Alberto Campos: The experienced and versatile Alberto is probably the most consistent player on the history of Portuguese tournaments - a feat that is surely linked to his status of owner of all games! He’s not easy to beat on ANY game, despite not seemingly having any particular strength. He dispatched his opposition to easily qualify for the 2009 National Team and has been a top performer in both 2008 and 2009 international tournaments.

Dário Pelixo: Seemingly strong on every single type of game and virtually unbeatable on an admirable number of games, Dário has risen to the top of the national scene with 2 titles in the last 5 tournaments. Like Alberto, he was part of both 3-man teams that saw victory in Europe in 2008 and 2009. Attempting to strike fear on the opposing players by confidently announcing his game picks will ahead of everyone else – and there's no doubt the other members will feel their confidence sapped when sitting next to him during the tournament.

Pedro Bragança: After an uneventful debut at the 9th Tournament and skipping the 10th, Pedro showed his 16-bit skills and prowess by taking the 11th Tournament by storm, which marginally granted him a place on the Top 8 Finals for the decision on the national team. Easily proving it was no fluke, Pedro advanced in all 3 stages of this competition to qualify as part of the national team and contributed to Portugal’s European victory with some very solid results. Despite having participated in two domestic tournaments, he has to be considered a major force already.

Ferdinand Menendez: Winning the 2008 European tournament with Alberto and Dário, and following this feat with the 9th Tournament title, Ferdinand looked set to stay on the team. A semi-final at the 10th and 2nd Stage at the 11th were good enough for him to easily reach the top of the qualifying standings. However, in the Top 8 Finals everyone started from scratch and Ferdinand found himself crashing out. His skill, however, remains unshakeable and he's the most fiercesome of the Tier 2 seeds.

Arsénio Ferraz: Affable and likeable, Arsénio surprised everyone by winning the 8th Mega Drive Tournament after a run of seemingly scratchy results. Since then he has failed to regain that level and has stood as a mid-carder ever since. Qualified for the Top 8 Finals by default, as a replacement for the absent Pedro Mendes, but crashed out in 6th place. In spite of this, Arsénio is still ranked high enough to be classed as a seed!

Luis Xavier: A natural with a pad in his hands, he excels at puzzle games where he shows his mind-game skills that often lead opponents to desperation. His niche, however, is fighting games. He showed his gamesmanship skills after protecting Pedro Mendes and disposing of higher-regarded Dário and Alberto on the 9th Tournament, granting him the final berth that ultimately was enough for him to quality for the Top 8 Finals. He didn't go very far, but no-one will feel comfortable having to play him on any game!

David Magueijo: Long time front-runner shockingly missed the Top 8 Finals by a combination of unlucky and unlikely factors - for his seemingly secure place was usurped at the 11th tournament where he crashed out of the contest early (which had only happened once in the past 5 tournaments!) Fátima had to reach at least the semi-finals (while she was apparently on a downward spiral) and someone from outside the top 8 had to take the title against all the top competitors. Turns out David was unimpressive and ended up nearly bottom of the 1st Stage, Fátima went on to the podium and Pedro Bragança won the tournament in only his 2nd outing. David was narrowly and shockingly eliminated. However, every other player knows of his ability - he's the unseeded player no-one wants on their group!

Hugo Vieira: Usually a challenger for the 2nd Stage. Hugo might lack versatility but he's very strong on a number of games. The tournament's format will work by his side.

Armando Dias: Often joking he only appears to make numbers, his ability is uncanny and he's often tipped for a surprise run ever since his first appearance. Can never be underestimated.

Orlando Silva Veteran Orlando has been one of the few players to survive from what is known as the first generation of challengers! He never ceases to produce strong performances even though he doesn’t practice!