Team Eagle wins "Operation: Winter Invasion" tournament after rules dispute, Grudge match planned

In a close match, Team Eagle went on to win the Gamespot Operation: Winter Invasion tournament and walk away with $300 in Best Buy gift certificates for each member after a post-game rules dispute which awarded Eagle the win after they lost to Team Obsidian, however a "Grudge Match" is being planned for the following week. The total prizes for the tournament totalled $2500, and the Grudge Match will have a $1000 prize purse attached, with the details to be announced on Gamespot's "On The Spot" show Thursday.

Team Obsidian started off with an easy semi-final in a near-blowout of Team Anaconda, defeating them 11 games to 1. In match after match, Obsidian displayed their dominance over their opponents. Despite Anaconda's best efforts, they simply couldn't put a dent into Team Obsidian's fast-paced, aggressive playstyle.

In the second semi-final, Team Eagle took an early lead, yet almost lost to a comeback from opponents, Team Scorpio. Despite taking the first five matches, Team Eagle's lead slipped as Team Scorpio won six matches in a row to take the lead. Matches mostly went back and forth until the two teams were tied up at ten wins a piece, sending them into overtime.

Overtime was settled by a first-to-six, and Team Eagle took a controlling lead early, emerging the victor. Team Scorpio's captain admitted after the match, "We just couldn't pull it out at the end."

During the halftime match against Infinity Ward, Gamespot players were regularly decimated while the developer's team showed off its skills. They admitted they spent a good portion of each day playing the game itself, refining their skills and enjoying the multiplayer experience they've developed.

After the break, the final match began with Team Eagle winning the toss up, which consisted of players pistol bashing each other until one side was eliminated. Team Obsidian took the lead quickly, pushing up to an 8-3 lead before Team Eagle started to mount a comeback. Soon, the score was 8-7, and despite the hard fought efforts of Team Eagle, Team Obsidian finished the round at 11-9 in a very close last match.

However, just after the match was completed, Team Eagle asked to contest the rules. Despite the fact that the rules established beforehand stated that each team was allowed only one sniper, a mishap set the server to allow two snipers, which Team Obsidian had, despite the preestablished rules. For breaking this rule, the first place prize was awarded to Team Eagle.

Immediately after, however, it was decided a 'Grudge Match' would be held with a $1000 dollar prize. Details of the Grudge Match have not yet been announced and will be revealed during Gamespot's On the Spot show on Thursday, Feb. 9th.

-- Cliff Hicks