The World Cup is coming to Bradford on Saturday – but it’s only the beautiful game in miniature.

The city’s National Media Museum has been chosen to host the UK qualifier for the Electronic Sports World Cup 2010, the final of which takes place in Disneyland Paris with total prize money of about £145,000.

Up to 100 gamers have registered to take part, including former national, European and world champions. Another 100 competitors are wanted.

Gamers will play video games Fifa10 and Quake Live on machines in the museum’s foyer and games lounge. The goal is to find the best players to represent the UK in the grand finals in Paris from June 30 to July 5.

Museum director Colin Philpott said: “We are delighted to be hosting the ESWC heat stages. Our new interactive games lounge and Pictureville Cinema, where the final play-off will commence, make this a superb backdrop for an event of this scale and nature.”

The official organiser of this year’s competition is Jaffir Mir, managing director of Leeds-based Game Frontier.

He said: “We are a small team of about ten and provide solutions for the gaming industry. We have been organising the national championships for the last eight years and run other competitions all over the world.

“The national finals usually go to London but we have always wanted to bring it to West Yorkshire. We felt Bradford had the right facilities.

“The NMM is an ideal venue for us. The essence of competitive video gaming is not only the quality of the hardware or software, but the actual player.

“It is all a matter of reflexes, psychology, training and the ability to deliver a winning result in a live tournament environment. Spectators are welcome.”

Entry to the Fifa10 and Quake Live tournaments is free. Players can either register for the event in advance at theSGL.com, or on Saturday morning at the museum.

Quake Live matches take place throughout Saturday. Fifa 10 matches start at noon and will be completed on Sunday. Players must make themselves available until knocked out of the tournament.

The two players who win through to represent the UK in the grand finals will receive paid travel and accommodation to take on the best gamers from the rest of the world.

Mr Philpott said: “We look forward to developing a long-standing relationship with the UK gaming sector to become the UK’s first-choice gaming destination.”