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 Vause            Bound Brook, NJ

"Today proved to be an on-the-edge-of-your-seat competition, bringing together players from across the country to show off their MONOPOLY([R]) strategies and knowledge in the MONOPOLY([R]): The Mega Edition tournament," said Phil E. Orbanes Sr., founder of Winning Moves Games, tournament judge and author of, MONOPOLY([R]): The World's Most Famous Game - And How it Got That Way. "The nostalgic feeling of hosting the event in Atlantic City also added to the excitement and theme of the day."

Contestants qualified for the championship by scoring 100% on an online MONOPOLY([R]) quiz that challenged their knowledge of the traditional game and by answering an essay question. Seven hundred thousand people were given the opportunity to compete via an email blast, and the finalists were eventually narrowed down to seven, plus one additional contestant who was selected through a drawing in Atlantic City.

About MONOPOLY([R]): The Mega Edition Game

The new massive game board has 12 additional spaces, including seven states, and now players can build skyscrapers to collect even more rent. The revolutionary Speed Die is included to speed up game play...a new take on the classic! MONOPOLY([R]): The Mega Edition game is designed for two to eight players and is recommended for players ages 8 and above.

About Winning Moves Games

Winning Moves Games creates original and classic card and board games for all ages. For more classic, retro, cool fun, visit www.winning-moves.com.

The HASBRO, PARKER BROTHERS and MONOPOLY names and logos, as well as the distinctive design of the gameboard, the four corner squares, the MR. MONOPOLY name and character, OWN IT ALL, and each of the distinctive elements of the board and playing pieces are trademarks of Hasbro, for its property trading game and game equipment.

(c) 2007 Hasbro, Pawtucket, RI 02862. All Rights Reserved. TM & [R] denote U.S. Trademarks.