We hosted the Bookmans Video Game Challenge '09: Street Fighter IV for gamers 14 years old and up this past weekend - and the competitors brought their A game. Thanks to all of the players, their family and friends, and our customers who made the Challenge a blast for all. Who's up for next year?

Winners received Bookmans gift certificates, gift bags, and the grand prize winner received a trophy that was unique to each store. Congrats to the winners!

Flagstaff's Challenge winners.

Bookmans Flagstaff (by Kate)
Flagstaff’s Video Game Challenge was great fun, with 21 adults entering the contest, and at least twice that watching the show. The wonderful controller-headed trophy was made by our artist-in-residence Reuben Jolley. Grab bags consisted of necessary items such as Mountain Dew, Nerds candy, pop-its, glow sticks, and sweatbands. The final battle, between Lorenzo and Gabriel, was a very close one, so there was much excitement, hollering, and throwing of fireballs before all was said and done.

Third Place: Sean Dover
Second Place: Lorenzo Hill (also placed second at NAU's Street Fighter Challenge)
First Place: Gabriel Ramirez

Bookmans Ina (by Audrey)
The Adult Video Game Challenge at Bookmans Ina was small, but it rocked! I have to extend a big thank you to everyone who showed up and participated in the challenge. You were all amazing and made the event so much fun.

Third Place: Wolf. He took home $25 in Bookmans trade credit and a Bookmans gift bag.
Second Place: Sean. He took home $50 in Bookmans trade credit and a Bookmans gift bag.
First Place: Alex. He took home a huge $100 in Bookmans trade credit, a Bookmans gift bag, and an amazing trophy.

Spectators gather 'round to watch.

Bookmans Phoenix (by Lori)
This weekend we hosted our first Street Fighter IV tournament at the Phoenix location. When I arrived at 10:30 in the morning to assist the Temple Arcade in their set-up efforts, I had no idea what to expect. Setup: We had three 32-inch HDTVs, three PS3s, and a handful of fight sticks waiting for players to rock it out! Big ups to Paul (the pretty one), Brian (the witty one), Tristan (crazy grapeade guy), and JediRobb (mastermind). Without you all this would have never been possible.

Noon rolled around and there were a handful of hardcore SFIV fans waititng to play. By 1:30 we had to cut off the number of people participating at 64. Are you freaking kidding me?!? I felt terrible having to turn people away, but this tournament was only supposed to be a one day event! I was amazed at the excellence of playership, camaraderie, enthusiasm, and - above all - hygiene. This was a whole new breed of geek and I loved it!

Third Place: Jiovanni
Second Place: Sabre
First Place: Juicebox

Counting down to the finish.

Bookmans Grant (by Cody)
We had 14 contestants and actually had to bribe a couple of people to play so that we'd have the right number of players. Then it turned oiut someone had been waiting at the information desk to sign up, so he had to bribe his girlfriend to sign up too or else we'd have an odd number and that would throw everything off. he competition lasted about an hour an a half, and everyone had a good time.

Third Place: Albert Lopez
Second Place: Phillip Peron
First Place: Joshua Trujillo

See more photos from the Challenge in our Flickr. Have your own? Add them to the Bookmans Flickr Pool!