Yahoo! Canada Rock Paper Scissors World Championships Set for November 14,
2009 in Toronto

    
    Reigning world champ Monica Martinez returns to defend her title in a
    one-of-a-kind bout of hand-to-hand combat
    

TORONTO , Oct. 21 /CNW/ - Determination, strategy and endurance. That's what it takes to be a champion. Next month, contestants from around the world will come together for one night only to prove they are worthy of champion status in the ultimate duel - the Yahoo! Rock Paper Scissors World Championships.

With global bragging rights and $10,000 in overall cash prizing on the line, the World Rock Paper Scissors Society and Yahoo! Canada are pleased to announce that this year's flock of Rock Paper Scissors (RPS) players will compete head-to-head at the 2009 Yahoo! Rock Paper Scissors World Championships on Saturday, November 14 in Toronto , Canada .

Event organizers welcome back current World Champion, Monica Martinez of Toronto , Ontario to defend her crown and to battle with seasoned RPS veterans and newcomers spanning all parts of North America , and from far-reaching destinations like Australia , New Zealand , Hong Kong and Norway .

"Becoming a World Champion in my rookie year was an unforgettable experience," says Martinez. "I'm looking forward to another year of solid competition, and will vigorously defend my title. I challenge anyone to give it a shot - I'm living proof that winning isn't always about years of training. Sometimes it just takes the right moves at the right time to take home the prize."

As always, the World RPS Society is opening the competition floor to 'walk ons,' and anyone who thinks they have what it takes to compete at the world-class level and experience what it's like to become a professional athlete for one night.

"RPS is a sport that levels the playing field, where both amateurs and professionals compete for a chance at the big bucks," says Douglas Walker , Events Chairman, World RPS Society. "Yahoo!'s backing ensures that we can keep this competition open to RPS athletes across the globe. This year, we are sensitive to the world's economic issues and are doing what we can to ensure everyone gets a fair shake at the top prize as well as international bragging rights."

Last year, over 700 competitors and spectators converged on Toronto to take in the championship bout of this sport of wit, determination and dexterity. This year, the organizers are ensuring there is no barrier to entry to the tournament by offering $25 advance competitor tickets (tickets will be $40 at the door) and $15 spectator tickets to the big event. With recession-friendly prices, and this year's top prize of $7,000 , the championship is in itself a real economic stimulus package.

"In this high-stakes game of hand-to-hand, face-to-face combat, anyone can win," says Dave Soyka, Marketing Manager, Yahoo! Canada . "Yahoo! Canada's continued involvement in this world-renowned event is part of our philosophy to support the things that matter to our user community, and have some fun at the same time."

The 2009 Yahoo! Rock Paper Scissors World Championships will take place at the Steam Whistle Brewery, The Roundhouse, 255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto , Ontario. Doors open at 7 p.m. and play begins at 8 p.m. sharp. Attendees must be 19 years of age or older and should purchase their tickets in advance at www.worldrps.com, as tickets are limited. Competitor tickets are $25.00 CDN; spectator tickets are $15.00 CDN in advance.

About The World RPS Society

The World RPS Society www.worldrps.com is dedicated to the promotion of Rock Paper Scissors as a fun and safe way to resolve disputes. We feel that conserving the roots of RPS is essential for the growth and development of the game and the players. The World RPS Society is involved in many areas of the sport, such as; research studies, workshops, tournaments at both local and international levels, book publishing, and much more.

About Yahoo! Canada

Yahoo! Canada Co. is a leading Internet destination that provides online products and services to meet the needs of Canadians and offers a range of tools and marketing solutions for businesses to connect with Internet users. Yahoo! Canada services Canadians in both English and in French through its sites, www.yahoo.ca and http://qc.yahoo.ca. In Canada , Yahoo! sites were visited by more than 17 million Canadians in August (comScore Media Metrix, August). Yahoo! Canada is headquartered in Toronto , Ontario.

For further information: For Interviews and More Information: Jessica Davidson, Gema Rayo, Environics Communications, Inc., [phone], [phone], [email protected], [email protected]