The 2023 John H. Watson Society Treasure Hunt is over and it was the closest contest in many years. Entries were received from around the world including Canada, Australia and France.
The overall and individual US champion, once again, was Michael Ellis of Plymouth, Michigan who answered all questions correctly, except one, for 198 points. He was one of only four contestants whocorrectly solved the dreaded cipher. Ellis is a multiple champion who was edged out for first place last year by Stephen Mason and Todd Winegar (each getting 181 points) who fell to a tie for fourth place.
Paul Thomas Miller solved the cipher and won the International individual championship with 189 points, edging Enrico Solito (182).
The US team championship went to the Sound of the Baskervilles from Seattle, Washington, who scored 192 points and were comprised of Cameron Brandon, Margie Deck, Nancy Holder, Naching Kassa and David Merrell. They correctly solved the cipher, too, as did the Maughan Family (Carrie, Michael, and Caitlyn) from Canada (175). The US team of Brad Keefauver, Sandy Kozinn and Madeline Quinones finished second with 185 points.
The International team champions, La Fayette (182), came from France and were comprised of Daniel Henocq, Léandre Helbecque, Nicolas Maurel-Lalague, Florence Turenne, Anne du Ranquet, Thomas Bataillon (age 12), Véronique Chapperon and Thierry Saint-Joanis (Tristan JHWS).
Here are the top scorers:
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Michael Ellis 198 US Champion
Paul Thomas Miller 189 International Champion
Enrico Solito 182
Steve Mason 181
Todd Winegar 181
Mark Doyle 180
Johanna Freeman 178
Ellie Lo 175
TEAM LEADERS
Sound of the Baskervilles 192 US Champions
Keefauver, Quinones, Kozinn 185
La Fayette 182 International Champions
The Maugham Family 175
Corrected answers were e-mailed to all participants. Congratulations to all who participated.
Thank you very much for your hard work. It has been funny.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants. Everyone is a winner who participated.
A wonderful and fun way to keep the memory of The Master Green.