Billy Mitchell (gamer)

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Billy Mitchell and Pac-Man CROPPED

Billy Mitchell (born July 16, 1965) is an American video game player and restaurateur. He is best known for his achievements in classic arcade games, particularly Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Mitchell has been a prominent figure in the gaming community and has been involved in various controversies regarding his high scores.

Early Life

Billy Mitchell was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He developed an interest in video games during his teenage years and quickly became known for his skills in arcade gaming.

Gaming Achievements

Mitchell gained fame in the early 1980s for his high scores in several classic arcade games. In 1982, he achieved the first perfect score of 3,333,360 points in Pac-Man, a feat that requires navigating 256 levels without losing a single life and consuming every dot, fruit, and ghost.

In 2007, Mitchell was recognized for his high score in Donkey Kong, where he achieved a score of 1,050,200 points. This score was later contested and led to significant controversy within the gaming community.

Controversies

Billy Mitchell's high scores have been the subject of scrutiny and debate. In 2018, the organization Twin Galaxies, which tracks video game world records, removed Mitchell's scores from their database, citing evidence that he had used emulation software rather than original arcade hardware. This decision was supported by the Guinness World Records, which also removed his records. Mitchell has since disputed these claims and has sought to restore his records.

Media Appearances

Mitchell has been featured in various documentaries and media related to video gaming. He was prominently featured in the 2007 documentary The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, which chronicled his rivalry with fellow gamer Steve Wiebe.

Personal Life

In addition to his gaming career, Billy Mitchell owns a chain of restaurants called Rickey's World Famous Restaurant in Hollywood, Florida. He is also known for his distinctive appearance, often seen wearing patriotic ties and sporting a well-groomed beard.

Related Pages

• Pac-Man
• Donkey Kong
• Twin Galaxies
• The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters
• Steve Wiebe