News Article  Nintendo Champ Puts Coveted Golden Mario Trophy Up
For Auction  Posted by Damien McFerran  Got a spare $300,000?
Way back in 1990, Thor Aackerlund saw off all challengers to
secure the Nintendo World Championships in the 12-17 category.
Now, over twenty years later, he's selling his one of a kind
trophy on eBay for an eye-watering $300,000.  Just in case
you're thinking that figure is a little high, it should also be
noted that included in the auction is the actual controller
Aackerlund used to win the contest.  Still not convinced? Well
allow the man himself to explain why these items are so darn
collectable:  The NWC (Nintendo World Championship) contest
stands easily as the largest video game contest in history,
filling the largest convention halls in cities from coast to
coast. It went on for 9 long months traveling the country before
culminating at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California. At
the finals the grand prize was a car, a TV, a savings bond, and
the golden Mario statue itself.