Scamfluencers ENCORE: Billy Mitchell: Truth or Kong-sequences | 196
Jan 12, 2026
Explore the rise and fall of Billy Mitchell, the self-proclaimed King of Kong, whose perfect Pac-Man score made him a legend. Delve into the scandal surrounding his Donkey Kong records and the controversies sparked by rival Steve Wiebe. Discover the intense scrutiny over his gameplay footage and the forensic analysis that uncovered discrepancies. The saga reveals how gaming fame can lead to legal battles and tarnished reputations, and offers insights into the darker side of competitive hobbies.
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The Doris Tape And The Secret Weapon
- Billy entrusted a VHS tape to Doris to deliver to tournament officials as a secret weapon to protect his Donkey Kong title.
- The tape later became central to allegations that he faked records using emulation rather than authentic arcade hardware.
Solo Quest For The Perfect Pac‑Man
- Billy chased the first perfect Pac-Man and competed at Fun Spot in May 1999, narrowly losing then continuing alone until he claimed a perfect run.
- He later photographed the moment privately and Walter still recorded his result, boosting Billy's fame.
Conflict Between Fame And Scorekeeping
- Walter Day and Twin Galaxies' interests became tightly linked to Billy's fame and records.
- That entanglement created conflicts that later undermined the scoreboard's credibility.
