Thousands made their way to the Sanford Center on Saturday, April 12 for the highly anticipated GigaZone Gaming Championship & TechXpo, hosted by Paul Bunyan Communications. The free, all-day event featured competitive gaming tournaments, hands-on tech exhibits, prize giveaways, and a keynote from special guest Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney.
Designed to spotlight both the region’s tech talent and Paul Bunyan Communications’ cutting-edge all-fiber optic broadband network, the event has grown into one of the largest rural gaming events in the country.
At the heart of the day’s excitement was the main stage Rocket League tournaments. Team 50 Nations—comprised of Tyler Bos (Austin), David Bos and Trevor Bos (Brainerd)—took home the championship title and a $900 team prize. Slithering Hampsters, with players Jace Nyberg and Bryce Giving (Marble), and Jayden St. Cair (Bovey), claimed second place and a $600 prize. A total of 32 of the region’s best Rocket League teams battled it out under the lights of the GigaZone Championship Arena.
The inaugural GigaZone Gaming High School Invitational was also a major highlight, with Park Center earning the top spot, followed by Edina in second, Mandan (ND) in third, and Norman County East in fourth.
The event also featured tournaments in Fortnite, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Madden 25, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros., along with high score competitions like Bemidji Drift and on retro classics like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, and Donkey Kong. Younger gamers had their moment to shine in juniors’ tournaments, and Magic: The Gathering gamers were on hand too.
Official Results of the 2025 GigaZone Gaming Championship
Tech enthusiasts also explored more than 20 interactive booths at the TechXpo, where regional and national exhibitors showcased everything from virtual reality and robotics to AI and transportation. Attendees had the chance to test out new gadgets, engage in demos, and talk one-on-one with tech professionals and innovators.
A special announcement from Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College also drew attention, as they revealed the upcoming launch of a joint Esports program set to begin in Fall 2026 – a partnership with Paul Bunyan Communications.
The event was made possible thanks to the collaboration of local and regional partners, including NLFX, Accidentally Cool Games, Northern Amusement, and the Sanford Center, along with support from various technology exhibitors.
For more information about the GigaZone Gaming Championship, visit: www.gigazonegaming.com
For more on the GigaZone TechXpo, visit: www.gigazonetechxpo.com