A Swiss woman was celebrating a staggering $1million windfall after winning the world’s richest treasure hunt.
Stephanie Wiel claimed the coveted grand prize after seeing off the challenge of thousands of hopefuls from around the world in an adventure which stretched over 12 weeks.
Stephanie was overcome with joy as she was showered in gold confetti and presented with a giant cheque in a special ceremony in the Saudi Arabian capital.
She emerged victorious over nine other contestants who had secured a place in the grand final after battling their way through a series of rigorous online challenges.
The global contest – billed as ‘a thrilling journey of intellect, wit and exploration’ – saw players search for hidden clues, solve puzzles and test their knowledge in a series of increasingly perplexing puzzles on their smartphones.
Beaming Stephanie Wiel is covered in gold confetti as she is presented with a giant cheque for $1 million for winning the world biggest treasure hunt in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital
Victorious Stephanie hugs her rival as both contestants battle it out for the top cash prize
Players took on challenges which saw them navigate a virtual AR world set around the city before being whittled down to compete in a digital finale with the fastest 10 competitors earning a spot in the live final.
The finalists were flown out to Riyadh for ‘one final test of skill, logic and determination’.
On a night of high drama, the male and female finalists from Europe, USA, , India and the Middle East, were confronted with their toughest tasks yet as they faced a range of physical and mental challenges.
A staggering $1million was up for grabs
The thrilling showdown saw players attempt to complete a number of trials which included taking to the water on a canoe and testing their basketball skills.
The event took place amid the spectacular backdrop of Riyadh’s Boulevard City entertainment centre taking in venue’s such as the CR7 museum which was recently unveiled by former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The winner was the first to complete the tasks before finding a special key hidden in a fountain.
And it was Stephanie who uncovered the key to open the treasure chest containing the prize worth £800,000.
Stephanie was hugged by her fellow competitors after claiming the winning prize as flame throwing machines lit the sky.
The Riyadh Season Treasure Hunt saw competitors claim a further £475,000 ($600,000) in weekly prizes since it was launched last November.
The contest is considered one of the highlights of Riyadh Season, a massive winter festival which hosted a star-studded series of entertainment and cultural events including concerts, sporting contests and exhibitions.
Stephanie can’t believe her luck as she looks at the giant cheque with the incredible sum
It kicked off with Tyson Fury’s boxing contest against lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou which ended in a controversial split decision victory for the British world heavyweight champion.
Ngannou is set to step back into the ring at the Kingdom Arena next month – this time facing Briton’s Anthony Joshua.