Globe's Best Gamers Converge in Los Angeles for the World Cyber Games 2010 Grand Final Videogame Competition and Festival

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- World Cyber Games (WCG) kicked-off a four-day competitive gaming competition today at the Los Angeles Convention Center, celebrating 10 years of uniting the best computer and videogame players from around the world. The WCG 2010 Grand Final brings 450 of the best ranked gamers from 60 countries to the Entertainment Capital of the World to vie for more than $250,000 in cash, prizes and the honor of being named the global champion in a variety of different games.

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In addition to cheering on players, spectators will have the opportunity to try out Samsung's recently unveiled 7-inch Galaxy Tab, Samsung's SyncMaster 'eyefinity' MD230 monitor, Galaxy S phones, and also Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360. During the WCG 2010 Grand Final spectators can enjoy the LA based dance troupe the Groovaloos, meet a 13 year-old "Guitar Hero" champion and watch the live taping of the finale of "WCG Ultimate Gamer," airing now on Syfy in the United States.

"2010 marks 10 years of World Cyber Games, in that time we have brought together more than 10 million people from 90 nations to celebrate the achievements and triumphs of nearly six thousand players," said WCG CEO and President Hyoung Seok Kim. "World Cyber Games is home to a global community of passionate gamers and their fans, for an annual four day festival of gaming that offers fun, excitement and thrilling competition on an international level -- as well as a sneak peek at the future of gaming technology."

Gaming With an Educational Purpose

As part of the WCG 2010 Grand Final kick off, WCG will donate $122,000 worth of Samsung SyncMaster computer monitors to the Los Angeles County Education Foundation to enhance classroom and after-school programs, and encourage the use and development of technology throughout the state.

"Games and technology are a great way to engage at-risk kids," said Madeline Hall, director of the Los Angeles County Education Foundation. "Having access to the best tools in our classrooms and after school programs will help disadvantaged students experience the opportunities available for them in the broader world, and give them something to strive for in their education."

"Samsung Electronics has been the worldwide partner since the World Cyber Games inception 10 years ago and we are thrilled to continue playing an integral role in supporting its growth and popularity," stated Ralph Santana, the senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Samsung's North American Headquarters. "This year is especially exciting as we worked collaboratively with our friends at Carbonfund.org to help make the World Cyber Games carbon neutral for the first time, as we encourage the show's attendees to take the Energy Star Pledge."

Sustainable Grand Final

Samsung is making a commitment to help the climate by making the 2010 World Cyber Games the greenest Grand Final ever. Working with Carbonfund.org, Samsung is purchasing carbon offsets that cover everything from the electricity used at the tournament to the airline emissions of the players traveling from all over the world. Carbonfund.org will present Samsung with the first Corporate Climate Leadership Award on Sunday, October 3, 2010 which recognizes Samsung's support of the Reclaiming America's Heartland project. In addition, the Samsung Recycling Direct program will accept old consumer electronics products in front of the Los Angeles Convention Center, and give out up to 100 free tickets each day. Anyone stopping by the Samsung booth can take the Energy Star Pledge and enter to win an energy-efficient Samsung 40" 3D LED TV.

Meet the WCG Ultimate Gamers

The second season finale of "WCG Ultimate Gamer," will be taped on location at this year's WCG 2010 Grand Final and will treat audiences to a live one-on-one competition as this season's finalists battle to be named the "Best All-Around Gamer," win $100,000 cash, and the "Ultimate Samsung Electronics Package."  The show takes a dozen top-notch video game players, drops them into an L.A. loft where they live together and compete to be the next Ultimate Gamer.  Filming of the season finale will take place on Friday, October 1st at 7:00PM PT and is open to the public attending the WCG 2010 Grand Final.

Competition Games

The WCG 2010 Grand Final will feature gamers playing 10 Official Game Titles and three Promotional Game Titles.

Official PC Game Titles:

• "Carom3D"
• "Counter-Strike"
• "FIFA 10"
• "StarCraft: Brood War"
• "TrackMania Nations Forever"
• "Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne"

Official Console (Xbox 360) Game Titles:

• "Forza Motorsport 3"
• "Guitar Hero 5"
• "Tekken 6"

Official Mobile Game Title:

• "Asphalt 5"

Promotional Games Titles:

• "League of Legends"
• "Lost Saga"
• "Quake Wars Online"

For those unable to attend the event in Los Angeles, the competitions will be streamed live on the Internet at http://live.wcg.com, it is expected that tens of thousands of viewers from around the world will tune in to watch the gaming action live over the Internet. Please check ftp://ftp.worldcybergames.org/press for updates and the latest information throughout the competition. You can also download the first eSports application for the World Cyber Games at: http://www.wcg.com/6th/2010/mobile/mobile_main.asp

About World Cyber Games (WCG)

World Cyber Games Inc. (WCG) is the organizer of the largest global video game tournament and festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2010. With a yearlong competition spanning online, regional and national qualifying matches, elite gamers ascend to represent their countries at the WCG Grand Final, a thrilling high-pressure challenge to crown the world's best gamers. More than 1.6 million players from 65 countries competed for a spot in the WCG 2009 Grand Final in China. Entertainment capital Los Angeles will host this exciting competition in 2010 from September 30 to October 3. To showcase the passion and competitive spirit of gamers, WCG also produces the hit reality show WCG Ultimate Gamer, which is currently airing on Syfy. For more information visit www.wcg.com, or m.wcg.com on smart phones.

CONTACT: Aaron Virola, +1-917-309-1237

SOURCE World Cyber Games Inc.