For the first time ever, Canadian video game players can now join a professional video game league here at home to earn prize money and rise through the ranks to secure a professional contract. Canadian video game players can now sign up for online tournaments and be invited to participate in large-scale tournaments in order to gain points, qualify for future events, and increase their professional ranking.

Toronto-based Insight Sports, a leading sports media and entertainment company, is bringing Major League Gaming (MLG) to Canada to create new opportunities for local players, developers, publishers, media partners and advertisers.

Launched in 2002 in the United States, MLG has created the world’s first sports media business built around professional video gaming. Recognized as the governing authority for millions of competitive gamers worldwide, MLG has exclusive relationships with the top professional players and deep relationships with sponsors and media partners. By elevating video game competition to the level of professional sport, MLG enables a large and growing community of fans and a roster of top sponsors to connect with the global video game culture.

“Canadians definitely have game. This country has a rich tradition in the video game industry both in publishing and development and as a hotbed of talented, passionate gamers,” said Sundance DiGiovanni, co-founder, Major League Gaming. “We modeled MLG on traditional North American sports leagues like the NBA and NHL. The team at Insight Sports is perfect for bringing the MLG vision directly to Canada.“

“The cultural impact of video games is huge: from the first table-top Pac-Man games to the phenomenon that is Halo, Canadians can’t get enough video games,” said Kevin Albrecht, president and chief executive officer, Insight Sports. “We are creating a level playing field where Canadian gamers can now compete and win against the best video game players from all over the world.“

The MLG Canadian Open will be held Friday, November 2nd – Sunday, November 4th, 2007 at Toronto’s Direct Energy Centre. It will serve as a marquee event within the larger Gaming and Digital Lifestyle show that is expected to attract over 25,000 core gamers and technology enthusiasts during the weekend.

Canadian gamers are invited to click here for more information.

[tags]major league gaming, mgl[/tags]