Winner of Halo 3 Tournament Announced

Play N Trade today announced Chad Mercer from Houston as its National Halo 3 Tournament Champion and winner of a $2,500 in-store gift card.

Contestants in the National Tournament represented the best players from more than 50 Play N Trade stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Local rounds of the tournament were held on Oct. 27 and 28, where more than 1,000 gamers entered for the chance to compete to win the Play N Trade National Halo 3 Tournament Champion title. The National Tournament was played on Nov. 3.

"It was terrific to win," Mercer said. "I had a good game and a great time, and I really appreciate Play N Trade hosting a national event. I play in lots of tournaments, and the competition in this one was pretty intense."

"The tournament was exhilarating and exciting, and we are proud that the National Halo 3 Champion came out of Houston," said Play N Trade store owner Sean Johnson. "We hosted the tournament as our Grand Opening event, and there was a crowd here at the store cheering for Chad the whole time."

Mercer, who started playing video games professionally three years ago, won the championship title with 25 kills. Gavin Cummings from Chubbuck, Idaho came in second with 20 kills, and Isitan Potthoff from Manchester, Missouri placed third with 18 kills.

Prizes were awarded for the second and third place winners as well. Cummings received a Halo "Dream System" which included a 360 Halo edition and an additional Halo 3 controller and wireless headset, and Potthoff was awarded a set of Halo 3 controllers and headsets.