"Registration numbers usually run in the hundreds for this type of tournament - the overwhelming response to the FiOS Grand Tournament shows that we are truly breaking barriers to fun on the Internet and creating great home entertainment experiences for consumers," said Brian Angiolet, director of Marketing for Verizon FiOS. "Our FiOS broadband service offers breakthrough speed and capacity, which means the best possible experience for players, and we're delighted to see such a wide range of people gearing up to compete for the $100,000 first prize."

It's not just your typical gamer signing up either, as ages range from 18 to 59, with more than 110 women competing from across the country. Tournament play begins June 15 and users of any Internet service can compete, however finalists will face off live on the Verizon FiOS Internet service, where they'll experience its breakthrough speed, capacity and fun.

Verizon offers FiOS high-speed broadband service over its new, advanced fiber optic network in parts of 16 states - a network that brings the power of fiber all the way to the home. With maximum download connections of up to 30 megabits-per-second (Mbps), and upload connections of up to 5 Mbps, FiOS provides gamers with the speed they need to compete.

Managed by the Cyberathlete Amateur League (CAL), the FiOS Grand Tournament officially started May 17 when players could start downloading and practicing with Valve's Half-Life 2: Deathmatch from its Steam service.

Tournament play will begin on June 15 and the top 64 players will be ranked according to the CAL's official ladder ranking system, until only eight players remain. Those eight players will then be flown to Hermosa Beach to face-off on July 29 in a dramatic head-to-head tournament that culminates with one winner fragging their way to the $100,000 prize.

More information about the tournament and its rules will be available online.