Milwaukee’s Ian Thompson takes another shot at UNO title, $50,000 prize
By Pat Timlin
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MILWAUKEE (WISN) — Ian Thompson has always been good at UNO. He realized just how good when he started competing against some of the world’s top players.
Thompson won $10,000 at the first UNO Elite Championship in Las Vegas nine months ago. Next week, he’ll take another shot at a title and a bigger prize: $50,000.
Mattel’s UNO Championship Series tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Los Angeles. Players from around the world will compete for the title of 2026 UNO champion. The event will stream live on Twitch.
“You have to be very much dialed in,” Thompson said, describing the challenge of keeping track of the game’s special cards and rules for the Championship tournament.
Thompson said he’s excited to represent Milwaukee, where he sees a winning culture among the Bucks, Brewers and Packers.
“Winning is just one of my favorite things to just do,” he said. “Being here and then being able to bring that to L.A. is an incredible opportunity.”
The series included in-person qualifying events in Florida, Illinois and California, along with digital tournaments in the UNO! Mobile app. Mattel said the competition will bring together players from around the world.
For people hoping to follow Thompson, the tournament will stream on Twitch. Milwaukee fans can also watch at Jack’s American Pub on Brady Street; the pub recommends checking its social media for event details.
Thompson’s advice for aspiring competitors: play the app and learn each game’s rules.
“Once you become an expert in the rules, then you know the ins and outs and the strategy and the best way to win them,” he said.
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