A Maida Vale woman has been crowned World Conker Champion after beating competitors from around the world while dressed as a tiger.
Frankie Hooper from Maida Vale, won both the women’s title and the overall championship at the annual competition in Northamptonshire. She entered as part of a group of friends who dressed as animals from Noah’s Ark.
The 28-year-old had to get through several rounds and face former champions before being crowd Queen of the Conkers 2026.
Competitors from around the world, including Japan and Germany, travelled to the village of Southwick for the event, which raises money for charities which aid the visually impaired.
She said: “I’ve done it for London.
“I’m feeling mainly confused, I’m not sure how this has happened and I am also very excited and happy to have won – it is just hilarious.”
Her team also won best fancy dress and her boyfriend Jonty Carr, also wearing a tiger suit, was crying with pride.
He said: “I am so ecstatic that she won, I’ve been coming here for eight years now, and it’s just unbelievable.
“To be honest I felt pretty sick watching her in the final but it is just amazing.”
The competition began in 1965 while women weren’t allowed to enter until 1988.
In 2024, the event went viral over accusations that a steel conker had been used by winner and former King Conker David Jakins. Organisers now use steel conker detectors and alarms, and make light of the controversy.
This year, the King Conker title has passed to organising committee chairman Jim Packer after Jakins stood down. Packer wants to see the game played at the Olympics.
Hopper agrees, she said: “I’ve never really won anything before and I think this is quite a serious sport.
“This is now going to be my fun fact, I’ve never had one before and now I’ve got one.”
Featured image credit: Angela Wilson
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