BEMIDJI — The GigaZone Gaming Championship returns for the ninth year this Saturday, April 12, in Bemidji.
According to Paul Bunyan Communications, the free event has grown to one of the largest rural gaming events in the country and has received national recognition.
Tournaments in modern and retro games will take place throughout the day at the Sanford Center, as well as exhibitors, a free arcade and a cosplay contest.
“We invite everyone to experience this truly unique event developed by our exceptionally talented team," stated Paul Bunyan Communications CEO and General Manager Chad Bullock in a news release.
"In addition to all the gaming fun, the TechXpo showcases schools and businesses’ use of technology and potential career opportunities through some cool interactive exhibits."
Duncan Wardle of Disney studios fame is slated to be the event's featured speaker. Wardle is a multiple TEDx speaker and teaches master classes at Yale and Harvard universities.
All the tournaments are first-come, first-in until full. While free, a GigaZone Gaming profile is required to enter the tournaments. That can be created online. For those unable to attend, it will be livestreamed on Twitch.
Doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday with door prize drawings set for 6 p.m.
-
St. Louis County spring wildfires cause $2.3M in damage; MN's DWI penalties get tougher with new lawPlus: the administrative trial is underway on whether Northern Township will become a city or Bemidji's boundaries will include land around Lake Bemidji; and a new study by the University of Minnesota indicates the surf from wakeboats can cause ecological harm in depths less than 20 feet. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe Crow Wing County Fair continues through Sunday, Aug. 2. -
Scott Rodgerson/UnsplashThe new law, effective Aug. 1, 2025, expands the state's ignition interlock program and extends the "lookback" period for prior DWI convictions from 10 to 20 years. -
Dani Fraher/KAXEThe vast majority of the damage was caused by the Camp House Fire, according to St. Louis County. Over 200 structures were damaged, 16 of which were homes.
