The bartender arrived and the GameRiot girls followed shortly behind. Their arrival marked the beginning of the competitions. The DJ ripped through the airwaves and the MC took the stage. Attendees seemed to get the life back into them and the program director said “this is what the tour is supposed to be like.” It was evident when the once lifeless bodies sitting and chatting had gotten up and were screaming ME! ME! ME! to get in the tournaments that the event had finally begun.

The tournaments are played and viewed by all via the big flat screen monitors. Winners are reward with the game of their choice and photo's with the GameRiot girls. The excitement level had certainly changed once they were able to start up the music and have a little fun. The MC keeps people abreast of the games and fills people in on special moves or great plays from the tournament players. The Sound and lighting crews do a good job of giving the tournament area special “techno-like” atmosphere and everyone seemed to enjoy the show.

The winners are proudly displayed center stage with one of the GameRiot girls on each arm. Grins from ear to ear were common place among the winners as was the MC holding a plethora of game titles to choose from. The winners of all but the America 's Army Tourney got their choice of one of the latest game titles. Since there are 4 players on each team of the AA Tourney the winners each get a T-Shirt. However, the winners of the Soul Caliber Contest are all entered into a bonus contest to win one of the 12 Soul Caliber Swords ever made. It would certainly be displayed if I were the owner of it; it's quite a cool looking blade!

The event carried on and people played as the tournaments ran but my time was running short. I would have like to be able to stay for the entire event but I was unable to. I'm sure the event will be a successful one and I'll certainly keep my eyes peeled for a Kansas City stop to be listed on their Summer Tour. Keep in mind if you plan on attending E3 you'll be able to catch a show there if there's not one scheduled close to you.

If you'd like to learn more about GameRiot or to see if it's coming to a town near you, make sure to check out their site. I'd like to thank; Nate Wright, Jack Childs, Nick Shell and Frank Dennis for their time at the event. These guys are there to answer all of your questions, even if it's “how do I start this game?” If you're lucky enough to attend one of the upcoming events and happen to run into Tabitha, I seem to have lost her number; I'd really appreciate it if someone could get that for me.