Gamers from around the Southeastern United States have signed up in droves to take part in the first Doritos MLG Pro-Gaming Combine event, a three-day tournament starting March 26. The Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville is the first stop for the tour, which has four stops total. Several Major League Gaming pros are scheduled to attend:

• Michael ‘Strongside’ Cavanaugh of Edgewood, Ky.; a member of the 2007 MLG Pro Circuit National Championship Team, Final Boss
• Justin ‘Pistola’ Deese of West Columbia, N.C.; a member of Triggers Down, the number one ranked team during the 2009 MLG Pro Circuit season
• Anthony ‘Totz’ Pennacchio of Bloomingdale, Ill.; the newest member of the storied MLG Pro Circuit team franchise, Final Boss
• Wes ‘Clutch’ Price of Memphis, Tenn.; a member of the 2009 MLG Pro Circuit National Championship Team, Believe the Hype

Over 1,200 individuals and 256 teams of four have registered to compete thus far. To get some good practice, and a taste of the competition, visit www.doritoscombine.com for information about where to practice. If you just want to participate in the Free For All event, you have until March 22 to register online, or just show up to register in person. (Spectators can attend free of charge.)

It’s also a learning experience: MLG pros will hold eight seminars to help you in your game, with topics to include “The Mental Game,” “Support Players,” and “Team Captains.”