The event is underway here in Toronto with gamers streaming in from all parts of Canada. Some gamers lined up before 8 AM in hopes of getting a walk-in spot in the event and a chance to represent Canada in Hawaii for a chance to win $100,000.

As the first official EA Madden Challenge in Canada there was a bit of uncertainty with the event. However, all doubt was put to rest when over 6,000 gamers registered for a spot in the finals. 512 spots were available and a lottery was put into place for gamers to earn a spot in the Canadian finals.

For some gamers, the day got off to a rough start. In the first game of the day, a player was mercied 21-0 in the first quarter. Worst of all, the losing player used the New England Patriots and faced the lowly Oakland Raiders, proving it was not the team’s fault. Another gamer suffered through a fumble on the opening kickoff that led to an opposition touchdown.

Early on we've also seen one of the regional champions defeated by a 7-year-old walk-in competitor. The 7-year-old was then defeated in the next round of play.

All players have now checked in and tournaments have begun. A few brackets are winding down and players are filling in the final 32 spots. One such gamer is Sean Graham, the 14-year-old winner of the Midland, Ontario qualifier. Graham has utilized the Falcons in each of his games and the combination of Warrick Dunn and Michael Vick has been enough to keep defenses guessing and grasping for air when trying to make tackles.

"The first game looked like it was going to be really tough. The other guy returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown," said David Graham, Sean's father. Sean went on to win the game 21-10.

Donald Burns the regional winner in Oakville, Ontario and Jason Gill the winner in Vancouver, British Columbia, have also moved on to the field of 32 by winning 4 matches in divisional play.

Spectators and those eliminated or waiting for their turn to game have been treated to a host of fun games with prizes for participants and winners. As I am writing this, Chad Johnson has just entered the event and will be starting to play some Games of Fame which will be broadcast on Xbox Live. Xbox Canada has set up a booth at the event for Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald to game in style while playing Madden and other EA titles.

Keep checking back for continuing coverage of the EA Madden Challenge Canadian Finals.