Whether students like PlayStation, X-Box or neither, Leo Con brings gamers and non-gamers together to participate in an event Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wesley Foundation.

UNA’s Video Game Association will host their semi-annual competitive gaming tournament.

“At this event, players of the games presented are encouraged to face off against one another to win rewards for fighting through the best the Shoals area has to offer,” said VGA President Sean Fritts.

Fritts said the group started the tournament in 2013, and he has seen a steady increase in participants. He hopes they have a larger turnout this year.

The event is free for viewers, but if students want to compete in the onsite tournament, they can sign up at the Wesley Foundation for a $5 entry fee, Fritts said. The fees are combined to create a cash prize.

“A bigger turnout means bigger prizes,” Fritts said.

Fritts said the main games people can play at the onsite tournament are Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (Singles) and Super Smash Bros for Wii U (Singles).

For students who want to compete but do not want to pay an entry fee, there is an alternative.

“There will be an online League of Legends tournament, and that will be free,” Fritts said. “There is estimated to be two to four teams with five people per team.”

The top winner in both Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will receive a cash prize, Fritts said. The winning team for the League of Legends competition will receive a $10 card for riot points, an in-game currency.

Senior Jake Dillashaw said he had never heard of the event before.

“I would be interested in going,” he said. “I love playing video games. I play anything from sports to action. So, a video game tournament sounds pretty sweet.”

Fritts said he welcomes all students, even if they do not participate and only watch.

It is a good way for students to get involved, said junior Olivia Howard.

“We’ve been working hard to get eSports, (competitive video gaming), going around here,” Fritts said. “Any form of interest, be it viewing or participating, helps to get this scene to the attention of those who can make this event even better. We hope the people who come enjoy themselves.”

For more information on Leo Con, email Sean Fritts at [email protected] or visit the Leo Con Facebook page at www.facebook.com/unaleocon.