Jake Dobrovnik loves video games, which is why he's organizing a monthly tournament where players can challenge each other.
Dobrovnik is hosting the first event, a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament for Saturday, June 7 at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum.
The tournament is entitled 'Smash at the Museum.'
It will be an opportunity for experienced gamers and beginners to enjoy competition and camaraderie.
The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate video game involves using special moves to knock opponents out of the game with the goal of being the last fighter standing, he said.
“Ultimate is a fighting game for Nintendo Switch that's played around the world both casually and competitively. Ultimate recently had its biggest tournament ever in Japan and there were around 4,000 entrants. It's pretty big,” Dobrovnik told SooToday.
Dobrovnik, 20, began playing video games at the age of four and has been a competitive gamer since he was 14.
He has won tournaments in the Sault and has also competed out of town.
“Tournaments are really cool spaces to have fun and meet people. I began going to the events just for the games but as time went by I kept going because of the friends I made,” Dobrovnik said.
For many, playing video games with friends and at tournaments can go a long way to fill the human need to belong to a group.
“They’re a pretty important space for people who don't feel like they fit into outdoor sports or clubs at their school. It's a nice option for recreation and discovering yourself,” Dobrovnik said.
Gamers also enjoy the fact they can take on a different identity while competing.
“Whether you win or lose, you're making a name for yourself because when you compete you go under a different name. You have a gamer tag. Competing has always been special in that regard,” Dobrovnik said.
His own gamer tag is ‘jakeyjeans.’
Dobrovnik hopes to make 'Smash at the Museum' a monthly event.
Doors open at 2 p.m. at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum for the Saturday, June 7 'Smash at the Museum' tournament.
The tournament is open to people 12 and over. Dobrovnik is also hoping to hold it monthly.
The event will run from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Discovery Gallery on the Museum’s second floor.
The Discovery Gallery can hold 30 to 40 people, Dobrovnik said.
Participants are asked to enter the building through the Museum’s back door.
The fee to attend is $10.
Those who want to participate can register for the event by following this link.
Gamers from all skill levels, including beginners, are welcome and none need feel intimidated.
“I'm one of the best at Ultimate in the city. There are two other people that I would say are better than me. We have a few other good players but besides that everyone is basically casual. They’ll be playing for fun at 'Smash at the Museum,'” Dobrovnik said.