With possibly the biggest video game launch just a couple of hours away (if you're on the East Coast), Halo 3 is here. With that in mind, MLG is hosting an online party to celebrate a launch that's set to shatter any and all game sales records.

So how are they planning on helping you break-in that spiffy new copy of Halo 3? With three special events that can net you the opportunity to play with a pro gamer on Xbox Live or win $2,000.

First on the list is the "Play Halo 3 with an MLG Pro" event. By simply going to the sign up page, creating a team via GameBattles, and playing a match before October 1st, you're automatically entered to play against some of MLG's top Halo pros. Five winners will be chosen at random and each winner will be grouped with three pros to partake in some Halo 3 carnage, as well as learn a few tricks on the side.

Next, MLG is holding a Halo 3 All-Nighter starting sharply at 12:00 AM. Top pros and game testers will be providing contents on the best maps and weapon combinations as they play the entire night away. Best thing about this smorgasbord of exclusive Halo content is that it will be readily accessible for the e-sports savy directly on the frontpage of MLGpro.com.

Lastly, and possibly the most lucrative, is the Halo 3 Film Festival. Starting on September 25th and ending October 25th, gamers have the chance to submit their game play videos to MLG's Game Room in the following four categories: Most Crushing Play, Best Trick, Funniest Video and Most Creative Video. Each winner in all four categories gets $500 for first place.

So there you have it. Although many of you reading an article about this will definitely be playing the game all night long (why aren't you in line?!), MLG has the events to keep you running through until the sun comes up... or until you crash hard from the heavy dose of Mountain Dew Game Fuel.

                     

For more information about the individual events, click the images above.

Related: MLG Orlando Coverage | Halo 3 First Look