CHICAGO CHIMERA AND CAROLINA CORE GO THROUGH TO REGION 1 FINAL

The first-ever playoffs for the Championship gaming Series drew to a close last night with Chicago and Carolina left standing after a long, tightly contested league season.

Chicago Chimera 25, New York 3D 22

Chicago Chimera cruised into the CGS Region 1 final last night with thanks to the performance of it's league leading PGR racing team.

Falling behind New York after losses in DOA female, FIFA, then DOA Male, Chimera drew even (19-19) with an upset defeat of 3D's legendary Counter-Strike squad, setting up a dramatic finale in the PGR event. Paced by Camarillo, CA native Wesley "Ch0mpr" Cwiklo's first place finish, Chimera edged out 3D to claim a spot in the Region 1 final.

Carolina Core 22, San Francisco Optx 19

Carolina Core likewise fell behind San Francisco Optx (1-8) after DOA Female and FIFA. The strength of the PGR team again proved pivotal with Oxnard, CA native Brant "Rex" Dimapilis taking first and hometown hero Joe "Phantom" Tackett of Jacksonville, NC taking second for maximum points to pull the teams even at 9-apiece. Carolina stumbled in Counter-Strike losing 10-8, giving Optx a 2 pt team advantage (19-17). Then in the decisive moment of the match, Ryan "Offbeat Ninja" Ward of Edmonton, Canada, a powerhouse in the DOA male division all season, blanked Cardell "Cheppelle" Thomas of the Optx 5-0 to drive Carolina into the final, 22-19.

The finals are set for Monday July 30th at 7pm PST in Manhattan Beach, CA.

**Special guest Tomonobu Itagaki, creator of the Dead or Alive series, will be on site.

Complete Box Scores are attached. Photos and interviews available by request. Team logos (hi res) can be downloaded here.

EPKs of CGS competition can be found via the following FTP site (FTP client required):

Host: the101ondirectv.com

Username: thecgs

Password: gaming

For Press Credentials at the Final, contact:

Christian Averill Caley Cronin

Fleishman-Hillard DIRECTV

917-679-8818 646-467-2409