NEW YORK, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Cyber Games Inc. (WCG) unveiled the dynamic cast for the second season of WCG Ultimate Gamer today, in preparation for the show's return to Syfy on August 19th at 11 pm ET/PT. WCG Ultimate Gamer combines reality-TV drama, head-to-head competitive gaming and thrilling real-world challenges based on some of the most popular videogames of all time. The WCG, the organizer of the world's largest international video game competition and festival, partnered with the global technology leader Samsung and veteran reality-TV producers to make this second season even bigger, with larger-than-life contestants, last-minute victories and epic showdowns in front of audiences of screaming fans. Over eight weeks, the final two players who perform the best in multiple games and in real world challenges will face off for the title of WCG Ultimate Gamer LIVE at the WCG Grand Final, airing October 7th on Syfy.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100811/CG48521)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100811/CG48521)

This season, the WCG Ultimate Gamer Season 2 Cast includes:





Who: Yazan Ammari, Granada Hills, CA – Sometimes called "The Clown," Yaz can be the best friend of his fellow competitors, or their worst enemy as he laughs his way to the top.

Vanessa Arteaga, Modesto, CA – Vanessa burst onto the professional gaming scene and made an immediate impact with her superior skills, model looks and attitude. Vanessa is generally a nice girl, but if you make her angry, watch out, because there could be an explosion!

Ryan Burnett, Portland, OR – From the Northwest, Ryan was kicked out of the house at 13; he credits video games for 'saving his life' and propelling him to be the biggest gamer in Oregon...but can he be the best of the best?

Sebastian Burton, Stamford, CT – "Chosen1" Is a trash-talker who aims to dominate the gaming world. Even though he has a tough exterior, he will give you the shirt off his back if you need it.

Katherine Gunn, Lancaster, CA – "Kat" is a natural born talent in gaming as she was raised in a gaming family. With the pedigree, don't underestimate her skills and passion to work her way to the top just because she is a girl gamer.

Michael LaBelle, Houston, TX – The resident jock of the cast, Michael is known for his specialty in sports games and his self-proclaimed way with the ladies.

Faye Mata, Kenosha, WI – This pre-med student says that drama just seems to follow her wherever she goes. Faye doesn't let the haters – especially other females – bother her as she works to smash the competition.

AJ Mazur, Shelton, CT – Don't be fooled by this self-described 'typical dorky gamer.' AJ is a fierce competitor and is currently up for a "Rock Band" World record.

Caesar Noreiga, Parlin, NJ – "Mr. Suave" is Jersey born, but spends his time perfecting his skills on a wide range of games instead of working on his tan – as a result, he's raked up several top tournament finishes in the process.

Jacob "Jake" Pfister, Kent, OH – This passionate gamer rallied online and offline supporters to win his way onto the show as the 12th contestant. Jake hates being worse than someone at anything, which drives him to prove he's the best gamer.

Rachel Quirico, Branchburg, NJ – Rachel knows she is cute but she is more than a pretty face as she is well known throughout the professional community for her gaming skills and blazing confidence - she's relentless on girl and guy gamers alike.

Justin Wong, New York City, NY – "JWong" is known as the best "Street Fighter" player in the United States. A force to be feared, he supports his parents by gaming, though they are unaware of his profession. Can Justin conquer WCG Ultimate Gamer using his self-proclaimed "Justin Wong Factor?"





Comprehensive information about the cast and show is now available at the newly relaunched Web experience, www.WCGUltimateGamer.com.



What: In WCG Ultimate Gamer, a dozen top gamers from around the country are invited to a posh loft space to live and battle together in a series of competitions that take them "beyond the game." From real-life challenges inspired by top-selling games to head-to-head elimination matches before hundreds of screaming spectators, the last gamer standing will have survived gaming's ultimate test and will be dubbed the best all-around gamer in the US, taking home $100k, the ultimate Samsung Electronics prize package, Alienware's high-performing gaming desktop, the Aurora, and the chance to be the face of World Cyber Games, representing the WCG at events around the world.



When: Thursdays, 11 pm ET/PT beginning on August 19





Syfy (check local listings)

About World Cyber Games (WCG)

World Cyber Games Inc. (WCG) is the organizer of the largest global video game tournament and festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2010. With a yearlong competition spanning online, regional and national qualifying matches, elite gamers ascend to represent their countries at the WCG Grand Final, a thrilling high-pressure challenge to crown the world's best gamers. More than 1.6 million players from 65 countries competed for a spot in the WCG 2009 Grand Final in China. Entertainment capital Los Angeles will host this exciting competition in 2010 from September 30 to October 3. To showcase the passion and competitive spirit of gamers, WCG also produces the hit reality show WCG Ultimate Gamer, which premieres a second season in August. For more information visit http://www.wcg.com.

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), based in Ridgefield Park, NJ, is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The company markets a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics, information systems, and home appliance products, as well as oversees all of Samsung's North American operations including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Semiconductor Inc., Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. As a result of its commitment to innovation and unique design, the Samsung organization is one of the most decorated brands in the electronics industry. The company was ranked #19 in BusinessWeek/Interbrand "100 Best Global Brands," and named as one of Fast Company's "50 Most Innovative Companies of 2010."

About Syfy

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 96 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)

Media Contacts:

For WCG Brian Kemp 212-642-7783 [email protected]

For Syfy Erica Rubin 212-413-6934 [email protected]

SOURCE World Cyber Games Inc.