## Subbuteo: The World Cup Connection in Royal Tunbridge Wells Subbuteo, the popular tabletop football game, has a long and intriguing history in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The game, invented in 1947 by Peter Adolph, quickly gained popularity in the UK and around the world. In the early 1970s, Royal Tunbridge Wells became a hub for Subbuteo enthusiasts, hosting the first Subbuteo World Cup in 1971. **The Birth of the Subbuteo World Cup** The idea for a Subbuteo World Cup was conceived by Bob Purvis, a member of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Subbuteo Club. Purvis envisioned a tournament that would bring together the best Subbuteo players from around the world to compete for the coveted Subbuteo World Cup trophy. The first tournament was held in 1971 at the Corn Exchange in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Sixteen countries participated in the inaugural event, with England emerging victorious. **Subbuteo's Royal Patronage** The Subbuteo World Cup quickly gained recognition and prestige, attracting the attention of royalty. In 1973, Prince Charles, then Prince of Wales, became the patron of the Subbuteo World Cup. Prince Charles' patronage further elevated the status of the tournament, and helped to raise its profile both in the UK and internationally. **The Legacy of Subbuteo in Royal Tunbridge Wells** The Subbuteo World Cup has been held in Royal Tunbridge Wells on several occasions since its inception, most recently in 2010. The tournament has played a significant role in the development of Subbuteo as a global sport, and has helped to promote Royal Tunbridge Wells as a center for Subbuteo excellence. The town's association with Subbuteo continues to this day, with several local Subbuteo clubs still active in the area.
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