TriXie's Travels: Cancun, Day One

With the Pan-American Championship coming up, I headed down to Cancun, Mexico to report on all the action. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it! Check out my first day at the big event.

Gamers from nine North and South American nations arrived in Cancun, Mexico on Friday, June 22. Once they'd settled in the Players Village, they were treated to a delicious Welcome Dinner at the NH Krystal hotel.

Cancun is gorgeous, but in June it's like a sauna. Still, the ocean view from my hotel room balcony on Saturday morning was amazing.

I was relieved to escape into the air-conditioned oasis of the Cancun Center, the scene of the 2007 World Cyber Games Pan-American Championship.

The Opening Ceremony included amazing dancers with elaborate body paint and incredible headdresses that looked like they weighed a ton. I'm ashamed to admit I don't know if they were Mayan or Aztec.

Daniel Cervantes from Xbox Mexico addressed the crowd along with representatives from WCG, Samsung, Electronic Arts, and the local Cancun government.

The parade of flags was especially cool to see. I wonder if they thumb-wrestle to see who gets to carry the flag?

Spectators could get into the Pan-Am Championship for a mere 50 pesos, and had the chance to not only watch the gaming action but get their hands on great games for Xbox 360™. The Guitar Hero II™ area was packed, but hooperkid and I managed to weasel our way up there long enough for him to kick my butt at a "Possum Kingdom" Face-off match.

I tried my luck at Forza Motorsport™ 2 'cause the little car was so cool, but discovered I still have zero driving skills.

Saturday night was the official WCG party at local nightclub Coco Bongo. I was skeptical of the promised celebrity impersonators and trapeze act, but it was really, really fun! Everyone had a great time, and I wish we had a Coco Bongo in Seattle!

TriX out.