Unless you count Wordle, I’m not much of a gamer, but I love the idea of the GigaZone Gaming Tourney to showcase broadband in the area, promote tech employment and just have fun. I’m happy to share all of the updates…

The 2024 GigaZone Gaming Championship and TechXpo is Saturday, April 20 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji with special guest Danielle Feinberg from Pixar Animation Studios. The event features free admission and free gaming on various console and arcade games, numerous tournaments, door prizes, and more.
This year’s GigaZone Gaming Championship is bigger than ever before with over a dozen tournaments including:
Rocket League- Main Stage
The main stage tournament on the esports stadium style stage in the GigaZone Championship Arena.
3-person team competition with 32 team maximum.
$900 per team for 1st, $600 per team for 2nd, $300 per team for 3rd.
Fortnite
This is a Zero-Build Solos leaderboard tournament. The player with the highest number of kills wins at the end of the day.
$400 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd, $200 for 3rd, $100 for 4th
Madden24
Individual competition with 32 person maximum.
$400 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd, $200 for 3rd, $100 for 4th
Overwatch 2
3-person team competition with 32 team maximum
$600 per team for 1st, $300 per team for 2nd, $150 per team for 3rd.
Valorant
3 person team competition with 12 team maximum
$600 per team for 1st, $300 per team for 2nd, $150 per team for 3rd.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Individual competition with 64 person maximum
1st Place $300, 2nd Place $200, 3rd Place $100, 4th Place $50
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Individual competition with 64 person maximum
1st Place $300, 2nd Place $200, 3rd Place $100, 4th Place $50
Super Smash Bros Ultimate- Junior Tournament (Kids under 14)
Individual competition with 32 person maximum
1st Place $200, 2nd Place $150, 3rd Place $100, 4th Place $50
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe- Junior Tournament (Kids under 14)
Individual competition with 64 person maximum
1st Place $200, 2nd Place $150, 3rd Place $100, 4th Place $50
Magic The Gathering Booster Drafts
“Free to you” Outlaws of Thunder Junction Drafts at approximately 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 64 person maximum
Retro Arcade Tournaments
Ms Pac-Man, Galaga, and Donkey Kong. High score on each wins $100 gift card
Bemidji Drift- Paul Bunyan Communications Van Racing Tournament
1 morning and 1 afternoon session 14+ and Juniors under 14. Top score of each session wins $100.
Cosplay Contest
One contest for ages 14+, one contest for juniors under 14.
Adults- 1st Place- $300 gift card 2nd Place $200 gift card 3rd Place $100 gift card
Juniors- 1st Place- $100 gift card 2nd Place $75 gift card 3rd Place $50 gift card
All the tournaments and contests are FREE to enter but all those who want to enter a tournament will need to create a GigaZone Gaming Player Profile prior to registration at the event. This can be done online at http://www.gigazonegaming.com This will expedite the onsite registration process to allow the tournaments to start earlier.
Registration for all tournaments will start at the Sanford Center April 20 at 10 a.m. and go until full. Special Guest Danielle Feinberg from Pixar Animation Studios will be on the main stage at 2 p.m.
The GigaZone TechXpo will expose a growing regional audience to technology innovation and help them turn their technical skills and enthusiasm into successful careers right here northern Minnesota. Start-ups and companies creatively leveraging technology will be able to demonstrate their innovation to a large group of tech-savvy potential employees. Educators and educational institutions can have their tech-oriented students show off projects and promote the technology training programs they have to offer.
This Paul Bunyan Communications event includes the talents of many local partners including NLFX, Accidentally Cool Games, Northern Amusement, the Sanford Center, as well as support from several regional and national partners.