Arcade enthusiasts battle it out

Arcade gaming fans and simulator enthusiasts now have the chance to put their skills to the test for more than just simple entertainment.

The first Magic Planet World Championships are now under way, with a host of goodies up for grabs for its winners. Prizes include home theatre set-ups and for three lucky individuals Dh50,000 worth of shopping vouchers, a new car and Dh50,000 worth of travel vouchers. The grand finale will take place on Wednesday at Mall of the Emirates.

The competition, which started last month, will see gamers battle it out over three categories: Deal, Drive or Determination.

Deal sees the luck of the draw come into play, as hopefuls participate in the category based on the popular TV show, Deal or No Deal. Participants have to pick a box and decide if they want to stick with it or accept other boxes containing different denominations of money. Fate decides if their first choice makes them a winner. The person whose luck lasts throughout the competition will convert their winnings into Dh50,000 worth of shopping vouchers.

Gaming fans who prefer to use their driving skills can enrol in a track-inspired simulated competition. Recreating the impressive circuit scenario to mimic the F1 experience, hopefuls battle it out to win a Chevrolet Lumina S.

Those with determination can compete in High Striker, where competitors hit a strike pin with a mallet to send a puck up the game's tower and ring the bell. In the end, the person who's scored the highest throughout will collect Dh50,000 worth of vouchers.

Silvio Liedtke, General Manager of Magic Planet, said: "We hope the World Championships become an fixture in the Magic Planet calendar from now on."

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