After battling it out against hundreds of hopefuls from across the country, today 19 year old Josh Stevens from Berkshire is crowned Britain’s Best Nintendo Gamer.

The final of the first ever Nintendo tournament saw the Berkshire teenager outstrip the competition to take home the prestigious title of Britain’s Best Nintendo Gamer, together with a trip for five to the home of Nintendo in Japan, worth £10,000.

Throughout October eight GAME Group stores across the UK opened their doors to Nintendo fans old and new, for a series of fiercely fought regional heats. Players competed on four games to win their place at the grand final – Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit, Mario Kart DS and New Super Mario Bros DS.

To win the grand prize, Josh was amongst the first in the country to get his hands on the hotly anticipated New Super Mario Bros Wii ahead of its official release on November 20th, where he triumphed against 16 other hopefuls to claim his title. 

The final, hosted by presenter, comedian and Absolute Radio DJ, Iain Lee, took place at the Odeon in Covent Garden where Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario entertained the crowds and awarded the winner, Josh Stevens, 19, from Bray in Berkshire, his prize. 

On winning the title of Britain’s Best Nintendo Gamer, Josh commented “I’m really excited about winning and can’t wait to go to Japan with my family!”

New Super Mario Bros Wii hits the UK on November 20th, bringing the classic platform game to the Wii console for the first time ever. The action-packed Mario platformer offers a mix of cooperative and competitive play, you can work together to rescue Princess Peach, or use your skills to battle for the best ranking. Co-operate by saving your friends from danger – or get rid of the competition by tossing them straight into it!  It is available to pre-order now at stores nationwide.