HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Spa-Con Showdown, the exciting video gaming competition that attracts competitors from across the state, returns to Spa-Con Infinity — Version 8 — on Saturday, September 21, at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
The comics and pop culture convention, which annually brings thousands of fans to Hot Springs, will be September 20 – 22.
“Spa-Con Showdown is back with the classic, Super Smash Bros,” Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo said. “Previous competitions have been absolutely incredible, and I’m expecting nothing less for this year’s event.”
Hampo said this year’s Showdown will feature cash prizes in addition to the heated competition.
“Not only do gamers get to compete in this event, but their entry fee also gets them a Spa-Con weekend pass that grants them access to all the other amazing Spa-Con events, including the MC Lars Concert, the Expo Hall, Q & A’s, Cosplay Club and so much more,” Hampo said.
Entry fee is $25, plus $10 pot bonus, and the prizes will be a $1,000 pot bonus split between the top eight competitors. Registration for the Showdown is at https://www.start.gg/tournament/spa-con-showdown-2024/details.
Registration for Spa-Con itself is at www.spa-con.org.
Spa-Con Showdown will feature competition in Super Smash Bros Ultimate (singles/doubles) Switch. Sponsored by National Park College, participation includes a Spa-Con weekend pass that includes: the opening concert with MC Lars; the Expo Hall; workshops and panels; Cosplay Club, and Closing Ceremonies. Showdown competitors also get a Spa-Con bag and a Spa-Con Weekend T-shirt (while supplies last).
As for prizes, here are the payouts:
- Top 8 payout:
- 1st place 40%
- 2nd place 20%
- 3rd place 15%
- 4th place 7.5%
- 5th place 5.0%
- 7th place 3.75%
Smash Ultimate Double Payouts
Top 3 payout
- 1st place 60%
- 2nd place 30%
- 3rd 10%
Showdown Schedule:
10 a.m. – Venue opens for friendlies in Room 207 – 209 of the Convention Center
11 a.m. – Ultimate Doubles
1 p.m. – Ultimate Singles Wave A
3 p.m. – Ultimate Singles Wave B
5 p.m. – Top 32
6:30 p.m. – Top 8
9 p.m. – End
Previously announced features for Spa-Con Infinity include two of the stars in the iconic movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Tohoru Masamune and Minae Noji, and Erin Macdonald, the astrophysicist who is the science adviser for all the “Star Trek” franchises. There also will be a kids’ cosplay showcase, a cosplay contest, an evening of dance fun at Cosplay Club and demonstrations for fans. New and returning cosplayers this year include Akakioga, Steven K. Smith, also known as SKS Props, Casey Renee and Eric Woods.
Earlier announced guests include internationally known nerdcore rapper MC Lars, who will open things with a concert Friday night, September 20. Seth Gilliam, best known for his role as Father Gabriel Stokes in the “Walking Dead” TV series, also will be on hand, along with two iconic vehicles with connections to famed movie franchises — “Back to the Future” and “The Fast and the Furious.”
For more information call Alexis Hampo at 501-321-2027.