Gamers from over 15 different states converged in Des Moines, to compete for over $10,000 and during this two day video game tournament, TIPGC showcased tons of exciting Call of Duty, Gears of War, and Halo action.

In fact, Event Highlights from Iowa’s largest video game tournament are now online!

With over 60 gaming station, a beautiful Main Stage, amazing staff, big prizes, free green beer, and the professionally-produced live stream – TIPGC 2012 treated attendees to a unique experience while including online viewers all weekend long.

In each of the three 4v4 game divisions, we had some intense competition.  With over 50 total teams, it was fun watching the tournament brackets drive teams forward towards the championship, while leaving other teams surely wanting more.  Everyone had a blast, but in the end, each game division announced 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, who all received some exciting prizes and a great payday.

Spectators at the venue and what would top out at over 550,000 online viewers, were treated to some amazing commentary and a unique live stream experience.  Our commentating team, lead by GoldenBoyFTW and Marksman, was supported by the amazing Focus Fire production staff all weekend long and provided a wonderful and interactive experience for thousands.  In fact, highlights from the live stream broadcast can still be enjoyed on our sponsoring live stream website, Twitch.TV.

It is very important to thank everyone behind this unique video game event event.  Partners like Twitch.TV, Astro Gaming, Gunnar Optiks, Nyko, Game Helmet, Gaming Generations, Envy Controllers, Lime Lounge, Davis Brown Law Firm, and our awesome venue, AllPlay, are all a part of the TIPGC winning formula.  With the ongoing support from these partners, the event management team from Jet Set Studio and Focus Fire are able bring everything together.  THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!

Last, but not least.  This year we appreciated the increased amount of media coverage before, during, and after TIPGC 2012.  We thought it would be neat to include a list of just a few of our favorite articles…

TOP NEWS – Des Moines Register

Gunnar Recap Blog

Iowa Sports Connection Recap

ESFI Event Coverage

Musing on Gaming Blog Recap

Des Moines Register Showcases Jet Set Studio

Des Moines Juice Magazine Preview

Des Moines Register – Five Things You Can’t Miss This Weekend

CityView Preview Article

Des Moines is NOT boring Preview Article

RTV Interviews Ben McDougal

Kona’s Korner Preview Article

ENJOY TIPGC 2012 HIGHLIGHTS!

4v4 Call of Duty: MW3

4v4 Gears of War 3

4v4 Halo: Reach

 With over $10,000 is cash and prizes, congratulations to all our winning teams!

- MORE HIGHLIGHTS COMING SOON -

It’s hard to believe that next weekend, the TIPGC community will be together again, enjoying what will surely be an amazing tournament event.  With only a few days until TIPGC 2012, here are a few last minute bits of information.

Saturday Check-In

As the rules document for each game division states, team check-in and warm-up begins at 8am on Saturday morning.  Check-in will close shortly before 10am, at which time we’ll finalize the brackets for each division and welcome everyone to TIPGC 2012.

Roster Changes

Changes to your team rosters can be made during check-in.  As also described by our rules, once the tournament begins, all team rosters are locked.

Team & Spectator Passes

Team Passes ($200) and Spectator Passes ($10) will both be available at the door!!

What to Bring

- WIRED controllers.

- Non-electrical Headset (optional) to plug into the Astro MixAmp.

- Astro Splitters in case we have to go split screen in the early round(s).

- Extra cash to pick up Official TIPGC 2012 shirts, enter the cash raffle, enjoy “Lime Lite”, and a little more just in case you want to participate in a FFA tournament.

Official TIPGC 2012 Shirts

These are going to be sick.  Thanks to our friend Walshy and his clothing company, Kiaeneto, we’ll have an all-new TIPGC design showcased in a blue (not pictured), gold, and Irish green shirts.  Shirts are $20/each.

Cash Raffle

Thanks to the awesome support from so many great sponsors, we’re excited to announce a cash raffle that you’re surely going to want to enter.  We’ll have some great prizes to give away such as Gunnars glasses, Gears of War 3 swag, Astro backpacks, a variety of t-shirts, GoG Golf Balls, and much more!

$1 = 1 ticket | $10 = 15 tickets | $20 = 30 tickets

Lime Lite

We’ve got your St. Patrick’s Day celebration taken care of!  We’ll have gamer green beer drink tickets available for those who are over 21 and want to act Irish.  With Lime Lounge sponsoring the TIPGC bar scene, we wanted to thank them by naming our watering hole Lime Lite.  The after-party for Saturday night will be Lime Lounge, which is within walking distance from the venue and Marriott!

FFA Tournaments

Depending on the final team count and how the event progresses, we may announce impromptu FFA tournaments.  These will require cash to enter, with the majority of the cash going into the prize package.  More details on game day.

TIPGC Teams

4v4 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Defcon 4
Stereo
Minnesota Dream Team
FAM Elite
KoV Knights of Valor
State of Mind
Pheasant Pluckers
Reading Rancors
Coco Bros
WarfareOnDemand
Team Dynamic
KoV Xeon
Team LyKanz
Pure Adrenaline
Invictus
NaTion
ChaRed Gaming
GZ Relapse
Team GG
XSel Gaming
$tylin-()n-You
Wolfpack
Baked Goods
BEEP BEEP
OpTic Gaming
Twisted Obey
FaZe
esn Innovation
Team Rival
Reactionz
The Lone Warriors
Radio
Scubby Dudez
402 sucks

4v4 Halo: Reach
Team Overkill
Fears No Beer!
Cheers For Beer!
Armed Conflict
Nuns of Chaos
OXYGEN
Ego Driven Dreams
Schrute Farms
Repeat
Hit Scan

4v4 Gears of War 3
Lords
Almost Angels
Under the Influence
Purple Rain
The Nsan3z
HYFR
Authority Omega

TIPGC Livestream

The best way to tune into our Twitch.TV live stream throughout all next weekend, is by visiting this page that will be activated soon: www.TIPGC.com/LIVE

TIPGC MOBILE

coming soon!

To help you free agents and team recruiters connect, here is an informal list of people who are looking to complete a team.  Some even have a team pass already, so get out there and connect!

www.twitter.com/StriDeZY (TIPGC 2011 Champ!)

www.twitter.com/SuPreMaCee

www.twitter.com/esn_smitty

www.twitter.com/mograppler

www.twitter.com/gbstatus

www.twitter.com/nshrope54

www.twitter.com/Throwinmoneyvhs

www.twitter.com/joslincc8

www.twitter.com/Yoohoo_rL

www.twitter.com/Distracts_

www.twitter.com/rednation16

www.twitter.com/Estellefj71

Let us know if you’d like to be added or removed from this list!

March 17-18 will be here in less than two weeks and we’ve locked the rules, settings, gametypes, and schedule for each game division.  Depending on final team counts, we may tweak these documents in small ways, but make sure your team is aware of the various details associated with each game division!

4v4 Modern Warfare 3 – Rules, Settings, Gametypes & Schedule (V6)

4v4 Gears of War 3 – Rules, Settings, Gametypes & Schedule (V6)

Last Chance to Register!

We’re excited to welcome a ton of great MW3, Halo Reach, and Gears of War 3 teams!  After selling 32 MW3 team passes, we’ve unlocked additional team passes for that division.  Also, we still need more Halo Reach and Gears of War 3 teams, so organize and lock in soon, as each division’s registration closes Sunday, March 11!

REGISTER HERE

#TIPGC on TWITTER

When you’re tweeting before, during, and after this video game event, use #TIPGC in your tweets.  Along with landing you on this website (see below), this is great to help find a team and we’ll also be showcasing everyone’s tweets live at the event!

Twitch.TV Livestream

One of the most exciting elements of TIPGC, is our partnership with Twitch.TV.  This connection allows us to showcase a professionally produced stream for that includes full commentary, prize giveaways, and a live chat throughout the entire weekend.  If you can’t attend TIPGC in person, this is definitely the next best thing.  Check out the TIPGC Commentating Team, spread the word, and tune in soon!

GoldenBoyFTW

What up my people!  I’ll be representing New York at TIPGC and can’t wait to meet all you players in Iowa.  I’ve enjoyed a lot of very unique commentating experiences.  I hope you enjoyed what we did at MLG and their Weekly Warfare show, and I plan to bring that MW3, Halo Reach, and Gears of War 3 insight to everyone for TIPGC 2012!  Tune in my friends…we’re going BIG.

BlazeByNature

Hey everyone!  My name is Guy “BlazeByNature” Spencer I have been playing Gears of War professionally since the beginning, back in 2007 at MLG Meadowlands.  Outside of gaming, I’m from the windy city and can’t wait to take Des Moines by storm.  I’ll be ready to party it up with everyone and you can bet my commentary will be full of life.  TIPGC 2012 is going to be amazing and I can’t wait to be a part it of something so unique!

SMASHley

Hi everyone!  I’m super excited to be headed back to TIPGC for the second year in a row!  I’m from Omaha, Nebraska and have been a gamer since I can remember.  I’m excited to interview as many of you as we can throughout a weekend I’ve been waiting for since last year!  See you all soon!

Im Marksman

Welcome back to TIPGC everyone!  I’m passionate about the video game industry, have been involved with Jet Set Studio from their first gaming event in 2007, and am now really enjoying my position at Twitch.TV.  Our live streaming platform is unmatched and can’t wait to showcase this unique event to our widespread community.  Twitch.TV and TIPGC FTW!

MiniPaws

I’mmmmm baaaack!  Along with actually competing in the first TIPGC and helping to bring Focus Fire to this unique event, I’m excited to continue showcasing this big event to all you live stream viewers.  I enjoyed commentating last year’s ground breaking event and will be back to share some fun conversations and tons of strats.

Mazsik

St. Patrick’s Day combined with an awesome video game tournament?  Yes please!  MLG events have brought me amazing adventures.  From coaching last year’s MLG Halo Reach championship team, Final Boss, to being named the most winning coach in MLG history, I can’t wait to talk Halo strategy and just have a great time with all the people that make the gaming community so great.  I’m headed up to Iowa from Florida and can’t wait to party with my people!

RxySurfChic

Hey guys!  I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the video game community on www.GatheringofGamers.com.  Whether it’s been my time on GoGcast, attending E3 with the Jet Set Studio Media Team, or attending the very first TIPGC…even though I won’t be live at the event, I can’t wait to be right there with everyone in the Live Chat!

BENfromGoG

I might be there too…

With so many asking for insight on so many fronts, this monstrous update from Jet Set Studio is providing you the information you need to get locked in and start preparing for our third annual event, March 17-18 in Des Moines, Iowa!

Discount Hotel Expires FRIDAY

If you’re planning to travel to TIPGC, and we know a lot of you are, you only have a few days to snag one of the few remaining discounted rooms (only $95/night) at an awesome hotel in downtown Des Moines.

CLICK HERE to visit our TIPGC travel page and you’ll find the special reservation link to guide you through discounted registration.  Once again, this deal expires this Friday, February 24th…so do not delay.

Roster Change Reminder

Once locked in, team rosters CAN change all the way up until check-in on Saturday morning, at which time it’s locked for the weekend.  Get organize and lock in today!

Prizing

Everyone wants to know what the prizing for TIPGC will look like.  With a slightly shifted format of pulling a portion of the registration into the cash prizing, this is a bit different than in past years, so let’s look at a few team count scenarios as we can’t wait to fill up the all-new TIPGC Briefcase!

Example Cash Payouts
32 Teams * $140/team = $4,480
$4,480 – 25% Venue Fee ($1,120) = $3,360
1st Place (65%) = $2,184 per team = $546/person
2nd Place (25%) =$840 per team = $210/person
3rd Place (10%) = $336 per team = $84/person

16 Teams * $140/team = $2,240
$2,240 – 25% Venue Fee ($560) = $1,680
1st Place (65%) = $1,092 per team = $273/person
2nd Place (25%) =$420 per team = $105/person
3rd Place (10%) = $168 per team = $42/person

We recognize that cash is king.  As the exact amount of teams lock in, we’ll have the exact prize money ready to shower our winners with, but what’s always made TIPGC so unique, is all the awesome products our generous sponsors provide the TIPGC champions.  We’re super-psyched about our TIPGC 2012 sponsors and here is a list of what each supporting company is bringing to the TIPGC Champion’s Table…so far!

ASTRO Gaming – Astro Scout Bags

GUNNAR Optiks – Pairs of Gunnars

NYKO Technologies – Raven PS3 Controllers, Xbox 360 Charge Base S, and more

Game Helmet – Custom TIPGC 2012 fitted hats to 1st Place

Gaming Generations – Variety of Xbox 360 merchandise

We’re working to add to this unique array of great prizes, but we hope this clears any confusion towards the great prizes we’ve got up for grabs at TIPGC 2012.

EPIC Games Endorses TIPGC

This is fresh off the press today!  We’ve received word that we’ll be receiving a special shipment, directly from the Gears of War 3 mothership, EPIC Games.  This swag shipment will be a part of our prizing, live stream, and raffle giveaways throughout the weekend.  This is very neat to have the support of a developer like this (hint, hint Bungie and Infinity Ward) and we have to give props to Fragged Nation, who made this connection.

Fragged Nation Online Event

That’s a nice segue to sharing what many of you already have heard about.  FraggedNation.com is hosting a FREE online tournament, as a way to boost the excitement for TIPGC 2012!  With a nice lineup of prizes provided by Focus Fire and the grand prize of an actual TIPGC Team Pass for each game division, don’t miss this neat event that will only get you more excited for TIPGC 2012.  Details and online registration can be found here: www.fraggednation.com/content.php?k=TIPGC

Astro MixAmps

Many have asked what the headset situation at TIPGC 2012 will be.  Like last year, we’re very excited to announce that our continued partnership with ASTRO Gaming will allow us to equip all of the 50+ gaming stations with their exclusive MixAmp™ Pro.

If you have an Astro headset or other compatible headset (see rules for details), you and your team will have the ability to lock into the best that gaming has to offer.  A special thanks to our friends at Astro for swinging a logistical maze in order to make this work and we’re especially excited to plug our live stream viewers into the sounds of TIPGC like never before!

Twitch.TV

Nothing much to update you on here, besides get ready to go BIG.  The TIPGC 2012 live stream is about to explode on Twitch.TV.

As a lead sponsor of TIPGC 2012, Twitch.TV is helping maximize our professionally produced, fully commentated live stream experience that will be something to enjoy all weekend long.  Compete on the TIPGC Main Stage and expect to be seen.  If you can’t make it to TIPGC 2012, our friends at Focus Fire will ensure you experience a beautiful alternative that will allow all our viewers at home to track TIPGC excitement, watch great competitive game play, interact with our commentators, join in the live chat, and experience great giveaways from all our sponsors.  #LFG

Rules Updates

Our tournament staff has worked hard to organize all of the game division rules, settings, schedule, and round-by-round game types.  Each division’s document can be found on the bottom on the TIPGC Registration Page and after recently posting round-by-round game types; we’ve listen to the community through #TIPGC on Twitter and the TIPGC Facebook Event Page, and will be making some polishing touches to each division’s document very soon.  We appreciate the positive feedback from all of you and the gaming community is what fuels this video game event, so we’re proud to listen and respond to make TIPGC as good as it gets.

Green Beer

We’re still working on the details of how we plan to bring St. Patrick’s Day to all our TIPGC attendees. Expect a party and more details soon.

Official TIPGC 2012 Shirt – First Look

Walshy and our friends over at Kiaeneto are about to do it again.  We’re very close to solidifying the design, shirt colors (not white), and making sure you have an awesome memento to take home from TIPGC 2012.  Bring an extra $20 and be sure to snag a limited edition TIPGC 2012 shirt before they’re gone!

TIPGC DATA DUMP: COMPLETE

 Now sit back, enjoy…then share this!

VIEW UPDATED RULES

Many teams have been waiting to see the round-by-round game types and maps for these game divisions…and here is your first chance to see what we have in store for these two game divisions.

NOTE: With MLG still testing the 4v4 Halo Reach settings, we’ll be waiting to post that division’s V5 rules document until immediately after MLG finalizing this game’s standardized settings, round-by-by round game types, and maps.

Would YOU and your team like to take home all the prize money we’ll be loading up into the all-new TIPGC Briefcase?!

Thanks to our friends over at Focus Fire, for bringing this neat idea to TIPGC 2012.  We can not wait to fill this bad boy with some serious cash and shower it upon each of our TIPGC 2012 Champions!

 The 50+ gaming stations at TIPGC will all be Xbox 360 consoles, but our friends at Focus Fire have special converters that allow players to use a PS3 controller seamlessly on the Xbox 360.  We’ll have 8 converters available to rent at the event, so no matter how you enjoy MW3, you’ll be taken care of at TIPGC 2012.

Happy New Year!

To celebrate, we’re excited to announce that 4v4 team registration for all game divisions is NOW OPEN.

BACK

Contact Us to distribute TIPGC Fliers in your community!

What an exciting moment.  Our third annual event is coming to life, as we’ve officially given the green light to The 2012 Iowa Pro Gaming Challenge!

Mark your calendars.  The dates for this TWO-DAY EVENT are March 17-18,2012.  Why two days?  More game divisions, more teams, and more parties.

Online Registration opens January 1 and we only have a limited amount of team passes available, so get your team organized, and prepare for the best TIPGC ever.

As you can see on the right, the collection of amazing TIPGC Sponsors continue to make this event unique, so be sure to support these partnering organizations.

One of the most exciting elements of TIPGC 2012, will occur online during our professional live stream.  With enhanced Focus Fire and Twitch.TV partnerships, we’ve got BIG plans for the TIPGC Main Stage.  Earn the right to play in this spotlight, and showcase your skills in front of the 500,000+ viewers we are expecting!

Want to help spread the word?

Use #TIPGC on Twitter, RSVP on the Facebook Page, discuss TIPGC on GatheringofGamers.com, and post this slick graphic all around the web.

Green means go and TIPGC 2012 is now official, so here we go!

Official Press Release

People have started asking about The 2012 Iowa Pro Gaming Challenge.

Are we hosting TIPGC III?  When?  What game divisions will be available?

No official announcements have been made, but rumors are starting to fly.

We’ve got all the highlights online!  Along with 150+ event photos, you’re sure to enjoy the TIPGC 2011 Highlight Video.  We’ve also got a special Facebook Photo Album for some tagging fun, so jump in and enjoy!

TIPGC 2011 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS