Pokemon World Championship Series: A Guide!

The Pokemon World Championship Series is the ultimate battle between the world’s greatest Pokemon Masters! Just as the stories in the games and shows go, the Pokemon World Championship Series is where legends are made! If you know you must become the very best like no one ever was, read on to learn more about the Pokemon World Championship Series!

Where Does the Pokemon World Championship Series Take Place?

The exact location of the Championship Series varies from year to year. In previous years, the Championship Series has taken place in Orlando, Florida; San Diego, California; Boston, Massachusetts; and London, England.

This year’s event took place in Yokohama, Kanagawa in Japan. Each event is held annually in August, so wear cool clothes to beat the heat! If you can’t make it to the host city for the events, you can always watch it live online from the comfort of your home or wherever you have your phone!

Which games are in the Pokemon World Championship Series?

Being the biggest Pokemon event in the world, the Pokemon World Championship Series features nearly every major competitive Pokemon game available. The Pokemon video games and Trading Card Game tournaments are divided into three categories: Junior, Senior, and Masters.

This ensures that players are matched based on age, helping keep the playing field even. The Pokken Tournament fighting game was also in the line-up of games until organizers removed it in 2022. There is a TON of Pokemon gameplay at the World Championships, so watch your favorite!

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Pokemon Video Game Championship

Since its debut on the Nintendo Game Boy in 1996, Pokemon has continued releasing core titles across Nintendo’s video game systems. The most recent title in the Championship Series was 2022’s Pokemon Scarlet/Violet on the Switch. Three Japanese players took 1^st place in each category this year: Sora Ebisawa in Juniors, Tomoya Ogawa in Seniors, and Shohei Kimura in Masters. Talk about a clean sweep!

Pokemon Trading Card Game

The Pokemon Trading Card Game debuted in Japan in 1996 and the US in 1998 and hasn’t lost any steam since. New sets emerge frequently, so players gain cards to better mod their decks. This year’s 1^st Place Master player was Vance Kelley from the US (good job!)

Pokemon Go!

Having launched in 2016, Pokemon Go! brought the excitement of finding and catching Pokemon straight to everyone’s phones. Players battle using their custom teams by tapping away strategically on their phones. US player ItsAXN grabbed 1^st place this year!

Pokemon Unite

Pokemon Unite is a free-to-play mobile MOBA where two teams of five battle against each other to earn the highest score. As each player begins with a weaker Pokemon, they can raise that Pokemon’s strengths and catch stronger Pokemon as each match goes on. Team Luminosity won this year’s Pokemon Unite tournament, which is no easy feat!

Can I compete in the Pokemon World Championship?

Yes! You can compete in the Pokemon World Championship Series, but there is a little legwork to do in advance. Only players who meet specific criteria may register to compete. This guarantees that the Championships have the most exciting and engaging players! First, you must have a Pokemon Trainer Club account in good standing. 

Second, you need to have a Play! Pokemon Player ID. Third, you need to accept the Play! Pokemon Terms of Use (pretty easy to do!) Lastly, you need to have enough Championship Points to qualify. You can earn Championship Points by performing well at officially sanctioned play! Pokemon events such as Premiere Challenges and Regional Championships. Once you do all that, if you play well enough, you can receive an invitation to the Championships!

Generally, you only need to register with Pokemon and earn enough Championship Points to qualify. This might take some time, but this is the world championships! Only the best of the best is invited (and this means you have to hustle if you want to be the best!) As long as your Pokemon teams or card decks meet the requirements for the tournament, you’re golden.

Why should I check out the Pokemon World Championship?

The Pokemon World Championship Series is where the world of Pokemon comes to life. Players from all over the world, of all ages and backgrounds, come together to test their mettle in Pokemon. Whether players dive into the intricacies of the card game or the core video games or join teams to battle, the Pokemon action is always thrilling and intense. 

Have you ever been to one of the World Championships? Do you have a favorite Pokemon game in the line-up? And are you on your way to getting into the Championships yourself? Let us know! We’d love to hear from the next World Pokemon Master!