Introduction

Gaming is a worldwide pastime enjoyed by those of all generations - from the time we are children until we are seated around a senior center table for bridge, gaming provides us with both fun and social interaction. It has only been a few years since computer gaming first hit the mainstream, but it is now really taking off.

The Counter-Strike Source Finals - This is the first year for Source.

A year ago, THG ventured to Grapevine, Texas to bring you our first coverage of the Cyberathlete Professional League's Extreme World Championships (CPL). Now we have headed back again for this year's "World Series" of Computer Gaming. CPL is an all star event with computer gamers from around the world; its only rival is Europe's ESWC (Electronic Sports World Cup). Of course, there are other flavors for competitive gaming too, like the WCG (World Cyber Games)-which offers an Olympic approach-and the Pro-Am (Professional Amateur) category, like this year's ACON5.

The Gaylord Texan Resort is a great location for such a momentous gaming event. As Angel Munoz, the president and founder of the CPL has stated in the past, "Get the absolute best venue possible" - and it is. There are over four and a half acres, enclosed inside the air conditioned atrium. It is a grand place to host the best of the best, squared off in six of the most highly acclaimed games. The temperature outside in the Texan sun was bordering on 100 degrees, but the action inside was even hotter.