Once a year, Glatorian from all over gathered in the Arena Magna in Atero for a tournament to determine the overall champion.1 This was known as the Great Tournament.2, 3, 4
Notes
Once a year, Glatorian from all over Bara Magna gathered for the right to be called champion. They came to Arena Magna in the city of Atero to compete, to talk, to share news and new battle tactics.5
When the Glatorian system came into being, it was decided to use Arena Magna as the site for an annual tournament. Atero was busiest just before the annual Glatorian tournament, when Agori from various villages arrived to prepare Arena Magna for use. It was important work, but not always terribly exciting. Most Agori would do their duty, knowing the reward was front-row seats for all the matches. Emotions ran high at the tournament, with each village wanting its Glatorian to win, and fights between Agori had been known to break out in the stands. The images and names of Glatorian tournament winners were carved in the famous Wall of Champions. Among the many names included here were Certavus (the very first tournament champion), Ackar, Tarix, and Vastus. Every Glatorian wished to see his or her name inscribed on this wall, and some, like Strakk, were willing to do just about anything to win, as a tournament winner could ask for better rewards from his village, or from another village if his current one did not want to pay. Since it was considered a great honor to have a champion working in one's village, Agori would generally find some way to keep a tournament winner happy.6
The Arena Magna tournament in Atero had a vehicle division with its own champion.7
There were usually three preliminary rounds before the main tournament in Atero. They were not elimination rounds; they were more like exhibitions for people of the various villages, and a chance for the Glatorian to get their edge.8 The Gresh vs. Skrall match at Vulcanus was an exhibition before the annual tournament in Atero. It was a way to let different villages see fighters they might not have seen too often and to get them hyped for the big tournament coming up.9
Atero was the only place where fights were for honor, rather than something practical like resources.10
The Arena Magna battles were several fights that took place over the course of days.11
The prize for winning the tournament was championship. A Glatorian named champion could command a higher price in the arena and was more likely to get matches, since every village wanted to see their Glatorian beat him.12
Trainee Glatorian also came to the Atero matches.13
All Glatorian were allowed to participate in the tournament, and most of them did.14