media release

Australia's Top Geek 2.0 is crowned

10 May 2012: iiNet, Australia's second largest DSL broadband provider, has crowned Steve Wright from Melbourne as the country's next top geek after a three month search concluded with a thrilling quiz contest in Perth tonight.

Steve claimed the iiNet Top Geek 2.0 title after edging out fellow finalists Cody Davis, Cem Selamet, Skaidris Gunsmith, Rhiannon Davies and Rhys Elsmore.

Steve, a games journalist, said there were so many amazing entries in this year's contest.

"Everyone should be really proud, I've made some really great friends over the last couple of months," Steve said.

"It's really hard going up against all these people because you really want to be friends with them and it's hard to see them not go through to the next round... for a minute or two."

The quiz, hosted by self-proclaimed geek and comedian Lawrence Leung, tested the six finalists on a range of topics including gaming, art, technology, Internet and fandom.

Steve goes home with an all-expenses paid trip for two to the geek conference of their choice in the US, plus $2000 spending money.

Anthony Fisk, iiNet's Communications Manager, said the competition is designed to celebrate everyone's inner geek.

"Being a geek isn't about wearing specs and having braces, it's about recognising what you're passionate about and embracing that," Mr Fisk said.

"We've changed the typical geek stereotype and Steve is the perfect example of an intelligent, passionate and talented person who's not afraid to show the world just how enthusiastic he his about gaming."

iiNet's TopGeek 2.0 attracted more than 150 entries, 35,000 website hits, 25,000 Facebook shares and 1.3 million Twitter impressions.

For more information on Top Geek 2.0, visit www.topgeek.iinet.net.au.

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About iiNet 

iiNet is Australia's second largest DSL Internet Service Provider (ISP) and the leading challenger in the telecommunications market. We employ more than 2000 inquisitive staff across four countries and support over 1.3 million broadband, telephony and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) services nationwide.

We're a publicly listed company and we maintain our own super-fast broadband network. Our vision is to lead the market with products that harness the potential of the Internet and then differentiate with award-winning customer service.

To achieve this, we employ creative thinkers and true advocates of technology. Our people are a huge part of the iiNet success story, so we've developed a unique and stimulating work culture to ensure they remain engaged and inspired.

A lot has changed since our CEO founded iiNet in a suburban garage back in 1993 and the broadband landscape continues to evolve. What hasn't changed is our passion for the transformative benefits of the Internet and our commitment to helping Australians connect better.