VPA student wins World Rock Paper Scissors Championship

VPA student wins World Rock Paper Scissors ChampionshipOctober 22, 2007Erica Blustesblust@syr.edu

Andrea Farina, a senior communications design major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ School of Art and Design, won the World Rock Paper Scissors (RPS) Championship held at the Steam Whistle Brewery in Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 13. She is the first American and first woman to win the competition, which is sponsored by the World RPS Society.

Farina beat more than 400 competitors to take home the trophy and $7,000 in prize money. Her final throw of paper beat the rock thrown by fellow American David Arnold of Washington, D.C., in the final match.

“How many people out there can say they’re the world champion of something?” says Farina. “It’s fascinating trying to get into people’s heads, and it’s great to be around so many other people who are having fun.”

“Andrea is a true champion and deserves the title of world’s best Rock Paper Scissors player,” says Graham Walker, championship director and event organizer. “We couldn’t be happier that the cash prize is going to someone who will put it toward their education.”

As the governing body of the sport of rock paper scissors, the World RPS Society helps to set the strategic direction of tournaments, conferences, symposiums and retreats across the globe. A documentary chronicling the society and the world championships recently took home the People’s Choice Award at the Calgary International Film Festival.

For more information about the World RPS Society, visit http://www.worldrps.com.