Sherwood, Ark. – The Vortex Arcade once again became the stage for a historic arcade showdown as native son Wes Copeland captured the Kong Klash 16 Donkey Kong tournament. Copeland, who grew up in Bismarck, Arkansas, first entered the competition years ago after arcade owner Dan Solis urged him to try the beginner division. He finished last, but within three months he mastered the game’s strategic layers and began setting world‑record scores.
From Beginner to World‑Record Holder
Over an 18‑month stretch Copeland posted scores exceeding one million points and set four official world records. He attributes his success to treating Donkey Kong like a game of chess – anticipating moves, plotting each screen, and making calculated decisions rather than relying on luck.
Kong Klash 16 Highlights
The latest Kong Klash tournament gathered top players for two days of intense head‑to‑head play. Tournament director Les Kaufman noted the dedication required, saying participants “have to sit there and be able to dedicate hours at a time on a regular basis.” Copeland, now a software engineer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, returned to Sherwood for the event and posted a winning score of more than 957,000 points.
“Part of being in the Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods mindset is realizing you’re also an entertainer,” Copeland said, emphasizing the responsibility to perform well for the audience.
Community Impact
Arcade owner Dan Solis expressed his pride in the event, adding, “I’d be excited for a world record, but I really want to see everybody have a fantastic time and do their best.” The tournament not only highlighted the competitive spirit of classic arcade gaming but also reinforced Sherwood’s reputation as a hub for dedicated gamers.
Copeland credited the Vortex Arcade as the launchpad for his career, stating, “It all started right here in the Vortex Arcade in Sherwood, Arkansas.” His victory underscores the enduring appeal of Donkey Kong and the vibrant local gaming community.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
