Story perspectives
Former Countdown Champion Stabs Rival, Cites Cheating
9/12/2025
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Story summary
- John Cowen, a former Countdown champion, stabbed rival Thomas Carey at a fan event in Blackpool on September 14, 2024.
- Cowen, 31, felt "cheated" by competitors using an app for practice.
- He injured Carey in the left bicep during the Focal Countdown Group event.
- Cowen was found unfit to stand trial for assault and knife possession.
- He is hospitalized for mental health issues, with sentencing scheduled for September 30, 2025.
