Discover the Pokémon TCG and video game community through the Play! Pokémon program. There are Play! Pokémon events for every player, whether you’re new to Pokémon organized play or practicing to become the Pokémon World Champion! The Play! Pokémon program is your opportunity to:
Meet Pokémon fans in your community
Win prizes, Travel Awards, and more
Focus on fun
Aim for higher goals for skilled players
Play in events that take place all year
Many events in the Play! Pokémon program are divided into age groups to ensure a fun gaming experience. See the latest general event rules for the current age divisions.
Find a Play! Pokémon event near you and start playing!
Casual Events
Pokémon League
The best place to begin is at Pokémon League events. These noncompetitive gatherings let you have fun in casual battles and meet other players without the pressure of competition. Pokémon League events are usually organized by folks who also run more challenging competitions, so they’re good resources if you’re interested in stepping up your game.
Ideal for entry-level players new to Pokémon competition
Support for both Pokémon TCG and video game players
Come together with other players
Get in touch with local organizers
Pokémon TCG Prerelease Tournaments
Be the first to play with new Pokémon TCG cards in Pokémon TCG Prerelease tournaments. You’ll receive a Prerelease box that includes all the cards you need to play in the event.
Open for all players to enter
Opportunity to see cards before the official release date
Relaxed environment ideal for casual players
Find a Play! Pokémon event near you and start playing!
Championship Series
If you’re looking for serious competition, you can take part in Championship Series events. The Championship Series takes place over the course of the year, and events take place all over the world, with many players hoping to eventually compete in the Pokémon World Championships! Smaller events take place at local venues such as game stores. Larger competitions, such as Regional, International, and World Championships, take place at convention halls or similar large venues.
League Challenge*
League Challenges are the first step for competitive Pokémon TCG players and a great place to get started in competitive events. Check out some of the recent winning Pokémon TCG decks from past Championship Series events.
Open for all players to enter
Ideal for players looking to join local competitive Pokémon TCG events
Additional prizes may be awarded at organizer’s discretion
League Cup*
League Cups are for Pokémon TCG players looking for a step up from League Challenge competitions, and they’re a good opportunity to practice and prepare for larger events.
Open to all players, but a higher level of competition is expected
Champion playmats or other prizes often provided for winner of each age division
Additional prizes may be awarded at organizer’s discretion
Premier Challenge*
Premier Challenges are the first step for competitive Pokémon video game players and a great place to get started in competitive video game events. Check out some of the recent winning Pokémon video game teams in the Championship Series.
Open for all players to enter
Ideal for players looking to join local competitive video game events
Additional prizes may be awarded at organizer’s discretion
Midseason Showdown*
Midseason Showdowns give Pokémon video game players a chance at more Championship Points against stronger competition, and they’re a good opportunity to practice and prepare for larger events.
Open to all players, but a higher level of competition is expected
Additional prizes may be awarded at organizer’s discretion
Regional Championships
Pokémon TCG and Video Game Regional Championships events take place all around the world. After the Pokémon International Championships, the Pokémon Regional Championships are the largest events in terms of both attendance and Championship Point payouts.
Open to all players, but a higher level of competition is expected
Up to $50,000 in prizes, scholarships, and gift cards
No qualifications or residency restrictions
International Championships
The Pokémon International Championships draw Pokémon TCG and video game players from all around the globe during the Championship Series season. These amazing events feature high Championship Point payouts and a prize pool value of up to $250,000 per event (based on attendance), spread between the Pokémon TCG and video game competitions.
Top-level competition
Large Championship Point and prize payout
Current top players can earn Travel Awards
No qualifications or residency restrictions
World Championships
The annual Pokémon World Championships are the pinnacle of competitive Pokémon play. Typically occurring in August, the Pokémon World Championships feature the best Pokémon TCG and video game players from around the world. The best players are invited to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes, the title of Pokémon World Champion, and return invitations for the following year’s Worlds.
Find a Play! Pokémon event near you and start playing!
This information is subject to change.
*We look forward to sharing more information on these events with the community in the future.
