When I first started doing The Guardian crossword - in the mid 70s - it was a cash prize of £50. A real incentive then ... but I continue now even though the prize is not so valuable. Not long ago I submitted and 'came out of the hat' ... I already had the two books, but it was most pleasing/satisfying to see my name in print as a winner. I gave the two old ones to a charity shop, and kept the two 'new' ones ... As others have suggested "It's not the winning - it's the taking part ... "