A Loughborough teen has beat off hundreds of competitors to be named the country’s best under 18 LEGO builder
13-year-old Joe Nemeth-Ward, from Loughborough, landed the dream title after beating out over 750 opponents in a bricktastic competition, where he participated in a series of timed builds and challenges at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham.
Speaking after being crowned the winner, Joe said: “I’m over the moon to be named the UK’s Mini Master Model Builder! I was very shocked when I found out, I’m really pleased to have been chosen and I’m excited that so many people will see my creation displayed in MINILAND.
“I can’t wait to start as the country’s new Mini Master Model Builder and inspire other young LEGO builders across the country!”
The competition, which took place at both LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham and Manchester, was on the hunt for young LEGO enthusiasts who were encouraged to step away from the instruction booklet, let their imaginations run wild and build the LEGO creation of their dreams for the chance to win the esteemed title, alongside four Merlin Gold Annual Passes and a LEGO shopping spree in the attractions bricktastic store.
Once LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham and Manchester’s regional winners were chosen Joe and Louie were pitted head-to-head in an intense final challenge to see who would take home the coveted title.
Joe’s final showstopping build, which took him hours to create and features three intricate scenes depicting mythical beasts taking over MINILAND was chosen as the overall winner earning him the title of the UK’s Mini Master Model Bulder. Joe’s intricate build included a Minotaur chasing someone up the side of a building (inspired by King Kong), a Kraken taking over the canal, and a stunning mythical dragon (inspired by JRR Tolkien) taking up home in Digbeth.
Joe has enjoyed LEGO for as long as he can remember: “I was fascinated by mythology and legends when I was smaller – in fact, I still am – so I wanted to incorporate this into the build. I also knew the bull was a symbol of Birmingham so wanted to include this somehow.
“I was about five years old when I first started playing with LEGO, and I’ve always loved that you can use your imagination to build crazy things!”
While his first build was a fire station that his uncle bought him, he has since built a huge variety of bold and impressive creations, including his favourite build – a Star Wars ship that he designed and built out of spare parts.
Joe entered the competition after seeing it promoted on YouTube: “I thought the competition looked really fun, and along with the title I was also motivated by the prize of £500 of LEGO which I’ll be spending on my favourite range – Star Wars!”
Amy Langham, General Manager at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham said: “We’re thrilled to announce that Joe is the UK’s new Mini Master Model Builder.
“We saw so many talented LEGO builders come through our doors and enter the competition, but the passion and detail in Joe’s work really shone throughout the competition. We can’t wait to see his next wonderful creation and have his build on display in our MINILAND this year!”
