Fatal1ty Trades Mouse for Microphone

(Calabasas, CA) – The Fatal1ty brand today announced that Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel has signed an agreement with DirectTV to become the official, global play-by-play commentator and league spokesperson for the Championship Gaming Series (CGS), an international video gaming league which will broadcast to over 100 million homes worldwide starting in Spring 2007. Fatal1ty will use his fame as the most recognized video gamer in the world to promote this exciting new League and bring international recognition to competitive video gaming as the new player in pro sports. Johnathan’s passion for gaming competitions will continue by conducting exhibitions around the globe that will bring attention to the Championship Gaming Series.

The Championship Gaming Sreies will take the exploding phenomenon of professional gaming to the next level with high-definition televised league play using advanced technology that immerses viewers inside the games themselves. For the first time in the history of the sport, team members who qualify for the Championship Gaming Series will be drafted by franchises and paid salaries as full-time pro gamers. Team franchises will be led by salaried General Managers, who are established leaders in competitive gaming.

“Ever since I began my competitive video gaming career, it has been my goal to bring this exciting sport to a broader audience”, said Johnathan Wendel. “The opportunity to become a global spokesperson and advisor for the Championship Gaming Series, with its international coverage, is tremendously exciting for me because it takes a giant step toward that goal. Direct TV has really stepped up by producing a high quality gaming series that involves some of the best people in TV sports history. I’m thrilled to be a part of this team.”

"We couldn't help but notice that gaming had actually become a sport. Not only in the way the gamers created teams to compete, but also in their conditioning and mind set and dedication while playing. So it wasn't a quantum leap to then determine if it was becoming a sport, we should cover it like a sport, said David Hill, President, DIRECTV Entertainment. “The reaction to our first production, the Championship Gaming Invitational, was little short of phenomenal, so it was a no-brainer to take this next logical step to create the series. We believe the combination of a world wide broadcast platform, coupled with forward thinking partners like Mountain Dew, will create a brand new sport which is truly universal. Championship Gaming Series has the potential to become the next soccer in terms of world wide appeal.”

DIRECTV is in final discussions with global entertainment giants British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB), STAR Asia, and others, to build an international network and broadcast the Championship Gaming Series (CGS). In addition to international televised distribution, CGS will partner with internet powerhouse Fox Interactive Media/IGN to provide online coverage, creating a multi-platform opportunity to bring gaming to the masses.

About Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel
In 1999 Johnathan 'Fatal1ty' Wendel began his journey as the world's first full time professional video gamer. Fatal1ty built his legend over the next 7 years by winning or placing top three in almost every tournament he contested. He has now turned his focus and determination to help make professional video gaming an established sport. Johnathan has joined forces with DirecTV's Championship Gaming Series as exclusive commentator, global spokesperson and advisor to help take video gaming to the next level. Prior to joining Championship Gaming in January 2007, Johnathan had already won 12 Major Championships, accomplished while competing in 5 different games - an unprecedented achievement. Fatal1ty has placed 1st in 65% of all competitions he has entered and top 3 in 90% of them. To this day, having competed on six continents, Fatal1ty continues to dominate competitions worldwide. For additional information about Fatal1ty please visit fatal1ty.com.

About DIRECTV, Inc.
DIRECTV, Inc., the nation’s leading satellite television service provider, presents the finest television experience available to more than 15.6 million customers through exclusive content, industry-leading customer service (which has surpassed cable for six years running) and superior technologies. Each day, DIRECTV subscribers enjoy over 250 channels of 100% digital picture and sound; exclusive programming and the most comprehensive collection of sports programming available anywhere including NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, and MLB EXTRA INNINGS™. DIRECTV (NYSE:DTV) also leads the digital television technology revolution with exclusives such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET SuperFan™, US Open Interactive and YES Network Interactive and will soon have the capacity to offer over 150 channels in HD. For the most up-to-date information on the Company, please visit directv.com.

Media Contact: Jenifer Duron
Auravision, Inc.
818.880.8872
jduron@fatal1ty.com