Second Annual Philadelphia Inquirer Sudoku National Championship 2008

Man Who Named Sudoku, Maki Kaji, To Be Honorary Guest at Championship

The Philadelphia Inquirer will host the second annual Philadelphia Inquirer Sudoku National Championship (www.philly.com/sudoku) at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on October 25, 2008. With the enormous success of the championship’s debut last year, The Inquirer will partner with world-renowned puzzle master Will Shortz to host the Championship for the second consecutive year.

The first year of the championship attracted 1,300 people, making it the largest puzzle competition in the world. Participants ranged in age from six to 86 years old and came from all across the country. Dubbed “the championship for everyone,” last year’s event attracted 150 experts, 442 intermediates and 265 beginners.

This year’s event will expand to include more puzzles, more prizes and more solving categories. There will also be more divisions in an effort to accurately match participants against others at their same skill level. Players of all levels, beginner to advanced, are encouraged to participate.

“In addition to working with Will Shortz for the second year, we are also thrilled to have Maki Kaji, President of Japanese puzzle giant Nikoli Inc. and the person who gave Sudoku its name, as this year’s Honorary Guest,” said Mr. Tierney. “To have the support of two of the most accomplished leaders in the puzzle world supporting our championship speaks to the quality of the event, and we look forward to bringing Sudoku enthusiasts together for years to come.”

The October tournament weekend will feature a welcome reception with fun puzzle games for serious and casual sudoku players, culminating in a one-day championship to crown the best sudoku players in multiple skill categories.

“It is exciting to watch this championship establish a strong reputation for itself among people in all solving categories,” said renowned puzzle master Will Shortz. “This year’s championship is going to be even more impressive offering more puzzles, more judges and more prizes. It is an event that promises fun for the entire family.”

“This is a great event not only for sudoku solvers, but also for the city of Philadelphia,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “I know that the championship will become a Philadelphia tradition that will attract many new and different visitors to our world class city each year.”