For many wanting to experience a gaming tournament, driving to Winnipeg was the only option.

Times are changing in Winkler with the Super Smash Bros. tournaments by Pembina Valley Smash Monthly.

Now that the group has teamed up with local retailer Gamers Disco, more gaming options have been made available.

Held at the Winkler Bunker once a month, the aptly named Pembina Valley Gamers creates a friendly tournament atmosphere featuring Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Yu-Gi-Oh! Rivals of Aether, and Magic the Gathering.

Organizer of the Smash Bros. tournaments and co-creator of Pembina Valley Smash Monthly Morgan Wiebe expresses why he finds having a tournament option in Winkler is important.

"For myself, I wanted to get into the competitive scene but Winnipeg was too far to drive for a 14, 15-year-old kid because of not being able to drive."

Wiebe explains out of this desire they created Smash Monthly and plan on growing the tournament.

Pembina Valley Gamers will be a monthly event and held its official kick-off this September.

The event has attracted people across the region. Christopher Obsniuk from Brandon heard the event was hosting Rival of Aether tournament and being one of the top-rated players in Manitoba, Obsniuk wanted to test Winkler's mettle.

Trophies and prizes were available for all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of all the different tournaments, with a number of door prizes also able to be won.

Jonathan Espinosa co-partner of Gamers Disco and primary vendor at the event says they plan on expanding the event with the possibility of the inclusion of Pokemon.