Nintendo's NYC flagship store, Nintendo World, was the site for the 16th and final preliminary tournament for the Super Smash Bros. for 3DS national tournament coming up October 11th. Gamestops across the country hosted the first 15 local tourney.

Winners of this and other local tournaments would not only receive one of 16 much coveted spots in nationals but also a copy of Super Smash Bros. for 3DS, a red Super Smash Bros. themed 3DS XL, two round-trip tickets to NYC, two hotel night stays in New York/transportation to Nintendo World and a $250 Visa giftcard.

The tournament was organized into 16 brackets separated into two sections, with four competitors to each bracket -- that makes for 64 total competitors for only one preliminary round. Eight winners from each side, separated into two brackets each, emerged in a total of four brackets. They then competed against each other until only two players from each side remain. Those final four then had to battle it out until only one winner clawed their way to the top (Note: Lines in the following image were darkened for emphasis):

Nintendo World Smash Tourney (17)

Today's winner was a Kirby player named Deven R., who will be coming back to Nintendo World next week as he tries to earn the top spot in the country. If he wins the National Tournament, he'll also receive a Super Smash Bros. champion’s robe and a champion’s trophy. The tournament will start at 6pm and, unlike the public event held today, will be invitation only.

For those that couldn't make the event, check out the gallery below to see some of the excitement for yourself.