Editing Countdown (game show) (section)

==Community==
In 2008, Charlie Reams, who was runner up of Series 59 in 2008,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Countdown Wiki |url=https://wiki.apterous.org/Charlie_Reams}}</ref> created a website called Apterous, which allows people to play simulated games of Countdown online. Members of this site are called Apterites. Every series champion since 2008 inclusive has been a member.

Since 2005, Ben Wilson, the champion of Series 46, has organised a Countdown event in Lincoln, abbreviated COLIN. The event usually takes place on a Saturday in January. COLIN is played across three rounds. Players are drawn onto tables of three (if the number of humans participating is not a multiple of three, bots are used). There are three games per round per table - each contestant takes one turn at hosting the game, and two turns as a contestant. In Round 1, tables are allocated randomly. In Rounds 2 and 3, players are allocated tables based on how well they’ve performed up to that point. Afterwards, a final takes place between the two best players (sorted by number of wins and then by number of points). Whoever wins the final is declared the overall winner of the event. Since 2014, a hangover takes place the main day after the main COLIN. The hangover takes place over two rounds. For the hangover, players are allocated one of two teams; there is a White team and a Blue team. In person events have since expanded to other locations (e.g. Bristol, Edinburgh)

Since 2016, most Countdown events have been part of “FOCAL” (Finals of the Co-events Annual League). Players earn points based on how well they have done at their events. The top 8 are invited to a final, where they play against the seven other finalists. Afterwards, a final takes place between the two best players (sorted by number of wins and then by number of points). Whoever wins the final is declared FOCAL Champion.