High-Def Refs

Videogames get their own World Series

Comments (0) By Sam Machkovech Thursday, Jul 6 2006

Steamed about the magical foul-acquiring powers of NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade? Rattled by lackadaisical refs in this summer’s World Cup? Wish that technology would usher in an era where sporting events are no longer altered by bad calls? Then the World Series of Video Games is for you, control freak. Gaming competitions have blown up in recent years; what was once a poorly conceived gimmick for the 1989 Fred Savage movie The Wizard has become a heated, worldwide battle with purses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Just ask hometown hero Matt "Zyos" Leto, the world-renowned Halo player from Allen, who was once featured in this paper ("Have Gun, Will Travel," January 6, 2005) and who will compete in the World Series.

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He's just one of the thousands of top-notch gamers descending upon the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail in Grapevine, to battle for huge cash prizes and a shot at the WSVG Finals later this year, but you don't have to be a hardened Counter-Strike expert to participate. Many smaller, informal competitions don't require pre-registration and can even land you a spot in the money games. Plus, on-site seminars, concerts, movie screenings and even a beauty pageant will keep even the least nerdy visitor entertained. The World Series takes place Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Registration is $80 at thewsvg.com.
July 6-9, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.