The final riddle of the year will be announced next weekend. Everyone is eligible to win the title of Riddler of the Year and the prize worth nearly $400. The first clue will be revealed at 9AM on Saturday, August 13, and will continue weekly until the medallion is found. Those who have previously found a medallion this year will be emailed a bonus clue each week a new clue is revealed (if the riddle is not solved in one week).
The Lowell Riddler has put together a list of profiles and odds for past winners. Will one of the Lowell Riddler’s predicted winners claim the Riddler of the Year title or will someone else sweep in for the win?
The Rules
The Riddler has decided to simplify the rules a bit to make this last Riddler puzzle open to everyone while still rewarding those who have become Qualified Participants by solving a puzzle this year. If you have found a medallion this year, you have earned a leg-up in the ROY competition. However, there will be just one final medallion to find, and everyone will be eligible to find it and win the Jumbo Prize Package.
Qualified Participants’ only advantage will be the secret extra clue that will be emailed to them when everyone else receives the first public clue. If the medallion remains undiscovered, a second clue will be released to the public and another secret clue will be emailed to all Qualified Participants. This process will continue until someone finds the medallion. The player that finds the final medallion will be declared the winner of the ROY, named Riddler-of-the-Year, and claim the Jumbo Prize Package.
Riddler Q&A:
- Why are Qualified Participants given extra clues? The Riddler wants to crown a true Riddler expert and yet keep the competition open to everyone. The extra clues offer a significant advantage to medallion winners during the regular season but does not guarantee that a previous winner will claim the ROY.
- Can I engage family or friends to help me solve the Riddler-of-the-Year title and win the prizes? Of course, just as you can during the regular riddling season.
- The Jumbo Package keeps growing. Why? Because businesses in and around the Lowell Community are still donating prizes specifically for the ROY competition.
- More questions? Ask the Lowell Riddler directly at [email protected].
Lowell Riddler Pick #1 – Mark Weaver, Odds +375
Mark has found four medallions over the past two years and came close with several more! His most recent solve? He left the medallion for someone else to find! Like a good fisherman, he threw it back in for another fellow Riddler’s enjoyment. Mark enjoys the hunt and the hiking. Based on performance, he is the early favorite to win Riddler of the Year honors for his ability to untwist a clue.
Mark will receive an extra clue.
Lowell Riddler Pick #2 – Paul Mundt, Odds +450
Paul has found two medallions in 2022 and came close during another couple of riddles. Paul and brother Eric are avid medallion hunters, most every week. No one enjoys the hunt more than Paul. He regularly combines jogging with riddling and lets the clues dictate his jogging route. That’s called a running head start, so we’re making him a close 2nd favorite.
Paul will receive an extra clue.
Lowell Riddler Pick #3 (tie) – Eric Mundt, Odds +475
Eric won the 2nd riddle of the year but assisted on two others with his brother Paul. Eric shares the same enthusiasm for riddling with Paul, as the fun of the hunt has become a family tradition most every week. The entire family shares a love for the outdoors and the medallion finding challenge. If Eric and Paul team up, they will be hard to beat!
Eric will receive an extra clue.
Lowell Riddler Pick #4 (tie) – Peggy and Mark Brown, Odds +475
Peggy ties Eric as the 3rd ranked favorite to find the ROY medallion due to her strong finish. She solved very tough 2022 riddles #7 and #9. The clues for both riddles were thought to be very limited and difficult. Peggy’s tenacity and in-depth thinking could push her to the top, especially now that husband Mark has joined the team! If she decides to participate—Look out fellow riddlers! She’ll be out to win it!
Peggy and Mark will receive an extra clue.
Lowell Riddler Pick #5 – Christian Huisman, Odds +900
The official Riddling Vegas Oddsmakers are giving the 5th favorite position to Christian, mostly because he was the quickest riddle solver for 2022. It only took him 27 minutes to find medallion #3! The Riddler thought that was amazing, since it was believed to be an extremely tough riddle! We’re not sure if Christian has been practicing or he’s just a natural and can find one whenever he wants!
Christian will receive an extra clue.
Lowell Riddler Pick #6 – Sarah Jones & Melissa Springsteen, Odds +950
Sarah went hunting with the help from her friend Melissa via Facetime. As Melissa viewed scenery with Sarah, while Facetiming the clues, she assisted bigtime when she noticed the Huntington Bank mailbox! The Riddler was impressed with the technology and teamwork. They are ranked #6 because of their teamwork and their innovation with technology. What’s next riddle-droning?
Sarah and Melissa will receive an extra clue.
Lowell Riddler Pick #7 – Melissa Nietupski, Odds +1000
Melissa found the first medallion in 2022. It was a two-clue riddle, but with tough double meanings that led everyone to wrong destinations. The medallion was literally in the most middle-of-town location possible, on the parking lot fence between Main St and Lowell Light & Power. Melissa gets an extra clue per the rules, but with her furry friend helping sniff it out, she may not need it.
Melissa will receive an extra clue.
Lowell Riddler Pick #8 – Mike and Brady DeVore, Odds +1100
Mike and Brady solved the most recent riddle in less than 45 minutes. Therefore, they receive an extra clue as a Qualified Participant. The Riddler wasn’t sure where to rank them for the ROY competition but decided to give them better odds than the Detroit Lions to win the 2023 Super Bowl (+10,000). You’ve got to feel good about that Mr. Mayor. Best of luck to you both.
Mike and Brady will receive an extra clue.
Lowell Riddler Pick #9 – Ed and Lisa Stormzand, Odds +1250
Ed and Lisa could have been 2021 Riddler’s of the Year, had there been a competition. They found two medallions in 2021 and they were both tough riddles. They were riddling most every weekend last year, but we haven’t seen or heard from them this year. If anyone can solve a riddle without an extra clue, it’s Ed and Lisa! They are the dark horse favorite to gallop to the big prize!
Lowell Riddler Pick #10 (tie) – Jamie DeYoung, Odds +1350
Jamie was a step ahead of everyone in 2021, as she found two medallions, assisted on another, and came very close on another couple riddles. She holds the record for the quickest solve by finding medallion #5 last year in 20 minutes! We haven’t heard from her this year, but if she can put her Batman band back together for the 2022 ROY tourney, I would move her up the list!
Lowell Riddler Pick #10 (tie) – Becky Reagan, Odds +1350
Becky was an avid riddle player last year, as she literally stumbled on a medallion as she walked through the clues in her mind. She’s a critical thinker and knows how to unwind clues, so never count her out! If her husband, Dr. Jim gets involved with more critical thinking, look out! The Reagan’s could certainly outmaneuver everyone, even without an extra clue!
Lowell Riddler Pick #10 (tie) – Ray & Beth Wolfe, Odds +1350
Never count out Ray and Beth, as they may be the wisest of all the riddle solvers over the past two years. They swooped into the 2021 competition and found #7 in quick fashion, then we haven’t heard from them since. If you know Ray & Beth, they probably think the riddles are too easy, so they were a “one and done” competitor. However, we’ll see if they decide to take a shot at ROY!
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