We're gearing up for our Origins and GenCon events, and specifically The Settlers of Catan Worlds qualifier tournaments at Origins and GenCon, and the World Championship, held this year in the U.S. at GenCon. This is our list of dates and events to be aware of:

Our Western Canadian tournament was held earlier this May, but the Eastern Canadian World Qualifier will be held June 28 in Kingston ON at the Confederation Place Hotel. Start time is 10 am. For more information, contact info@minotaurgifts.com.

Origins will feature not one, but two opportunities to qualify for the World Championships! The usual Catan World Pre-Qualifiers will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 10 am (events 3179, 3696 and 4284, respectively). The semifinals (top players from all 3 days combined) will play at 10 am on Sunday, with the finals immediately afterwards.

In addition, as a thank-you to all of the players who have made this tournament as successful as it has been over the years, we've created a special opportunity for past winners to get a ticket to the Worlds. The Catan Masters Tournament will be held on Thursday at 10 am (same time and place as the Thursday Pre-Qualifier). This is a FREE ticket, available only to those who have played in a semi-final tournament in 2005, 2006 or 2007 at either Origins or GenCon. If you qualify, e-mail origins@mayfairgames.com and request an invitation. Seats will be limited, but we want as many of our past semi-finalists as possible to play!

We will also be holding a Masters Tournament at GenCon as well, on Thursday (same qualifications as the Origins tournament). You may request both invitations together, or for just a GenCon invitation, e-mail gencon@mayfairgames.com.

The Settlers of Catan World Championships will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16-17, at GenCon in Indianapolis IN. Qualifiers from around the world will have a chance to play in this most prestigious Catan tournament. Watch for details on our coverage of the event from GenCon!

Finally, in addition to our usual slate of Catan and Giant Catan events, we're highlighting 3 events in particular at GenCon: our Wide World of Catan events. Ever wanted to play one of the out-of-print Catan Historicals, or perhaps try The Settlers of Nuremberg? These three events will thematically focus on some of the less-explored Catan games out there. WWC: Conquerors will be on Thursday at 9 am (event BGM01136), WWC: Builders on Friday at 9 am (BGM01137). and WWC: Disasters on Saturday at 9 am (BGM01138).

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at origins@mayfairgames.com or gencon@mayfairgames.com