Multiplayer newbie?

[Rainstorm]

I've been playing SMAC/X for a good while, I'm not great but I love to play it, and the strategy involved. I was wondering, how would I find and get involved in a multiplayer game? I'm sure I would be wiped out immediately, but I would eventually get better, I hope. None of my friends are particularly willing to do it

[WhiteElephants]

You can sign up for the tournament in one threads below.