Major League Gaming Awards $10,000 to the Nation’s Top Collegiate Video Gamer

Adelphi University junior – Eric Hasselbring – will use winnings to pay for his final year at school

NEW YORK, March 24 /PRNewswire/ — Major League Gaming, the professional video game league, today announced that Adelphi University junior Eric Hasselbring is the winner of the 2008 Dr Pepper Collegiate Challenge. The $10,000 scholarship prize will help pay for his final year of school as he completes his Bachelors in Business Administration.

“I couldn’t believe that I won the money–it will make a big impact on my family’s finances for next year,” said Eric. “My whole team was playing hard so that I could get this and I couldn’t be happier.”

Like most students, Mr. Hasselbring juggles a busy schedule–tackling a full load of classes, a part-time job, and social and family obligations in addition to his passion for competitive video gaming. He currently boasts a 3.6 G.P.A. and works as a sales consultant at Best Buy. A long-time member of the MLG online community, his game of choice is Call of Duty.

“Major League Gaming Nation is smart, ambitious and tech savvy and Eric is a prime example of that,” said Matthew Bromberg, president and CEO of Major League Gaming. “This program is about rewarding video game achievement and the pursuit of higher education within our community, and we’re thrilled to be continuing the program through 2009.”

“We’re excited about giving Dr Pepper fans a unique opportunity to get more out of college – including free tuition,” said Terry Hockens, brand manager of marketing for Dr Pepper. “The 2008 competition was a huge success, and we can’t wait to see what is in store for this year.”

Current college-aged competitive gamers who want to throw their hat in the ring for the 2009 Dr Pepper Collegiate Challenge can go to www.gamebattles.com and update their profile with their school name.

MLG’s 2009 Pro Circuit Season Opener will be held April 3-5 at the Meadowlands and fans can come to see their favorite players live and in person the entire weekend. Sponsor activities, amateur free-for-all tournaments, and MLG’s exciting live programming will be happening all weekend long.

See more details and buy tickets at www.mlgpro.com.

About Major League Gaming

Founded in 2002, Major League Gaming (MLG) is the dominant media property exclusively targeting the approximately 40 million consumers in North America who have a passion for playing video games as a competitive social activity. The company exclusively represents the best professional gamers and gives millions of aspiring gamers around the world an opportunity to compete, improve their skills, and socialize through our thriving online competitive community and live Pro Circuit competitions. For more information: www.mlgpro.com.

    Contact:
    Amy Janzen
    Major League Gaming
    ajanzen@mlgpro.com
    917-209-6819

SOURCE Major League Gaming