It has won countless awards, spawned a handful of titles and turned plenty of couch-dwellers into wannabe rock stars.

And as further testament to the success of the “Guitar Hero” video game franchise, live tournaments are being held nationwide. That includes the finals of the Dos Equis “Guitar Hero” Competition, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Fast Eddie's N.W. Military location.

The contest will feature finalists competing in “Guitar Hero II,” with an Xbox 360, 27” flat-screen television, a “Guitar Hero” game and an autographed Deftones guitar going to the winner.

The Dos Equis “Guitar Hero” Competition began on July 21 and has run every Saturday leading up to the finals.

Not that the “Guitar Hero” franchise is limited to those outside the music industry.

Rock stars, including Korn frontman Jonathan Davis and Nine Inch Nails mastermind Trent Reznor, have voiced their fondness for the “Guitar Hero” game, while others have taken their gaming a step further.

“I've done some pretty embarrassing s**t,” My Chemical Romance drummer Bob Bryar told the Wall Street Journal in November. “Jumping off tables. Standing with my legs really far apart, in that goofy rock star stance.”

CLINT HALE | 210SA