The first Project Gotham Racing was one of the most succesful Xbox titles up to date and it still remains a steady seller now that it's an Xbox 'classic' title (priced at +/- €25). Such a smash hit couldn't go without a successor of course, so Microsoft ordered a follow-up from developer Bizarre Creations. The boys and girls of Xbox Belgium came up with an idea to celebrate the release of Project Gotham Racing 2 and organised a nation-wide contest to find a PGR2 champion. But there wasn't just a title up for grabs, there were some prizes too ! Here's a list:

• 1[sup]st[/sup] prize: a Demo unit Xbox + a GT racing course !
• 2nd prize: a Xbox limited edition + one year of free Microsoft Xbox games
• 3[sup]rd[/sup] prize: a Xbox limited edition + half a year of free Microsoft Xbox games
• 4[sup]th[/sup] to 8[sup]th[/sup] prize: a Xbox + PGR2
• 9[sup]th[/sup] to 16[sup]th[/sup] prize: a Xbox rucksack filled with Microsoft goodies

And finaly, after a couple of weeks intense competions throughout the country, the finals were held on thursdayevening in an upscale cybercafé called Ice-Concept. Why there? Well, the owners have a permanent cosy Xbox-lounge with 5 consoles hooked up to the Live network, an obscure ambiance and comfy lounge chairs. The finalists had to prove themselves first in a Kudos collecting round and then in a timetrail race through downtown Washington. At the same time, friends and spectators were able to follow each corner their favorite finalist was taking on the multitude of TFT displays or on the big screen.And to disprove the stereotype of the average gamer as a slightly under- or overweight pubescent young male, we took a picture of Eve, one of the 16 fastest persons with an Xbox controller. Here she is, proudly displaying a MechAssault gadget that will now get a prominent spot on her nightstand ... or at least, that's what she promised us.And the one and only winner was ... Eric, an associate of Telenet Games (a local Flemish gaming website), who won the first prize in an exciting final. And the funny thing is... his internet nickname is ... Champion ! Here he is, being interviewed by local celebrity Frank Molnar.And afterwards, according to the ancient Belgian tradition, a wide variety of snacks was served and a vast number of bottles of champagne were opened. And it wasn't until early next morning that we saw our beds... Unlike this chap :)

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