Born: 1925
Died: 2006
Biography:
Doris Self (September 18, 1925 – October 3, 2006) was a video game competitor who gained recognition in the 1980s as the world’s oldest video game champion. Born in 1925, Self’s passion for gaming began later in life, making her achievements all the more remarkable. She was an inspiration to gamers of all ages and played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of video game competitions.
Self made video game history on July 1, 1984, when, at the age of 58, she became the world’s oldest video game champion. Her outstanding performance on the arcade game Q*bert at Twin Galaxies’ 1984 Video Game Masters Tournament catapulted her to fame. Self scored a world record mark of 1,112,300 points on Twin Galaxies’ Tournament Settings (TGTS), which were known to be the most difficult settings allowing only five lives in the game. Her achievement showcased her exceptional skills and cemented her place in video game history.
In 2005, Self ventured to London to continue her quest to regain the Q*bert World Record. She was an esteemed participant at the Classic Gaming Expo-UK held in Croydon, United Kingdom on Saturday, August 13, 2005. Her presence at the event highlighted her enduring dedication to gaming and the admiration she garnered from the gaming community.
Throughout her career, Self was not just a competitor but also a respected honorary member of the U.S. National Video Game Team. Her passion for video games extended beyond individual achievements. On August 15, 2005, along with a contingent of gamers, she traveled to Paris, France, on Napoleon’s birthday. Their mission was to present an 8-foot-tall proclamation signed by hundreds of British players, challenging Paris to a London vs. Paris video game championship. This gesture showcased Self’s role as an ambassador for the gaming community and her desire to foster friendly competition on an international level.
Self’s dedication to video gaming was captured in the documentary film The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. The film documented her quest to regain the title of the oldest champion from John Lawton, the co-founder of the Funspot Family Fun Center in Weirs Beach, New Hampshire, who had secured the world title on Depthcharge. Her story in the documentary showcased her determination and resilience, inspiring countless gamers around the world.
Doris Self’s contributions to the world of video gaming extended beyond her individual accomplishments. Her unwavering passion, skill, and competitive spirit broke barriers and shattered stereotypes. She paved the way for older generations to embrace video games as a legitimate form of entertainment and competition. Self’s impact on the gaming community and her role in women’s history as a trailblazing female video game champion will forever be remembered.
Awards:
– Recognized as the world’s oldest video game competitor in the Guinness World Records (2007).