Vince van Geffen has become world champion Stratego for the third time. A hat trick for the 23-year-old from Eerde. He became first this weekend at the World Cup Stratego in Switzerland. It was still exciting, because the decision only fell during the last game. “My father came out of the room crying. We partyed a lot,” says Vince.
The stage of the World Cup Stratego colored red-white blocked this weekend, because the numbers two and three also come from Brabant. The number two is Max Roelofs from Eindhoven and in third place Sem van Geffen finished, Vince’s brother.
Vince succeeded at the World Cup for the third year in a row to leave his brother and father, both of whom are large strategic fanatics, behind and run away with the win. “It was still exciting until the last game,” says Vince. “I had to stand against an Australian who could repel me from the first place. When I won, I shouted very loudly through the hall of joy.”
How does it work again?
Stratego revolves around a blue and a red army. Every player has play pieces with different ranks. For example, there is a captain, a scout, a spy and a bomb. The goal is to find the opponent’s flag.
Ten jars in two days are played on a World Cup. Vince was first by winning seven times and playing them three times.
Surprise
His father and brother were still playing when Vince was allowed to leave the room. “Outside my girlfriend and her family were waiting for me. They had garlands and a banner with them.” Vince his girlfriend and in -laws had come to Switzerland as a surprise to come and encourage him.
“When we arrived at the hotel on Wednesday, a banner hung in front of us. I was completely confused,” Vince looks back. “Who had hanged that there? My girlfriend was hit behind us with her parents and brother as a surprise.”
Not long after the first congratulations, his father and brother were also finished. “My father came out whining,” says Vince. “My brother thought it was a shame that he did not become first, but he grants me the win too.”
Strategic family
The Van Geffen family is an established name in the strategic world. Johnny, Vince’s father, became world champion in 1999. He introduced the game to his children at a young age and with success. Vince has been world champion for the past three years and Sem has been on stage several times next to him. This year Sem finished in third place.
Where Johnny used to beat his children easily, it is less easy for him nowadays. “He turned 36 this year,” says Vince. “The roles have now been reversed.”
Vince is planning to go again for the win next year. “I will defend my title anyway and try to set a new record.” According to him, no one has ever won the World Cup for four years in a row. Vince wants to be the first to get it done.
Moreover, the World Championship in 2026 can just get a Dutch touch. According to Vince, there are rumors that the championship will be in the Netherlands next year.
