Just when you think it’s all over, The Hunt has another revelation to proclaim. The Volvo Car Corp. is declaring a “repeat” in its global online scavenger hunt after the 21 finalists failed to solve the final puzzle within the 24-hour time limit this weekend.
The 21 chosen finalists from around the world gathered at their respective computer screens on Saturday for one last chance to claim the long-awaited Volvo treasures. The automaker’s treasure chest is packed with 50,000 gold doubloons and a key to a new XC90. The midsize crossover SUV shares the P2 platform with the Volvo S80 and the brand’s other big cars. It features the powerful Yamaha V8 engine that produces 311 horsepower and 325 ftolbf of torque. The vehicle also features reliable parts like Volvo spark plugs, seat belts, air bags, engines, radiators, and more.
The lucky ‘pirate’ will win a trip to retrieve the treasure chest from the depths of the waters ‘somewhere in the world’ where it was buried. But it turned out that Volvo had all the contestants ‘at sea’ with one final puzzle that proved too difficult for even the hardiest of pirates.
“We really didn’t see it coming,” said Linda Gangeri, Volvo Cars North America national advertising manager. “Our Hunt has been tough from the start and we’ve been in awe of all the incredible puzzle-solving skills and sharp minds that meet us at every twist and turn. We really didn’t expect to baffle our finalists with the final puzzle. Who knew that a car company could prevent 21 pirates from claiming a precious treasure? For now, at least.”
The famous online scavenger hunt is a month-long campaign by the Swedish automaker in connection with Pirates of the Caribbean: At Disney’s World’s End. The Hunt has attracted more than 32,000 online contestants from 22 markets around the world. Contestants solved a series of puzzles leading to a semi-final, Riddle 21: The End of the World, which was released on May 31. The first contestant from each country to submit the correct answer went on to compete in the final stage. All participating markets were represented in the final leg with the exception of Italy, whose entrant did not submit a correct answer in the semi-final within the time limit.
The first of the 21 finalists to solve the final puzzle on Tuesday will be the winner. Finalists include Andreas Aigner (Austria), Konstantin Popov (Bulgaria), Erin Chock (Canada), Dennis Leifheit (Germany), Cheuk Fung Leung (Hong Kong), Andreas (Indonesia), Yukio Takai (Japan), Siew Hang Teh (Malaysia), Patricia Gabriela Medrano Picon (Mexico), Liss Johansen (Norway), Aaron Joseph N. David (Philippines), Jarosaw Nowakowski (Poland), Ciprian Constantin Grosu (Romania), Alena Zvereva (Russia), Wilson Teo (Singapore ), Jungtae Ahn (South Korea), Maria Qvick Faxa (Sweden), Shih-En Chen (Taiwan), Geranun Jiraboonyanon (Thailand), Karyn Burgess (UK) and Deborah LaValley (USA).
Deborah LaValley, 43, of Juneau, Alaska, is up for the challenge. LaValley, who also participated in the Hunt last year, is excited about this year’s game. “I can’t stop thinking about different scenarios or possible locations. I really have no idea what to expect. I’m excited to have a second go at claiming the treasure.”
Once the automaker has announced a winner, both final puzzles will be posted on The Hunt website for all entrants to test their puzzle-solving skills once more. Visitors can also test their prowess in solving the biggest mysteries of the deep online.