The number one Conker is crowned! Woman, 28, wins world championship title after never having played a game before

Published: 01:19 BST, 12 October 2026 | Updated: 01:21 BST, 12 October 2026

A 28-year-old woman has been declared the new World Conker Champion – despite having supposedly never played a single game in her life.

Frankie Hooper, from London, defeated men's winner Simon Griffiths at the Grand Final and former champion Fee Aylmore at the Women's Final on Sunday.

Ms Hooper said: 'I've not played conkers before, and certainly not entered a conker competition ever before and so this is amazing! 

'I'm dressed as a tiger, because my boyfriend supports Leicester Tigers.'

Representatives from around ten countries including Japan and Germany took part in the 59th competition at Southwick near Oundle in Northamptonshire – with the 256 places in the adult contest selling out 'well in advance'.

Around 100 junior competitors also played, with up to 2,000 people attending.

Runner-up Mr Griffiths, from Stamford, said: 'My wife is never going to hear the end of it... I am going to change my name I think.'

Fee Aylmore, who narrowly missed out on the Women's Final title was crowned the new ceremonial Queen Conker mascot – taking over from her father, recently-retired King Conker, David Jakins.

Frankie Hooper has been declared the new World Conker Champion. She is seen here with her trophy

Ms Hooper defeated Open World Champion Simon Griffiths at the Grand Final and former champion Fee Aylmore at the Women's Final on Sunday. They are seen here competing

Two participants are seen swinging conkers during the tournament while officials watch on in high vis vests

Ms Aylmore said: 'It's been a great honour to take over this role from my dad, and I've had a marvellous day. It's a big responsibility being the mascot for such a well–known event.'

David Jakins, 84, caused a stir two years ago when the tournament was hit by an alleged cheating scandal – as he was found with a dummy steel horse chestnut.

Mr Jakins won his quarter and semi-final in one strike – almost unheard of in the game – clinching the men's title in a surprise run to victory at the 46th attempt after competing annually since 1977.

He eventually lost in the grand final to first-time competitor Kelci Banschbach, 34, from Indianapolis in Indiana – who became the first American to clinch the title since it began in 1965.

But when retired engineer Mr Jakins was searched after the annual event in Southwick he was found to have a steel conker, shaped and painted to look real, and threaded on an identical lace, concealed in a pocket.

Amid further allegations of a 'fix', Mr Jakins was also the tournament's top judge – known as King Conker – who drilled and inserted strings in other competitors' chestnuts.

Mr Jakins denied cheating and claimed he carried around his steel conker for 'humour value', insisting he never used it during the contest.

Around 100 junior competitors also played, with up to 2,000 people attending. Two boys are seen here competing

Two ladies are pictured competing during the contest - which attracted competitors from all corners of the globe

A woman holds out her conquer as she competes in the 59th annual Conquer World Championships

One contender dressed as a hen is seen holding out her conker as another competitor takes aim

Frankie Hooper is pictured here alongside men's winner Simon Griffith as they accepted trophies for their achievements

'I'm dressed as a tiger, because my boyfriend supports Leicester Tigers', Ms Hooper said on Sunday

Tournament organisers also ruled out any foul play.

Speaking on this year's tournament, organiser John Burkett said: 'This has been a wonderful sunny day with a fantastic competition amongst some very serious – and some not–so–serious players. 

'I particularly enjoyed seeing some of the fancy dress, such as the many players dressed as Noah and the animals in his Ark. 

'I'd like to thank all of our sponsors, including Allica Bank, Harrowden Turf and Solovair Shoes, as this enables us to put on a lovely day's event for people to come to, and to add to our total for blind and partially–sighted organisations and individuals, currently, we have raised half a million pounds.'

Mr Burkett said next year would mark the contest's 'big 60th event celebrations' – with the tournament due to commence on a Monday.