A Contest in the Making:
The Nintendo World Championship of 1990 had made its debut in Dallas, Texas, from March 8 through March 11. From Dallas, the contest moved to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and various other cities across the United State. Content finalists would later compete at Hollywood Universal Studios in the final competition.
Things to See, Things to Do:
The Nintendo World Championships was a dream comes true for gamers. There was tons of entertainment at the convention. Taking a stroll through Nintendo's "power walk" allowed gamers to check out some of the upcoming Nintendo hits. Games being displayed included Final Fantasy, Solstice, Castlevania III, Crystalis, and Super Mario Bros. 3. Super Mario Bros. 3 would later become one of the best-selling Nintendo games of all time. The convention also offered kiosks featuring some of the latest Gameboy software.
When gamers got tired of trying out the latest games, they could take a break by participating in some of the other Nintendo activities. There was a marked off section in the complex where game counselors provided gamers with hints and codes. These counselors and "celebrities" were more than happy to give you their autographs. Another section of the center was allotted where kids could create their own rap music video. Kids would lip-synch a rap song on a set filled with many of the familiar Nintendo characters. I have to wonder how many of the kids actually got up the nerve to participate in this activity.
Let's Go Home Son:
While designing up the Nintendo World Championship event, Nintendo was wise enough to provide a special section for parents. This section of the convention center was filled with some of Nintendo's sports and game show titles. However, many of the parents were more interested in watching their sons/daughters compete in the championship tournament.
Time to Compete:
The most exciting part of the Nintendo World Championship was the competition. For the competition, Nintendo designed a special triathlon cartridge. This cartridge featured "edited" versions of Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris. The games were tweaked so that it was impossible to lose. Nintendo also threw in a few special NWC scenes for good measure.
The rules for the competition were as follows:
-Collect 50 coins in Super Mario Bros.
-Complete one lap in Rad Racer.
-Play Tetris.
Gamers had 6 minutes and 21 seconds to complete the three tasks above, while scoring good scores. The competition was also broken up into three age groups, as follows:
-11 and younger
-12 through 17
-18 and older
To qualify for the quarter-finals, gamers had to score over a pre-determined number of points in the competition. Winning quarter-finalists would then be invited back for the semi-finals which narrowed the amount of competitors down to seven for each age group. These seven would participate in the finals. The three winners of each city (one from each age group) would then be invited back to participate in the national finals in December, 1990.
The Flaws:
Flaw #1:
Gamers could participate in as many of these conventions as they desired. For example, a gamer that lost in the Dallas competition could later compete in the Chicago or Detroit competitions. This tactic gave some competitors a slight advantage over others.
Flaw #2:
Gamers were forced to compete standing up! I don't know about you, but standing up to play videogames sounds very uncomfortable. Maybe the excitement was so intense that the gamers forgot that they were standing?
The Finalists:
Below is a list of finalists for each age group. Unfortunately, I do not have a list of all 30 for each age group, so there are a few gaps in this list.
Finalists Ages 11 and Under
Finalists Ages 12 Through 17
| Name: |
City: |
State: |
| Thor Aackerlund |
Houston |
Texas |
| Rich Ambler |
Tampa Bay |
Florida |
| Jeff Bender |
- |
- |
| Rob Bianco |
New York City |
New York |
| Jeff Falco |
- |
- |
| Jason Hagg |
- |
- |
| Robin Mahara |
- |
- |
| Jason Orlando |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
| Kenny Welch |
- |
- |
| Nick Wietlisbach |
- |
- |
Finalists Ages 18 and Above
The Final Stretch:
The final competition was originally scheduled to be held at Universal Studios in Florida. However, in September or October the finalists received letters stating that the final competition location was changed to Hollywood Universal Studios. December came and the lucky contestants traipsed over to Hollywood Universal Studios. There would only be one winner from each age group.
By the end of the day, the outcome was known. Jeff Hanson won the 11 and under category, Thor Aackerlund the 12 through 17 category, and Bob Whiteman was the third winner, winning the 18 and over category.
The Aftermath:
Everyone who participated in the Nintendo World Championship was a winner (in one way or another). All 90 finalists were given copies of the triathlon cartridge. The finalists also received trophies. Even if you didn't win it big, you still made out.
Everyone who went to the competition recieved a Nintendo World Championship Insider's Guide. Within the guide there was a mail-order form for a Nintendo World Championships patch. Besides, when you left the competition you also got a plush Mario or Luigi doll. That makes everyone a winner.
Collector Mania:
Below are some pictures of the famed Nintendo World Championship cartridges. These carts are very collectable, they sell for $1000+ on Ebay. This price seems to have been steady for the past several years.
Personal Stories:
I was never in the Nintendo World Championship event, unfortunately. However, here are some stories that others have been kind enough to write talking about their experience at the competition. If you have a story that you wish to share, please send it in.
Inside the NWC Booklet:
Interview With Ben Smith, Nintendo Game Play Counselor:
Conclusion:
Despite its flaws, everyone seemed to enjoy the Nintendo World Championships. Nintendo sponsored a few smaller competitions years later (Campus Challenge, Star Force, Donkey Kong Country), though none seem to be as memorable as the NWC of 1990. This contest will always remain to be a unique part of Nintendo history.
Special Thanks:
I would like to thank Thor Aackerlund, Rich Ambler, Rob Budrick, Justin Grant, Kevin Nelson, Greg Polander, Nick Ross, Nick Wietlisbach and Bob Whiteman for their help with this article. I would also like to thank Danny (Darth Vader) and Dave for the picture of the Nintendo World Championship circuit board, Jive3D for the picture of the free Mario and Luigi dolls and Geddon for the picture of the hat. Last but not least, I would like to mention that the images from the event (and the images of some of the finalists) were taken from Nintendo Power magzine issues #18 and July/August 1990. The other Nintendo World Championship cartridge pictures were grabbed off Ebay by various sellers...I do not remember who had sold them. However, if the seller sees this, please write in and I will gladly credit you. Thanks everyone.
