PGR3

Competitive Gaming

PGR3 has been home to a variety of professional gamers since it's release in 2005. There have been several major tournaments (some affiliated with Bizarre, most not) and some of the top players have made thousands of dollars through playing the game in a competitive environment. We've seen web sites, TV programmes, and radio shows pop up in support of PGR3 competition; something that Bizarre couldn't have anticipated prior to launch.

World Cyber Games

WCG LogoThe WCG is one of the largest events in any professional gamers calendar. PGR3 first featured in the 2006 games, and has also been selected for the 2007 tournament. Prior to this, PGR2 was chosen for 2004. WCG officials closely monitor races, and have drawn up a set of rules on how races are to be judged. You can find a copy of the 2007 PGR3 rules here.

Team Technique Racing

TTR LogoBy far and away the most successful team of professional racers we've seen has been Team Technique Racing, or TTR. The team was formed in 2003 whilst PGR2 still ruled the roost. After a successful migration to PGR3, TTR dominated virtually every global competition earning the team over $150,000 in prize money. Team founder Roger Pearson (or TTR PHATS online) says he "wanted to create an online community for our friends and take competitive team gaming to the next level". I think we can all agree that TTR has certainly achieved this goal.

PGR100

PGR100 ConsoleThe PGR100 was a Microsoft-run competition, the aim of which was to become a member of the exclusive PGR100. Those in the club (100 people, no more and no less) all received a limited edition PGR100-themed Xbox 360 console.

There were several ways to gain entry into the PGR100, ranging from regional events to a gamercard raffle. However, the most exciting way to get in was through the Global Tournament. Drivers had to select the Global Tournament option from the Online Career tournament menu, and then proceed to set their best lap time on the qualifying track. If you placed in the top 64 drivers in the world then you progressed to the elimination phase to compete in knockout rounds against all the other qualifiers. Eventually only four racers were left.

These four racers then travelled to Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy. Or more precise, the Lamborghini Factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy. The final champion was showered with prizes, fame, and general recognition from the PGR3 community. Well done to the winners!

SpeedRacer is the best!

On 30th May 2006 Bizarre Creations announced that we had been looking at the PGR3 online stats, and one player stood head and shoulders above the rest. Based on current record as well as overall consistency, TTR member SpeedRacer was official the "Best PGR3 Player in the World". Of course, how we calculated this could be critiqued, as could hundreds of other variables. Many professional players were quick to point this out on our forums... but that didn't detract from SpeedRacer's moment of glory. May the competition continue!