Nintendo World Championships 2017: Esports Tournament Returns to New York with Mario Kart 7 Qualifiers

Nintendo has officially announced the return of its iconic esports event, the Nintendo World Championships 2017, marking a significant moment for competitive gaming enthusiasts.

Reviving a tradition that began in 1990 and most recently resurfaced in 2015, Nintendo is again partnering with Best Buy to welcome a new wave of competitors to its premier tournament. The Nintendo World Championships 2017 will kick off with a series of nationwide qualifying events starting August 19, 2017.

These events will take place across select Best Buy locations in cities such as Bronx (NY), San Jose (CA), Dallas (TX), and several others, continuing through early September.

The culmination of these qualifiers will be a grand finale on October 7, 2017, held at the prestigious Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom in New York City. Participants will compete in Mario Kart 7 for the Nintendo 3DS, a title celebrated for its accessibility and competitive depth.

Nintendo has structured the tournament to accommodate two age brackets: one for players aged 12 and under, and another for those older than 12.

The younger competitors will race as Mario on the “Nintendo DS Luigi’s Mansion” course, utilizing standard karts and the Super Glider.

Meanwhile, older participants will channel Bowser on the classic “Bowser Castle 1” from the Game Boy Advance, using the same standard kart setup. Winners at each Best Buy qualifier will be determined by the fastest Time Trial records posted during two-day weekend events, with the top times advancing to the championship in New York.

This format ensures a truly merit-based selection of finalists, celebrating skill across age groups. Nintendo is also integrating its rewards program into the festivities.

My Nintendo members presenting their QR Code at qualifier locations will be rewarded with 100 Platinum Points.

Additionally, the first 200 My Nintendo members to check in at each venue will receive an exclusive My Nintendo pin, offering an extra incentive for early arrivals and loyal fans. In a statement summarizing the tournament’s competitive spirit, Nintendo emphasized that the October 7 finals will test participants with a wide variety of games, challenging their abilities beyond just Mario Kart 7.

The grand prize carries an approximate retail value of $2,780, underscoring the high stakes and prestige of the event. Qualifying events begin at the following Best Buy locations, each with specific local times: - Bronx, NY: Aug.

19-20 - San Jose, CA: Aug.

19-20 - Torrance, CA: Aug.

26-27 - Evanston, IL: Aug.

26-27 - Dallas, TX: Sept.

2-3 - Richfield, MN: Sept.

2-3 - Hialeah, FL: Sept.

9-10 - Tukwila, WA: Sept.

9-10 For a complete list of addresses and time details for each qualifier, fans are encouraged to visit Nintendo’s official World Championships page. The Nintendo World Championships 2017 reaffirm Nintendo’s commitment to fostering community and competitive excellence, making it a must-watch event for fans of Mario Kart 7, Nintendo 3DS, and competitive gaming alike.

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