Backgammon on TV - Crowns Cup

The Crowns Cup introduced a unique TV format. Combining reality TV, lifestyle and a backgammon game show, the TV series was broadcast in Germany for 16 weeks since June 2007. Taglined "Ultimate Backgammon - Celebrate the Game" the show trailer promised 16 of the heaviest backgammon players in the world, a mysterious host, a secret location and $250,000 prize. In other words: the basic ingredients of an espionage novel.

It all begun with 16 of the world's top backgammon players (Mike Svobodny, Robert Wachtel and Leo Fernandez  were among them) received an invitation to participate in a private tournament with $150,000 guaranteed prize to the winner, $50,000 to the finalist, and $25,000 to each of the semi finalists. They all gathered around in a ruin-looking location and played one-on-one backgammon.

The Crown Cup was hosted by Mr. Hide who presents himself as one of the best backgammon players in the world (but actually acted by Australian actor Mark Lee). Each of the 16 episodes of the backgammon series lasted for 50 minutes, which, naturally mainly focused on the most dramatic and suspenseful moments in each game. Additionally, the show was crowned with backgammon tutorials and interesting facts about the backgammon game.

Following Crown Cup's success in Germany, the American version of the backgammon TV show is currently under production. The American Crowns Cup will be filmed in Las Vegas with 32 players and will offer $500,000 prize money.