Attack-X Tabletop War Gaming Expo welcomes gamers from Canada and the United States as they battle it out in games such as Magic The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons, Pokemon, and more.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK - Attack- X Tabletop War Gaming Expo

KAMLOOPS - Hordes of gamers will swing their Warhammers at this Magic (the) Gathering as hundreds of gamers from North America come to Kamloops to battle it out at one of Canada’s largest tabletop war gaming events.

Nathan Bosa has been organizing Attack-X Tabletop War Gaming Expo since its inception seven years ago. He says when the event started in the North Shore Community Centre, they hit capacity and continued on to bigger venues. Bosa says the event brought in 30 per cent more people with each year, eventually moving to the Grand Hall at Thompson Rivers University and now expanding to the Campus Activity Centre.

“A lot of the major events are all in the states and there's nothing really in the interior, that's why we started it,” Bosa says. “It has grown so big to the point where we're taking over the entire Campus Activity Centre.”

Bosa says 350 players are slated to battle it out at the event and expects even more last-minute entries. He says the event draws in players from all over, including some players from Oregon, Toronto, and across the prairies. Bosa says the event offers a social opportunity for gamers who are sometimes holed away.

“We really try to get... you out of your basement or your man cave where you're playing video games,” Bosa says. “You have friends, but when something goes awry you can shut them off and you don't have to deal with it. Here, you're spending two to three hours with your opponent… the social interaction is what we really push, to keep comradery and develop friendships.”

Bosa says the tournament will see some young faces this year, as they have introduced a Pokemon gaming section for children under the age of 13. He says the kids will be able to play their way up and compete with the adults if they feel ready.

You can check out the action for free as a visitor at the event or you can watch a live stream of the event. Bosa says it will be streamed on a Youtube channel called Deathclock Dave.

Gamers have to register and pay to play, with weekend passes available for children and adults. Most of the major games, such as Hordes and Warhammer, have a $65 entry fee, whereas Magic the Gathering is $25 and Pokemon is $15. There will be merchandise and food vendors on site, as well as some alcoholic beverages for older players.

Those who win the tournament will be awarded points that can qualify them for higher-level tournaments.

“With war gaming now, you go to the different events, you get your points and they add up and at the end of the year, usually November or December, you go to certain invitations or for the nationals. Some of the games even have world team championships. It really evolved from back in the day,” Bosa says.

The event runs from Sept. 13 until the 15 at the Campus Activity Centre at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. You can find out more information about Attack-X and register to play by clicking here.

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