World Cyber Games 2009
Grand Finals kick off in Chengdu, China.
Chengdu, China. November 12, 2009 - World Cyber Games (WCG), the premier international video game competition and festival, officially welcomed over 600 of the world's most elite gamers from 65 countries to the 2009 Grand Finals in Chengdu, China. In celebration of the first-ever Grand Final in China, the WCG put on a spectacular opening ceremony that was witnessed by thousands of fans at the New International Convention & Exposition Center.
The event began with the annual WCG Parade of Nations, during which a representative from each of the countries carried the flag of his homeland to showcase National pride and the dreams for gold and glory that each of the gamers brings to the event. Following the parade, internationally renowned Chinese Warcraft III player Li 'WE-SKY' Xiaofeng was joined on stage by Thomas Clarke, the head Guitar Hero referee from New Zealand, for the reading of the Fair Play Oath. Headlining the entertainment at the event was a performance from China's pop sensation 'Boy Band' who sang a Chinese version of the official WCG theme song 'Beyond the Game'.
The first day was not just pomp and circumstance. It also marked the beginning of the competition as Xiaofeng took on German great Marc 'yAws' Forster in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. The first match of the Grand Final gave Germany a great jump out of the gate as Forster took down the hometown favorite in a thrilling match.
"This year's Grand Final marks the first time the WCG has selected China for its biggest event of the year and we are confident it will be one of the most spectacular to date," said Hyoung-seok Kim, CEO of World Cyber Games Inc., the global organizer of the World Cyber Games.
The WCG 2009 Grand Final continues through November 15. For up-to-the-minute tournament updates and a full gallery of photos, please visit www.WCG.com.
ABOUT THE WORLD CYBER GAMES
World Cyber Games ( www.wcg.com) is the premiere global eSports tournament and festival, with about 800 players from 78 countries participating at the WCG 2008 Grand Final. Founded in 2000 and credited with launching the professional careers of many of the planet's top competitive video game players, World Cyber Games uses a yearlong tournament format, which begins with online, regional and national competitions in each country. National finalists then convene to compete in the ultimate international tournament in eSports, the World Cyber Games Grand Final, where each country's best players battle for the largest and most prestigious prizes in competitive gaming. The WCG 2008 Grand Final was held in Cologne, Germany. This year's WCG Grand Final will be held in Chengdu, China from November 11th to 15th.
Contact:
Yvette In 82-2-2106-6552 yvette@wcg.com
Blain Howard 212-689-6360 blain_howard@bhimpact.com
Aaron Smolick 914-479-0070 X10 aaron.smolick@wcg.com