In a shocking twist at the Conker World Championship held in Southwick, England, the reigning champion, 82-year-old Dave Jakins, also known as "King Conker," is under fire for allegedly using a metal nut to secure his victory.

The ancient children's game, which involves players threading chestnuts onto shoelaces and smashing each other's conkers, witnessed a dramatic finale when Jakins triumphed over a pool of over 200 competitors. However, controversy erupted when runner-up Alastair Johnson-Ferguson accused Jakins of foul play, claiming that his conker "disintegrated in one hit," raising eyebrows about the integrity of the tournament.

In a surprising admission, Jakins did acknowledge the presence of a steel chestnut in his pocket but insisted that it was merely intended as a joke, tossing a wrench into an already tumultuous post-tournament atmosphere. “We have two conkers from Mr. Jakins’ winning matches, and are consulting further with the judges,” a spokesman for Jakins revealed.

The competition, steeped in history dating back to the mid-19th Century, supposedly prohibits participants from tampering with their assigned conkers after selection from a sack. To maintain fairness, every match features two judges, with a chief umpire overseeing the activities. Despite the allegations, Jakins has managed to retain his title — for now.

Adding another exciting layer to the event, 34-year-old Kelci Banschbach from Indianapolis took home the women's championship title, marking her as the first American woman to win since 1965. The tournament not only showcases a nostalgic pastime but also supports local charities, making the controversy all the more compelling.

As investigations continue, the conker community eagerly awaits the outcome of the claims against King Conker. Will his reign continue or will this metal nut scandal result in a stunning upset? Stay tuned!