On November 7th, early in the morning, the treasure of Captain Mortimer was found. The chest laid undisturbed in its original hidden location, somewhere off the beaten path in Prospect Park. In a climatic finish to this competition of wits, two opposing hunters closed in on the treasure’s secret resting place within mere hours of each other. Ultimately, only one hunter can possess the $25k.
The first player to solve all 9 clues, decipher the code, and reach the treasure chest was Eli Ross hunting from Hudson Square. Eli joined the hunt on October 5th and had been amongst the games frontrunners ever since, before swooping in for the win. His victory won’t come as a huge shock once you learn a little about him. Eli has a degree in math from MIT and is a leader of Brilliant.org, the STEM and problem-solving education company that works with learners of all ages. In his spare time, Eli also enjoys running, poker, and escape rooms. He’s basically Benjamin Gates, making quite the formidable opponent for the savvy, trickster pirate captain orchestrating the hunt. However, another quite formidable opponent to Eli was a mother of two from Greenpoint, solving clues alongside her 7-year son and first mate, also reaching the treasure’s location promptly thereafter.
Eli discovered the hunt serendipitously, after taking the scenic route to work via The High Line. He noticed one of the well placed and iconic designed sidewalk stencils for “The New York Treasure Hunt.” Little did he know that the next 6 weeks of his life would be consumed by this unusual challenge. This fact later came to dispel some of my skepticism that sidewalk stenciling isn’t worth the marketing dollars they cost. Lesson learned.
Eli rounded up a crew of fellow chum and scallywags and embarked on his journey. In his own words “We went down more rabbit-holes than I can count. Most memorable was finding a sticker for a non-existent coffee shop at The Obelisk, which led to a wild goose chase across the career of Gail McDermott and Donna Summer’s time in the German version of “Hair”. We probably found the most novel locations when we got lost for hours on #3, in the labyrinthian and sometimes-abandoned tunnels and passageways of Grand Central. Despite the hunt requiring intensity and speed, my real takeaway was the joy of slowing down and taking in the small bits of magic surrounding us every day.”
And thus we have the conclusion of The New York Treasure Hunt. The captain has issued his own sentimental statement to players on the hunt’s IG page. When asked about the hunt’s ending, he simply urges players to keep solving the clues as a personal challenge and form of entertainment, before winking and then laughing maniacally. Read into that as you will, but we suggest doing as he says.
A FAREWELL MESSAGE TO HUNTERS FROM THE CAPTAIN
In the very beginning of this hunt, I wrote that the spirit of adventure and treasure hunting is not dead. Its seed merely lays dormant in the hearts of the curious, and to those brave enough to seek it out. Well I want to thank everyone for being brave enough to seek and for being part of this experiment. The fortitude and mental prowess exhibited by all who hunted was a marvel to watch and something truly special to be a part of. I hope some of you found excitement, community, and learned a little about the history that makes this city so great.
However, all good things in life end abruptly and never how we planned. This was a bittersweet ending for all but one. As wounds heal and scars form, I can only hope your spark and lust for adventure eventually return. Maybe you’ve awoken part of yourself that you didn’t know was there. Perhaps that was the proverbial treasure all along.
I hope that you continue your journey to solve the clues and crack the code. Although the primary incentive is now gone, the clues and mystery still beckon you. After all, we don’t stop running the marathon once the first person crosses the finish line. I believe the intrinsic joy of solving puzzles is the real driving force behind you true hunters. The treasure is merely this movie’s MacGuffin.
The conclusion of this treasure hunt is a bittersweet moment for this weathered, brash pirate captain as well. The hunt signifies the culmination of the last year of my life. Conceiving such an outlandish concept and bringing it to life was gratifying for me in many ways. But for all you spirited barnacles to buy-in to said ridiculous concept, and willingly go down rabbit holes I could never fathom, has been the honor and a privilege of my lifetime.
Since this hunt started in September, I’ve seen parents teach their young children about NYC history. I’ve seen two hunters get engaged mid-hunt. I’ve seen hunters help support me when clues markers had been defaced or obstructed, in selflessness for the overall good of the game. I’ve seen hunters support each other and collaborate, even if that meant putting themselves at a competitive disadvantage. I’ve seen players push themselves to overcome challenges, even when a clue had them crying at the kitchen table like it was their 9th grade algebra homework.
Now I shall bid ye farewell as I set sail on the morrow. Down the East River, past the green point and the red hook, and into the blustery autumn night towards the open ocean to chase the horizon line. I’ll tip my hat and nod in kind to lady liberty as our paths cross for perhaps the last time. She’ll stand majestic watching my galleon slowly shrink into the distance until there’s nothing left but sea and sky.
May the sea grant you all safe passage and strong rum.
Your friend and foremost adversary,
