Today marks the beginning of something new and exciting for the Fighting Games division at Major League Gaming and PlayStation: the MLG Spring Fighter Arena. The top eight players of Warner Bros’ Mortal Kombat and Namco Bandai’s SoulCalibur V from the MLG Winter Championships will compete in what should be one of the most godlike matchups since the release of these two fighting games. With thousands of dollars on the line, these competitors will be duking it out on PS3 in hours of competitive matches.

The amount of history behind these matches is unprecedented: CDjr the reigning Mortal Kombat champion will be navigating a gauntlet of players that all have his name on a checklist of people to beat, including some of his own brothers. Over on Soul Calibur 5, the Champion Keev, from France, will look to do the same after a successful event at the MLG Winter Championships. The action starts today at 2:00pm EST until 10pm EST packed with live streams, giveaways, and a group of the most entertaining casters in fighting games. This isn’t something any fan is going to want to miss. For a full detailed explanation of players brackets and matchup times go here.

How is this happening? You can take advantage of the free main stream available for everyone’s viewing pleasure (HD junkies can get an MLG viewing pass for 4.99). In addition to the main stream, you can find tips, exhibition matches, and supporting content on the free Dr. Pepper Ultimate Access Stream. There will be grudge matches, prizes and there will most certainly be some great entertainment.

Check out the stream above and let us know what you think.

Heads up, PlayStation Fans: The Major League Gaming Pro Circuit is coming to Raleigh, NC August 26th-28th. We’ll be there holding head-to-head UNCHARTED 3 and Resistance 3 competitions in the PlayStation Compound. Join us for your chance to win awesome prize packs, and experience these highly anticipated games before you can buy them.

Raleigh, NC also marks the fourth stop of the 2011 Call of Duty: Black Ops Pro Circuit season. Competition is fierce, with the best players coming out for the circuit. Think you can handle it? Passes for the event are available now (details here) Whether you’re planning to compete in Black Ops or just observe, remember to drop by the PlayStation Compound to play, compete or just chat us up. Event details and programming below:

Venue:

Raleigh Convention Center

500 South Salisbury Street

Raleigh, NC 27601

The PlayStation Compound will be open for business during the following hours:

Friday: 1:30pm – 10:00pm

Saturday: 10:00am – 10:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Admission is $15 for spectators, but we’ll be giving out tickets through the events and promotions Twitter account, @HeyPlayStation. For those of you who can’t attend follow us on twitter all weekend long know to stay in the know! Below is just a taste of this weekend’s activities going on inside the PlayStation booth:

MLG Mortal Kombat Tournament

The online tournament culminates in Raleigh with a 1v1 competition and a prize pool worth $7,000. Didn’t qualify online? That’s okay walkups are also welcome, so grab your friends and come out to join in on the tournament and show off your fighting skills. For more details click here.

PlayStation Compound Competitions

Friday, August 26th – Resistance 3

Compete against the best MLG has to offer in a 5v5 competition. Experience the campaign before your friends in mind-blowing stereoscopic 3D and with the PlayStation Move sharp shooter.

Saturday August 27th – Mystery Title

Battle for bragging rights and PlayStation prizes. You’ll have to stay tuned to find out which title we’ll be showing, but trust us you won’t be disappointed.

Sunday, August 28th – UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception

Having beta withdrawal? Us too. That’s why we’ll be showcasing UNCHARTED 3 and hosting LAN competitions all day. That’s right, no internet required. If you want to take home the top slot you have to be here!

Can’t make it to the event? Don’t forget you can watch the live stream on Majorleaguegaming.com. Follow us @HeyPlayStation with live updates and chances to win cool free stuff!