First American wins World Conker Championships

A woman who only discovered the game of conkers a year ago has become the first American to be crowned world champion.
Kelci Banschbach, originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, was overall winner of the World Conker Championships, held in Southwick, Northamptonshire.

The 34-year-old – the first American to clinch the title since the competition started in 1965 – received a trophy, a tea towel and a coaster.

She said: “[My parents] were a little confused when I had to explain what I was doing, but they’re so proud none-the-less.”

Ms Banschbach moved to Suffolk two years ago for her work, and discovered conkers last year.
She said: “There are quite a few trees in the Mildenhall area, where I’m residing.
“I had googled what the name of these nuts were, because they’re everywhere on the sidewalks.”
After playing the game with colleagues, she discovered the annual world championships were held “in a lovely little village” – and she decided to go along.

The new champion added: “I didn’t intend to register as a competitor, [a friend] ended up competing – so I ended up putting my name in there as well.

“It’s very nerve-wracking, everyone is watching you. It’s quite a large crowd if I’m honest.

“I was hearing heckling from some people, so I wanted to prove them wrong.”

The World Conker Championships first took place in Ashton, Northamptonshire, in 1965, but moved to a larger venue in 2009 because of the growing number of players and spectators.

It has raised £420,000 for charities that support the visually impaired.

After becoming the female champion, she was crowned “Queen Conker”, and had to defeat “King Conker” to become overall champion.

A statement from the championships said: “Congratulations to all the competitors, both in the adult and junior events.

“Our overall champion, Kelci Banschbach, is our first American Queen Conker and David Jakins, previous finalist and long-standing committee member, very much deserves his King Conker title.”