Major League Gaming Announces Professional Player Relationship With Nesquik GameRiot Tour
Superstar Matthew “Zyos” Leto To Participate In World’s Largest Traveling Video Game Festival For 14-Week, Multi-City Summer Tour
New York, NY (May 12, 2005) - Major League Gaming (MLG), the official professional league for console video game players, and Games Media Properties, announced today top-ranked professional gamer Matthew "Zyos" Leto will join the 2005 MTV2 Presents Nesquik GameRiot, Powered by Xbox summer tour. The move marks the first time that a Major League Gaming player has hit the road with an entertainment tour to meet and compete against players across the country.
Now in its third year, GameRiot offers gamers a chance to play the hottest new and unreleased video game titles at some of the most popular attractions and festivals in America. The 14-week summer tour will kick off on June 14 and run through September 18, hosting 85 events in 25 markets. Some of the stops on the summer tour will include Hot Import Nights, Paramount Parks and the Ohio State Fair.
Zyos' participation will include personal appearances, live competitions on stage, media and sponsor meet-and-greets, photo shoots, interviews and autograph signings. Zyos will also work with fellow gamers and participants associated with Nesquik GameRiot to take part in video game discussions, practices and other tour-related activities. Attendees will be welcome to compete against Zyos in Halo 2 with prize levels based upon how well they perform against him. Anyone who scores three kills against Zyos will win a free six month membership to GameFly. Anyone who beats him will win cash and an MLG management contract.
"We are thrilled with GameRiot's selection of Zyos for participation on its 2005 tour," said Erik Semmelhack, senior vice president of MLG. "We look forward to working with GameRiot to continue raising Zyos' profile as a professional console video game player and aid its efforts in generating mass market interest for console gaming on a whole new level."
"Nesquik GameRiot is all about bringing extraordinary and unique experiences to gamers across America," said Matt Ringel, President & CEO of Games Media Properties. "There is no gamer today who is more extraordinary or unique than Zyos. He is a major competitor, a world-class Halo player and the most vaunted of MLG's professional gamers. Attendees at our events across the country will have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet him and beat him - if they can!"
Zyos, 21, began playing video games at the age of four. From his first love, Mario Brothers, to playing on a variety of consoles, he realized the potential to turn his passion into something far greater. Combined with an unyielding competitive streak and driving attitude, Zyos began playing up to several hours daily and competing whenever and wherever he could. He became a professional player in November 2002 and joined the ranks as an MLG professional in August 2003. Today, Zyos is the #1-ranked MLG professional player under managerial contract and one of the top console gaming professionals in the world.
"I am honored by my selection to join the GameRiot tour this season," said Zyos. "This offer is a great addition to my professional console gaming career. I look forward to traveling the country to share my knowledge and experiences with gamers everywhere."
For all upcoming events and more information, visit: http://www.GameRiot.com.
About Major League Gaming
Major League Gaming (MLG) is the first nationally organized professional video gaming league. Founded in 2003, MLG's goal is to raise the profile of professional video gaming to the level of other major pro sports around the world. MLG runs the most credible and best-known gaming league in the U.S., with over 13 major events and $250,000 in cash prizes planned for its 2005 season. MLG is also a leading producer of gaming lifestyle-related media properties, including wireless, online, print and television properties. See www.mlgpro.com for more info and live Web casts of MLG events.
About Games Media Properties LLC
Games Media Properties is dedicated to the creation of new properties, programming and marketing opportunities around video game content, competition and lifestyle. A venture of the William Morris Agency, the company was founded in 2002.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Jaime Jensen/Kelly Taylor
Bender/Helper Impact for Major League Gaming
310-694-3110/310-694-3133
Adam Fenton/Derek Musso
Bender/Helper Impact for GameRiot
212-689-6360