Video gamer hopes to encourage women, others to get active in gaming community

Many might just grab a controller, maybe a buddy and thrown in a favorite video game to past the time, but for a group of gamers meeting in the Tri-Cities this weekend its more than just a hobby, especially for one player who might be considered a minority in the sport.

In a sea of TV screens, plastic controllers and headsets, you'll probably find Melissa Castro from Benton City, one of the only women gamers in the area. She was interested in video games at a young age, playing the Nintendo 64 and has continued to hone in on her skills as time allows.

"I try to participate in tournaments as much as I can, don't get the chance to often, but they are really fun, I just go to have fun, meet new people," says Castro.

This weekend's video game tournament is organized by Jonathan Thomas who adds the idea for hosting this is to bring growth to the gaming sport.

"It fluctuates and then it drops and then it fluctuates, so we are hoping to keep it growing at this point," says Thomas.

He says he's spent about 6-months to a year traveling to other communities, meeting players and in turn hoping to create connections so that players will make the trip to the Tri-Cities for tournaments. Thomas adds at the tournament Saturday he expects over 120-150 people from across the state, as well as, Oregon and Eastern Idaho. The video game tournament will include several "fighting-themed" games like Mortal Kombat and Super Smash Bros.

While may be called "Tri-Town Throw-down 2: Let's Fight like a Gentleman," Castro says the ladies should not be afraid to show up.

"I was really imitated when I participated up for my first tournament but it pays off, it's really fun, you get to meet new people, no one is going to be mean to you, no one is going to bully you, everyone encourages girls to join as well," says Castro.

She plans to be out there, working her way to claim the cash prize. The tournament is from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the M Hotel, 1515 George Washington Way and it is $10, plus a $5 buy-in for each event. Make sure you bring your own controller! You can find more information about registration at the tournament website, but walk-in's and spectators are welcome.