The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters 2007

LIFE Magazine Photoshoot

In 1982, LIFE Magazine brought together the top gamers of the time for a significant photoshoot. This event highlighted the gaming culture of the era and featured Billy Mitchell among the invitees, who would later gain fame as the Gamer of the Century.

Billy Mitchell Sets Record

During the photoshoot, Billy Mitchell, already the World Record holder for Centipede, showcased his skills on Donkey Kong. He scored an astonishing 874,300 points, a record that many believed would stand the test of time and be unbreakable.

Steve Wiebe's Journey Begins

In 2003, after losing his job at Boeing, Steve Wiebe turned to Donkey Kong as a source of comfort. He discovered Billy Mitchell's record online and felt motivated to challenge it, sparking a competitive fire within him.

Steve Wiebe's Dedication

Determined to break the record, Steve began to dedicate his nights to perfecting his Donkey Kong skills. He practiced tirelessly after his family went to bed, showing both his commitment and passion for the game.

Steve Breaks the Record

After months of intense practice, Steve Wiebe achieved a groundbreaking milestone. He scored 1,000,000 points in Donkey Kong, surpassing Billy Mitchell's long-standing record and accomplishing what many thought impossible.

Media Attention

Following his record-breaking performance, media outlets quickly took notice of Steve Wiebe. He became a local celebrity in Seattle, bringing him recognition and admiration from those around him as he embraced his newfound fame.

Rediscovering Teaching

As his popularity grew, Steve also rekindled his passion for teaching. This renewed focus on his profession helped him regain the respect of former colleagues and reinforced his sense of identity beyond gaming.

Billy Mitchell's Response

In response to Steve Wiebe's impressive achievements, Billy Mitchell began devising a strategy to reclaim his Donkey Kong title. His actions set the stage for a fierce rivalry that would ignite the competitive gaming scene.

The Cross-Country Duel

In the months that followed, Steve and Billy engaged in a highly publicized competition to achieve the highest score possible. Their rivalry was not just about the records but also about personal pride and redemption.

Aiming for the Guinness World Records

Both competitors aimed to ensure their scores were validated and included in the 2007 Guinness World Records book. This goal intensified their competition and highlighted the significance of recognition in the gaming world.

Lessons Learned

Throughout their competition, both men discovered important lessons about family, commitment, and integrity. Their journey illustrated that true victory comes not just in winning, but in personal growth and values.