The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Year: 2007

Runtime: 79 min

Language: English

Director: Seth Gordon

SportDocumentary

This documentary follows the intense competition between Billy Mitchell and Steve Wiebe as they vie for the world record in the classic arcade game "Donkey Kong." Their pursuit of the coveted title takes them across the country, pushing their skills and rivalry to the limit. The film explores the dedication, obsession, and personal stakes involved in chasing a seemingly simple high score, revealing a surprising world of arcade gaming and fierce competition.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

Trace every key event in The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

LIFE Magazine Photoshoot

In 1982, LIFE Magazine brought together the top gamers of the time for a significant photoshoot. This event highlighted the gaming culture of the era and featured Billy Mitchell among the invitees, who would later gain fame as the Gamer of the Century.

1982
2

Billy Mitchell Sets Record

During the photoshoot, Billy Mitchell, already the World Record holder for Centipede, showcased his skills on Donkey Kong. He scored an astonishing 874,300 points, a record that many believed would stand the test of time and be unbreakable.

1982
3

Steve Wiebe's Journey Begins

In 2003, after losing his job at Boeing, Steve Wiebe turned to Donkey Kong as a source of comfort. He discovered Billy Mitchell's record online and felt motivated to challenge it, sparking a competitive fire within him.

2003 Seattle, WA
4

Steve Wiebe's Dedication

Determined to break the record, Steve began to dedicate his nights to perfecting his Donkey Kong skills. He practiced tirelessly after his family went to bed, showing both his commitment and passion for the game.

2003
5

Steve Breaks the Record

After months of intense practice, Steve Wiebe achieved a groundbreaking milestone. He scored 1,000,000 points in Donkey Kong, surpassing Billy Mitchell's long-standing record and accomplishing what many thought impossible.

2003
6

Media Attention

Following his record-breaking performance, media outlets quickly took notice of Steve Wiebe. He became a local celebrity in Seattle, bringing him recognition and admiration from those around him as he embraced his newfound fame.

2003 Seattle, WA
7

Rediscovering Teaching

As his popularity grew, Steve also rekindled his passion for teaching. This renewed focus on his profession helped him regain the respect of former colleagues and reinforced his sense of identity beyond gaming.

2003
8

Billy Mitchell's Response

In response to Steve Wiebe's impressive achievements, Billy Mitchell began devising a strategy to reclaim his Donkey Kong title. His actions set the stage for a fierce rivalry that would ignite the competitive gaming scene.

2003 Hollywood, FL
9

The Cross-Country Duel

In the months that followed, Steve and Billy engaged in a highly publicized competition to achieve the highest score possible. Their rivalry was not just about the records but also about personal pride and redemption.

2007
10

Aiming for the Guinness World Records

Both competitors aimed to ensure their scores were validated and included in the 2007 Guinness World Records book. This goal intensified their competition and highlighted the significance of recognition in the gaming world.

2007
11

Lessons Learned

Throughout their competition, both men discovered important lessons about family, commitment, and integrity. Their journey illustrated that true victory comes not just in winning, but in personal growth and values.

12

Legacy of the King of Kong

The intense rivalry between Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell culminated in the documentary film, 'The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters.' Their story resonated with audiences, portraying the vibrant culture of competitive gaming.

2007

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 18:09

Unlock the Full Story of The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Don't stop at just watching — explore The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

More About The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Similar Movies to The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

Discover movies like The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.