As summer sportsmen dust off their tennis whites, a gaggle of Williamsburgers are preparing for their own summer racquet ritual: “Wiimbledon.”
A tournament of virtual tennis played on a Nintendo Wii gaming system, the daylong event — now in its second year — pits players, who are encouraged to attend in tennis outfits of their own design, against one another for glory and prizes.
Organizer Steve Bryant said the inspiration for the event was simple: “Our inability to have a big party in a studio apartment.”
Last year, over 600 hopefuls showed up, although only 128 competitors are allowed to play. (Pre-registration is advised, but walk-in spots will be available.) So, while some aspects of the tournament are similar to the real deal — three games to a match — and some are unique to “Wiimbledon” — open bar from noon to 3 pm — organizers stress that the event isn’t just a rainy day alternative to the courts.
Asked if he played tennis outside of the videogame variety, Bryant asked, “Is that like badminton?”
“Wiimbledon” will take place from 10 am to 5 pm on June 7 at Barcade (388 Union Ave. at Ainslie Street in Williamsburg). Participation is free. For information and registration, visit www.wiimbledon.net.
