Everyone is invited to witness the rise of Esports as a spectator phenomenon at Central Coast Council’s first ever ‘Ultimate Gamer’ tournament.

For young people aged 12 to 24, the semi-final event will be held at Tuggerah Westfield on 25 May with the grand final at Erina Fair on 22 June.

Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said the events will also feature a side of giant games, DJ workshops and chillout zones.

“This is Council’s first Ultimate Gamer tournament and altogether 60 young people have made it through to the semi-finals from heats at six shopping centres across the Coast,” Mr Cannard said.

“It’s been really rewarding to see so many gamers connect with each other, and a privilege to create opportunities where all young people feel welcome to participate in community life.

“Because it is our first Ultimate Gamer tournament, we are welcoming any feedback from the community to help us shape next year’s event and feedback can be provided via iPads at the final tournament events.”

Esports has had a meteoric rise since 1972 when the first known video game competition took place at Stanford University in the US. It is now a billion-dollar global industry.

The Central Coast’s inaugural Ultimate Gamer tournament has offered participants a choice of two games – Sonic All Stars Racing and FIFA 17’s popular football game.

Games take place in a van transformed into a video gaming theatre that holds up to eight young people battling it out for the finals.

For the finals, a large screen outside the van will alternate between showing selected live games from the van and acting as a console screen for those playing games outside the van.

The Tuggerah semi-final will consist of a series of short 15-minute games to enable all gamers to participate.

Friends and family can try their hand at giant games including Jenga, UNO, Connect 4 and dice-rolling Yahtzee. Free snacks and drinks will be provided.

Ultimate Gamer is organised by Central Coast Council with support from partners Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) and Ability Links.

• Semi-final is from 11.30am to 5pm on 25 May at Tuggerah Westfield
• Grand final is from 11.30am to 5pm on 22 June at Erina Fair