From the “we-can’t-make-this-stuff-up” department comes the story of Syracuse University senior Andrea Farina. Farina is a world champion… in rock paper scissors. Yes, that rock paper scissors. The coin-flipping alternative used to decide who will take out the trash or carry the groceries.
Instead Farina made history. With the win she became the first woman, and the first American to win the RPS tournament that dates back to 2002.
Competitors travel from as far away as Australia and New Zealand for the chance to compete in Rock Paper Scissors’ most prestigious event, which, Farina told the Daily Orange, consists of plenty of alcohol and gamesmanship. Many of the participants even give themselves nicknames, and wear costumes.
Farina told me that she hasn’t played much RPS since her big win, but that she is challenged everyday. She also admits that she is getting a little taste of celebrity life, with media requests ranging from local papers like the Post Standard to national outlets like Sports Illustrated.
The attention Farina has received is just the latest example of Rock Paper Scissors’ growing popularity. According to SI.com, similar tournaments have aired on ESPN, and if the success of the World RPS Society is any indication, more attention to the ‘sport’ could be on the way.
Farina won the 2007 International Rock Papers Scissors Championships in Toronto last month, beating a field of 512 participants. And more important than the name Farina made for herself in the RPS community, is the $7,000 champion’s check she brought back to Syracuse. According to The Toronto Sun, Farina will use most of the money to pay student loans. Not bad for a girl who told me through e-mail that she went to Toronto without any expectations, and was just hoping not to embarrass herself.
Instead Farina made history. With the win she became the first woman, and the first American to win the RPS tournament that dates back to 2002.
Competitors travel from as far away as Australia and New Zealand for the chance to compete in Rock Paper Scissors’ most prestigious event, which, Farina told the Daily Orange, consists of plenty of alcohol and gamesmanship. Many of the participants even give themselves nicknames, and wear costumes.
Farina told me that she hasn’t played much RPS since her big win, but that she is challenged everyday. She also admits that she is getting a little taste of celebrity life, with media requests ranging from local papers like the Post Standard to national outlets like Sports Illustrated.
The attention Farina has received is just the latest example of Rock Paper Scissors’ growing popularity. According to SI.com, similar tournaments have aired on ESPN, and if the success of the World RPS Society is any indication, more attention to the ‘sport’ could be on the way.
This post was inspired from this article, available at www.sportsillustrated.com
1 comment:
quite interesting...who knew that there was a RPS "society"...weird stuff, but you did a good job of bringing the local angle into it...
Post a Comment