Monopoly enthusiasts gathered in London yesterday to try to set a record for the most people playing the game at any one time.
They were joined by players in 22 cities throughout the world in the hour-long Guinness World Record attempt, which is the first of its kind.
The event kicked off at 3pm on the cobblestones of Covent Garden, with more than 500 players. A live sate
llite link-up with Tokyo showed hundreds more taking part.
Monopoly spokesman Joanna Austin said: "We need to get more than 1,000 people playing to set the record, and I am confident we will make that.
"We have got people playing the game on boards but others are playing online, via their mobile phones and a games console."
Earlier this year, Monopoly players around the world were asked to vote for the cities that would feature in an international edition of the game.
More than 5.6 million people voted online to secure a place for their favourite city.
London made the final 22, taking the old Trafalgar Square space. It shares the red section with Sydney and New York.
Montreal is in the top spot – the former Mayfair – having received the most votes.
The Polish city of Gdynia, on the Baltic coast, takes the cheapest space on the board, formerly Old Kent Road.
Monopoly enthusiast Liam Nutkins, 17, from Watford , was among those taking part in the world record attempt. He said: "I love the new version. The different countries are interesting and add a new element to the game.
"The new banking system takes a bit of time to get used to but it is a lot quicker and more efficient. Plus it means you can't cheat any more!"
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