The Wentworth Falls resident is currently ranked number 11 in the world in Monopoly and has high hopes of qualifying for the 2009 World Championships.

His qualification journey begins this Sunday at the NSW titles held in Parramatta, with the winner going on to compete at the national Monopoly championships in Melbourne on March 4 for the chance to represent Australia against 39 other countries in Las Vegas.

The world champion will earn more than US$20,000 — not enough to buy a real house or hotel but an impressive amount for a board game tournament’s prize money.

The World Monopoly Championships are held every four years and Mr Hawes, 43, is hungry for another taste of competition at the highest level.

In 2000, he represented Australia at the world titles in Toronto and was awarded a special world championship edition of the famous board game, increasing his home collection of Monopoly sets to 30.

“I’ve been playing the game since I was about eight and began playing in tournaments in 1991,” Mr Hawes said.

“Monopoly is a game anyone can enjoy.

“I like playing it at competition level, but also with friends and with my five-year-old daughter Amelia, who enjoys playing the junior Monopoly version.

“The challenge at competition level is everyone knows what the good properties are and how to take full advantage of opportunities.

“There is a round robin phase of games with a time limit of 90 minutes and the person with the most combined assets wins.

“And no, there is no money in free parking at tournament level, although I’ve noticed that the latest edition of the game lists it as a rule players can agree to adopt.”

Off the board, Mr Hawes is involved directly in the property market through working in home maintenance for real estate agents One Stop Property Shop and Century 21 Katoomba/Leura.

“They are very supportive of my Monopoly endeavours.”

Mr Hawes has some simple tips for all Blue Mountains social Monopoly players to improve their game.

“Buy everything, complete sets early, try to buy all railways, utilities and properties that cards direct players to.

“Don’t spend all your money on improvements and remember, jail can actually be a good place to be late in the game.”