The Overall results are in for the Bidders Challenge 2022. Thanks to the thousands of you who took part over the course of the year, and for making the competition such a close run thing.

Special congratulations go to the players who made the podium!

Alexander Cook, who tied for the lead in the monthly competition with 79/80 in both of the last two months this year, ensures that none of the chasing pack can catch him, and he is the worthy winner of the 2022 annual competition. Alexander would also have led the pack if all 12 scores counted, totaling 863 (an impressive average of 71.9/80), just ahead of Francois Duffour, whose total of 860 means that he averaged 71.7. Indeed, it is a testament to the high quality of bidders entering this competition that three other players (Dave, Hanoi and Ian) also averaged 70/80 or higher over the 12 months.

The Top 10 all average more than 70/80 counting just their best nine scores. Particular kudos to Douglas, who makes the Top 10 despite missing two months.

With 70/80 this month, the front-runner throughout much of the year, Francois, does enough to hold on to second place, whilst Peter Law, who has twice scored a perfect 80/80 in the competition, leapfrogs those just ahead of him to claim the last place on the podium. Bad luck to last year’s bronze medalist, Dave, who misses a second podium finish by just one point.

It is worth noting that all of the top three from the 2021 competition finished in the top seven this year, along with Ian, who again just misses out, finishing in sixth place for the second consecutive year (actually up to fifth equal this year). Douglas also records a second consecutive Top 10 finish. Having been the leading North American last year, he is the leading USA player, with Canadian Ian the other North American in the Top 10.

Truly a worldwide competition, the Top 10 includes two North Americans, three Europeans, two Asians, two from Oceania, and one from South America. Come on Africa – if we can get an African into the Top 10 next year, we will then be truly global, covering all six occupied continents.

I suspect that all of the Top 10 will be competing for the top spots again in 2023. With more than 3,500 entries each month towards the back end of this year, perhaps there will be even more players who will join them to contest the 2023 title.

The Annual Leaderboard

You need a running total of 495 (an average of 55 of more) to make the annual competition leader-board. Congratulations on scoring consistently well throughout the year to everyone who makes the leader-board!