Share
For some, texting is a form of quick and convenient mobile communication, for others it’s a bastardisation of modern language, but for 15-year-old teenager Kate Moore it’s a carefully honed skill that recently bagged her a considerable amount of prize money.
Quick thumbs only need apply. Image: LG U.S. Texting Championship.
Specifically, young Miss Moore of Des Moines, Iowa, beat out the competition of 250,000 other quick-thumbed combatants during Tuesday’s LG National Texting Championship in New York, which secured her a purse of $50,000 USD.
Beyond merely hammering out speedy messages against the clock, the championship contestants were whittled down through a series of challenging tests, which involved texting while blindfolded, answering questions related to text message acronyms, and even tackling an obstacle course while inputting.
During one particularly challenging bout called ‘The Pressure Cooker’ contestants were tasked with attempting to correctly type in tongue twisters while being physically distracted by actors dressed as emoticons.
According to CNN, one of Moore’s direct rivals fell by the wayside when she failed to correctly text “Which wicked witch wished which wicked wish?” as a trash-talking emoticon espoused a tirade of verbal abuse regarding her sister.
Deciding the contest’s ultimate winner came down to a best-of-three input battle against the clock between Kate Moore and fellow 14-year-old ‘textpert’ Dynda Morgan of Savannah, Georgia – with all the massive texts predetermined by the competition judges.
Taken down to the wire, Moore eventually emerged as the victor after beating her opponent to the punch while tapping in “Zippitty Dooo Dahh Zippity Ayy…MY oh MY, what a wonderful day! Plenty of sunshine Comin’ my way….Zippitty Do Dah Zippity Aay! Wonderful Feeling Wonderful Day!”
For all those wondering how best to emulate the new LG National Texting champion, and perhaps steal her crown, Miss Moore apparently fires off up to 500 texts every day, which is an average of 12,000 every month.
The Tech Herald: Virginia teens busted for phone 'sexting'
The Tech Herald: Teen faces prosecution for sharing nude mobile photos
Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter.
Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group.
Interested in a more interactive TTH? Join our Facebook Group Want regular updates from The Tech Herald? Follow us on Twitter
Advertising
Comment on this Story