Sudoku as Spectator Sport is Unlikely Lockdown Hit

It may not be as hair-raising as Formula 1, nor as dramatic as Premier League football, but Sudoku solving is acquiring a niche following as a spectator sport. From a report: It's surprisingly thrilling, believe me. Just ask fans of the puzzle-solving YouTube channel Cracking the Cryptic, which has seen its viewing figures shoot up over the last two months. Its top Sudoku video has had more than 3 million views. In daily challenges, the channel's two British hosts, puzzle wizards Simon Anthony and Mark Goodliffe, narrate their strategies and processes of deduction as they attempt to solve fiendishly difficult Sudokus. What makes the videos so joyous is the constant stream of 'aha!' moments, as well as the ingenuity of the sudokus presented.

Make millions playing games

[AndyKron]

Why not? People sit around watching other people playing video games.

ITV made a lot with phone in quiz sudoku was one

[Joe_Dragon]

ITV made a lot with Phone in quiz shows sudoku was one.

Racing exciting?

[phantomfive]

It may not be as hair-raising as Formula 1

I feel like Formula 1 is exciting for the driver, but not for the TV spectators (barring the occasional accident). Prove me wrong.

Re:

[bloodhawk]

I find watching most any sport, racing, computer game or puzzle solving to be as exciting as watching paint dry. why the fuck anyone does it is beyond me, I love doing all those things but am bored shitless within 5 mins watching others do it.

Re:

[UnknownSoldier]

I used to be the same way.

Just have to find the right game I guess. /shrug

i.e.
T90 [youtube.com] is a great commentator for Age of Empires 2 games.
i.e. He popularized Fatslob Black Forest [youtube.com]

If you love Minecraft SciCraft plays Skyblock 1.14 [youtube.com]

Re:

[bloodhawk]

not in the remotest bit interested at all, watching other people do stuff has no enjoyment or interest for me whatsoever. I seem to be in the minority and no it isn't about finding the right game, I love lots of games and sports, but not watching others play them.

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[tlhIngan]

find watching most any sport, racing, computer game or puzzle solving to be as exciting as watching paint dry. why the fuck anyone does it is beyond me, I love doing all those things but am bored shitless within 5 mins watching others do it.

So? There's no law saying you have to find that stuff interesting. You don't like being a spectator, that's normal. Others like it, which is normal as well. Just like some people think the only thing that matters about work is money, while others think that their job sh

Re:

[CrimsonAvenger]

we cheer and celebrate and try to empathize with those who have different interests and beliefs.

You left out a word: "should". Between "we" and "cheer".

Alas, all too often, we vilify and/or condemn those who have different interests and beliefs.

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[antdude]

That's same for other sports. Watching instead of playing, racing, etc. :P

Very uninteresting

[mapkinase]

Channel is for beginners.

I like playing Sudoku, but...

[Anonymous Coward]

Spectator Sudoku? Wow, I guess all the paint is dry.

Re: I like playing Sudoku, but...

[Malays2 bowman]

I thought chess was a bit boring as a spectator sport but it is much deeper than Soduku, and you still have your mind yelling at the player to do certain moves, so chess at least has that going for it.

Soduku, yeah, paint drying. Though I don't see it being much worse than American football.

hints

[Dale512]

I enjoy a couple of their videos seeing the logic in how they get to some of the answers. I get the basic solutions, but some of the advanced finds are challenging. Seeing some of the ways they get to the next step can be fun and useful. I like more of the wonky puzzles with other constraints.

Formula 1? It's boring.

[Cyberax]

Seriously, Formula 1 is about the most boring sport. Heck, Marbula 1 is way better: https://youtu.be/55iTYdRDG4s?l... [youtu.be]

Try some Red Bull Soapbox Racing

[turp182]

I stumbled on this when YouTube TV played it randomly.

Crazy people with crazy soapboxes going down hills and ramps.

Here's a sample, Helsinki 2019 (all the videos are on YouTube, fast forward to the action):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?... [youtube.com]

Commentary reminds me of Monty Python (announcer is a Brit). Like the Upper Class Twit of the Year.

If you want Formula 1 excitement, try marbles!

[ToTheStars]

Speaking of Formula 1...Jelle's Marble Runs [youtube.com] have just done some "Marbula 1" races (in collaboration with Formula), and next month is Marble League 2020, sponsored by John Oliver (!) [youtube.com].