Word from Japan and Famitsu, via a translation by N-Sider reader Samer, arrives news that the first Sudoku tournament was held where players competed using the Nintendo DS video game "Puzzle Series Vol.3 SUDOKU." The tournament was hosted in Akihabara, Tokyo, by Hudson, the game's developer and Nikori, a well-known puzzle magazine. Over a hundred people participated in several stages of the contest. The nomination stage lasted for an entire 45 minutes after which only the 10 highest scoring contestants qualified to move on. The finals were an additional 30 minutes of nail-biting before finally arriving with the top three scoring contestants. The winners each took home various prizes including a Nintendo DS Lite.
Over a hundred contestants test their Sudoku skills. Complete
silence is part of the rules.
The highest scoring players' screens were displayed in real-time
on a big screen while a Sudoku expert and a Nikori person
provided commentary to the crowds. [The speed with which
the numbers filled the boxes was unbelievable].
The three happy winners.