The 2007 Canadian Madden Challenge finalists gathered Saturday night in downtown Toronto to ready themselves for Sunday’s tournament competition. With a free dinner presented by NFL Canada, the competitors had an opportunity to mingle with former Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson and size each other up before the tournament. The winner will earn a free trip to Los Angeles for the Madden Challenge national finals against the American regional winners.

Last year’s Canadian runner up, Mohammed Abdulle, was out at the dinner and will compete at the tournament.

Jamal Anderson told GotFrag.com that he was happy to be apart of the Madden Challenge.

“I was excited, because hey, it’s Madden NFL and it’s Toronto,” Anderson said while sipping a drink. “Madden is more than just a game now. It’s all about the fanfare and the hype.”

Anderson said he likes to think of himself as instrumental in creating the huge success that the title is currently enjoying. He has hosted numerous Madden tournaments including the very first Mega Bowl. He even was in the running to be the game’s first cover boy.

After Anderson’s NFL career, he has embarked on many projects within pop-culture, including appearances on MTV where he served as an amateur rapper and hosted Total Request Live.

Registration for the Canadian Finals kicks off at 9 a.m. Sunday. For full coverage of the tournament, picture galleries and a full interview with Jamal Anderson, see continued coverage of the Madden Challenge here at GotFrag.com.