Newcastle bar Billy Bootleggers to host a big Mario Kart tournament with £200 prize

It's an iconic computer game and if you're a pro at Mario Kart, there's an opportunity to put your money where your mouth is and get behind the wheel when a tournament dedicated to it is held in Newcastle.

Fans of Mario Kart (who are 18 and over) are invited to Billy Bootleggers on Thursday, May 2 from 7pm for the popular Americana dive bar's first MarioKart 8 Deluxe tournament.

The reigning king or queen of Rainbow Road at the city centre haunt on Nelson Street will win a £200 Bar Tab and a copy of MarioKart 8 Deluxe on Nintendo Switch.

Entry to the tournament is £2 with spectators free and all proceeds will be sent to support Special Effect charity. (www.specialeffect.org.uk)

Players may pick any character and switch between them during matches. Qualifying matches will be played in round robin format with the top 4 players moving into eliminations.

"By using technology ranging from modified joypads to eye-control, they find a way for people to play to the very best of their abilities."

To secure your spot in the Mario Kart contest message Billy Bootleggers on Facebook.

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Organiser Stef James said, "We are bringing this event to Billy's for the first time and there's already been a big buzz! We're looking forward to raising money on the night for Special Effect, a charity who put the fun and inclusion back into the lives of people with physical disabilities by helping them to play video games.