaxies and verified on March 23rd, 2007.

July 13th, 2007 Billy Mitchell reclaims his title live at a Flordia Mortgage Bankers meeting with a top score of 1,050,200 points.

Interesting facts about the film can be found HERE.

Only 1,100 points separate two of the world's best. Steve Wiebe has attempted to try and break the record since. Last night was an official Guinness world record attempt with Walter Day present to observe and record the attempts.

Unfortunately Steve didn't do it. His first attempt he only scored 340,500.

His 2nd attempt only marginally better at 466,100.

After talking to him for a bit, Steve wasn't going to make excuses for his poor performance but I will. The room he was playing in had to have been 90 degrees in there. I was sweating like crazy and I don't even know how the guy could breathe with so much heat, and so many people flashing camera lights in his face. Not too mention the game screen kept flickering and going in an out because the hotel's power was all screwed up when they had so many classic arcade games in one room.

Still, I felt bad for Steve. I've met him twice now. The first time was an event in Westwood celebrating the DVD release of King of Kong. It was at this event I kicked every journalist's ass in a contest and scored over 30,000 points in Donkey Kong in 5 minutes. Steve handed me my first place prize (a bunch of dvd's) and we chatted for a bit. He really is as nice in person as he is depicted in the film. I have nothing against Billy Mitchell (who I'm sure is also a nice guy) but I hope Steve can one day reclaim the world record.


Score points when you e-mail: george@latinoreview.com

Source:Latinoreview

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