MONOPOLY(R): The Mega Edition 2007 National Champion Crowned.

Tim Parachojuk of Beverly, MA Defeats Reigning MONOPOLY([R]) U.S. Champion in Bigger, Faster-Playing Mega Edition Tournament

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- The MONOPOLY([R]): The Mega Edition National Champion was crowned today in Atlantic City, NJ after buying properties, adding buildings and

collecting the most MONOPOLY([R]) money during a competition of the new fast-play MONOPOLY([R]) game by Winning Moves Games. Parachojuk (pronounced Para-chuck), 24-year old from Beverly, Mass. defeated four other contestants, including the reigning U.S. MONOPOLY([R]) champion, during the tournament finals to bring home the title of "national champion." Parachojuk was also awarded a $1,000 check and a skyscraper to signify new additions to the MONOPOLY([R]): The Mega Edition game.

Reigning MONOPOLY([R]) U.S. champion Matt McNally from Las Vegas, NV competed against finalists from seven states in an attempt to defend the national title. The finalists for the tournament were selected from the seven states unique to the MONOPOLY([R]): The Mega Edition game board: California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and South Carolina. The state names are also the names of streets and avenues in Atlantic City, the city that inspired the classic game.

"I'm so surprised to have won the championship with so many other skilled players in contention," said Parachojuk. "I have been playing Monopoly since I was a young child but I never thought I'd be crowned as the tournament winner; I'm excited!"

The championship kicked off with a semi-finals round in the morning and concluded with the top four finishers, along with McNally, advancing to the finals at the Pier Shops at Caesar's later in the day. Parachojuk was crowned the tournament winner, bankrupting the four other finalists. Because MONOPOLY([R]): The Mega Edition is a bigger and quick-playing version of the traditional game, the fast-paced tournament concluded in under 90 minutes.

Both Mr. Monopoly and Atlantic City mayor Bob Levy were on-hand to present Parachojuk with a check and trophy.

The runner's up in the finals were (in alphabetical order):

Name                  City, State

Matt McNally          Henderson, NV
John Poland           Easley, SC
Ryan Strickler        San Jose, CA
Judi