An exciting new tournament will have young gamers reaching for their consoles in the hope of winning more than $2,000 in prizes.

An initiative of Central Coast Council, the six-month Ultimate Gamer Tournament, open to gamers aged 12-24 years of age, will kick off at Woy Woy’s Deepwater Plaza on 31 January with the grand final taking place at Erina Fair on 22 June.

Council’s Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the tournament is another way Council is creating a strong sense of community for the region’s young people.

“The Ultimate Gamer Tournament will appeal to many young people who may not enjoy other popular youth activities such as beach life, sports or music,” Ms Vaughan said.

“Players of all ability levels and abilities can compete, offering an activity which often appeals to people who are on the autism spectrum.

“Chill-out areas will be also be provided at every event offering gamers a space to relax and connect with other gamers during the competition.”

Mobile gaming vans will host each heat at major shopping centres, with capacity for up to 100 gamers per session. Gamers will compete on FIFA 2017 and Sonic All Stars Racing.

Entry is free, with heat winners going on to compete in May’s semi-final and June’s grand final.

Heats will be held on Thursday nights at:

• Deepwater Plaza Woy Woy, 31 January
• Lake Haven Shopping Centre, 21 February
• Erina Fair, 14 March
• Bateau Bay Square, 28 March
• Lake Munmorah Shopping Centre, 4 April
• Gosford Imperial Centre, 11 April.

The semi-final will be held at Tuggerah Westfield on Saturday 25 May, with the grand final at Erina Fair on Saturday 22 June.

The tournament is an initiative of Central Coast Council in partnership with Mobile Video Games, AbilityLinks and Regional Youth Support Services.

To register or find out more, visit mobilevideogames.com.au/ultimate-gamer-2019.