Quoted from lostlumberjacks:
I think this is a great idea. I would like more specifics in regards to the "tournament" you had, or at least some helpful ideas. We've had games around so long that they really don't get played at all. Anything to get them off the phones would be great. I really like the gift card idea.
Was really simple (wouldn't know any other way). Had gift cards to Starbucks, Target and Buffalo Wild Wings for $25.00 each to be awarded to the person getting the highest cumulative score on each machine.
I have three machines so each person played each game twice. I combined the players two scores for each machine played and awarded a prize for highest score per machine.
The Grand Champion had the highest overall score for the three games. I had two Grand Champion prizes. Over 18 and under 18. My youngest won Grand Champion in her age category by default but she also played really well and won high score on one of the three pinball machines.
Had one more gift card for the team award. Each person chose a number from a box and I matched players 1-2, 3-4, etc. We played one game on AC/DC and combined the players score. Highest score won.
All told there was 6 prizes. One prize for each of the games, one prize for the team award and two prizes for Grand Champion.
Took a couple hours total and we had lunch too. Was a lot of fun.