World Famous Classic Game Tournament Celebrates 6th Year

The 2004 International Classic Game Tournament attracts players and retro-enthusiasts from around the globe and is the most famous contest of it's kind. Set your calender for June 3rd-6th, 2004...

(PRWEB) May 4, 2004 --For the past 5 years Funspot has hosted the largest and most celebrated classic arcade contest in the world. Each year records fall as new champions are crowned amidst a flurry of media coverage. This year the contest will celebrate its 5th anniversary. The dates for the 2004 International Classic Game Tournament are Thursday through Sunday, June 3rd - June 6th.

Conceived by Ken Sweet and Funspot Operations Manager Gary Vincent, the first tournament was held in May of 1999. Over 100 pre-1986 games were included in the competition, and players traveled from as far away as Israel to attend. Subsequent tournaments have drawn players from Canada, England, Finland, Australia and across the USA.

This year will be an historic landmark for the contest as the American Classic Arcade Museum (ACAM), found online at www.ClassicArcadeMuseum.org , co-sponsors it. ACAM is an idea that was conceived by Gary Vincent in 1998, incorporated in 2002, and is now a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. The museum, located inside the huge Funspot Family Entertainment Center is still in its infancy but plans to be the premier showcase for classic games, memorabilia, and history, all revolving around an impressive collection of classic games. Unlike traditional museums where artifacts are displayed behind glass or velvet ropes, the games in the American Classic Arcade Museum will be available for all to play. Future plans call for a large building to be added to the present location to include 100+ additional games, a convention room and a new restoration center. All donations to the museum are tax deductible.

Twin Galaxies videogame officials and Funspot referees will be on-hand at the contest to log scores on over 200 games. "As usual, we have been adding new games to our collection throughout the year, and we expect to have several 'new classic games on the floor in time for the tournament", says ACAM President Gary Vincent, adding: "Many of the games weve obtained have been directly requested by the players."

There will be a $200 dollar cash prize for each winner of tournament contests, including the Monochrome Challenge, Classic Challenge, Pinball Challenge and new for this year, the Ladies Challenge open to the female attendees only. The Player of the Year Contest, which was introduced last year, will combine the scores of the Monochrome, Classic and Pinball challenges to find an overall champion, who will receive a cash award and forever earn a place of honor on the Funspot wall. In addition, a $25 cash prize will be awarded to the winners of each daily Mystery Game Tournament. The games featured in many of the competitions will be announced at the event, in order to provide a fair opportunity for gamers who don't have access to those titles throughout the year.

"We try to make each year the best and most exciting yet", says Ken Sweet, ACAM Vice President, adding: We have a few more surprises in store for the players this year."

The world-famous Funspot Family Entertainment Center has been owned and operated by the Lawton family for 50 years. With over 500 games, Funspot is the second largest arcade in the world and is located in Weirs Beach, New Hampshire. The 60,000 square foot complex also contains 20 bowling lanes, a miniature golf course, a driving range, a 400-seat Bingo hall, a restaurant, the D.A. Long Tavern, and a state of the art indoor golf center featuring six Full-Swing Golf Simulators. Funspot is open year-round with ample free parking.

The 6th Annual International Classic Game Tournament will be held Thursday June 3rd through Sunday June 6th, 2004. Tournament hours will be: Thursday Noon-10pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-11pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. Admission is $30 through June 2nd or $35 at the door. Players will receive 200 tokens and a welcome package. Entry forms are available at Funspot's bowling counter or online at www.funspotnh.com/tn-tournamentform.htm

For more information contact ACAM President Gary Vincent at gvincent@funspotnh.com

ACAM can be found on the web at www.ClassicArcadeMuseum.org