UNO has crowned its first-ever champion! Ian Thompson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been crowned the first-ever UNO Elite™ Champion, taking home $10,000 after defeating top competitors from across the country in the championship held in Las Vegas.
An avid UNO player and collector, Thompson spent months preparing for the tournament, building his deck of UNO Elite NFL Action Cards and sharpening his gameplay strategy. His winning move? Saving a “swapping hands” card for the final moments of each timed round to trade with the player holding the fewest cards — a tactic that ultimately secured the title.
The UNO Elite Championship marked the culmination of a nationwide playoff program hosted at hobby shops across the U.S., where players of all skill levels competed locally for a chance to advance to the finals. Finalists were flown to Las Vegas for a VIP weekend featuring airfare, hotel accommodations, exclusive events, and a behind-the-scenes tour of Allegiant Stadium ahead of the competition.
