Paul Bunyan Communications reports…

The 2025 GigaZone Gaming Championship and TechXpo will be Saturday, April 12 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. The event is one of the largest rural gaming events in the United States and features free arcade gaming/pinball, numerous gaming tournaments for cash/prizes, door prizes, and more. All the fun is free including entering a gaming tournament.
This year’s tournaments will include:
Rocket League- Main Stage
The main stage tournament on the esports stadium style stage in the GigaZone Championship Arena.
3-person team competition with 16 team maximum.
1st Place- $900 per team 2nd Place-$600 per team, 3rd Place-$300 per team
Rocket League- GigaZone High School Invitational
**New** This tournament is exclusive to High School Esports teams. It is a 3-person team double elimination tournament with 16 team maximum. Schools interested in registering for this tournament should visit https://gigazonegaming.com/ for more information
Fortnite
This is a No-Build Solos leaderboard tournament. Tournament will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
1st Place-$400; 2nd Place-$300; 3rd Place-$200; 4th Place-$100
Madden24
Individual competition with 32-person maximum 1st Place-$400; 2nd Place-$300; 3rd Place-$200; 4th Place-$100
Valorant
5-person team competition with 12-team maximum
1st Place- $1,000; per team; 2nd Place-$500 per team; 3rd Place-$250 per team
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 13)
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 13)
Individual competition with 64-person maximum 1st Place- $200; 2nd Place-$150; 3rd Place $100; 4th Place $50
Magic The Gathering Booster Drafts
Tarkir Dragonstorm Draft at 11 a.m. with 64-person maximum. Top 8 player Championship Draft at 3 p.m. with live stream coverage. Commander Events starting at 3pm.

Cosplay Contest Adult
1st Place- $300; 2nd Place $200; 3rd Place-$100
Cosplay Contest Juniors
1st Place- $100; 2nd Place $75; 3rd Place-$50
Classic Arcade Games Top Score
Donkey Kong $100
Galaga $100
Ms. Pacman $100
Bemidji Drift- PBC Truck Racing Simulator Best Time
Adults AM- $100 PM- $100
Juniors AM- $100 PM- $100
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arade Game High Score
$200
GigaZone Gaming Profile Required to Enter Tournaments
All the gaming is free, but a GigaZone Gaming profile is required to enter a tournament. This is also free and can be created anytime online at http://www.gigazonegaming.com
Registration for all tournaments is first come, first in until full on the day of the event with doors opening at 10 a.m Special Guest Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney will be on the main stage at 2 p.m.
The GigaZone TechXpo will feature a wide variety of business and schools that introduces a growing regional audience to technology innovation to help turn their technical skills and enthusiasm into successful careers right here in northern Minnesota. There is no cost to be an exhibitor, but space is limited, and the exhibit must display the use of technology. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025, at www.gigazonetechxpo.com
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.