The new gaming season starts at CeBIT 2007
In 2007 the World Cyber Games season once again kicks off with the Samsung Euro Championship, staged in Hall 22 at CeBIT 2007 (15 - 21 March) in Hannover. On an 8,000 m² arena more than 250 players from 25 nations will be stepping forward to compete in seven disciplines for cash prizes totalling 100,000 euros. Just as CeBIT drives growth in the IT industry, so gaming drives the development of new technology. Which makes the leading trade fair for the digital world in Hannover the ideal place to demonstrate professional gaming at its best.
The formal opening ceremony on Thursday 15 March will be followed by four days of gaming thrills and skills, featuring Europe's top computer gamers, numerous show matches, and culminating in the exciting finals projected onto large video screens. But it's not just about winning or losing, it's about entertainment as well. Visitors can look forward to artists, dedicated gaming areas, case mod exhibitions and stands representing the WCG sponsoring partners.
On the program for this year are Need for Speed Carbon (street racing), FIFA 2007 and WarCraft 3 (The Frozen Throne), plus Dawn of War (Winter Assault). In five-man teams Europe's top clans will be up against each other in CounterStrike: 1.6 (tactical action game).
Germany's medal hopes for this year are once again pinned on the reigning FIFA world champion Daniel Schellhase, who wiped the board with his competitors in the World Cyber Games 2006 in Monza. Germany will be going all out to confirm the status it gained in Monza as the top European e-gaming nation - and will hopefully bring home the overall victory for the third time in succession. Console fans will be in their element with contests on the latest Xbox 360 featuring 'Dead or Alive 4' (beat 'em up) and 'Project Gotham Racing 3' (street racing).
About the WCG
The World Cyber Games are the Olympics of the PC/video gaming community - and much more besides. The World Cyber Games bring together players from all over the world, building harmony through the shared emotional involvement in gaming. The international WCG slogan 'Beyond the Game' stands for the hope that the encounters between nations will be peaceful, confined to the world of play and informed by a mutual respect for all contestants.
At the WCG 2006 Samsung Euro Championship, which was held at CeBIT 2006, a field of 210 players were pitted against each other in a sporting contest that was worth a grand total of US $100,000 in prize money.
The next Grand Final takes place in Seattle in October 2007. National teams from 80 countries and 800 players will compete for medals and prize money totalling US $500,000.
In the all-time medal rankings Germany lies in second place after Korea. In 2003 Germany became world champion. And the current FIFA Soccer 2006 world champion is also Germany.
The principal global sponsor of the World Cyber Games is Samsung Electronics.
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