Video Game Championship Series

Players from across the United States will gather in Indianapolis for the 2012 U.S. National Championships this June. Pack your bags and join the best from across North America to compete for an invitation and Travel Award to the World Championships in Waikoloa, Hawaii, this August!

Events at the Indiana Convention Center will begin on Friday, June 29th, at 9:00 A.M., with a variety of side tournaments and league play going all day in addition to the start of U.S. TCG National Championships.  Video game competitors also have the option to preregister for the U.S. National Championships Friday evening from 4:00 P.M.–6:00 P.M. The U.S. Video Game National Championships will start the following day on Saturday, June 30th, and will conclude on Sunday, July 1st.

When are the National Championships?

June 29th–July 1st, 2012.

Where are the National Championships?

Indianapolis Convention Center
Hall I
100 South Capitol Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46225

U.S. National Championships

The U.S. National Championships is a two-day event open to all players in good standing.  Winners move on to the World Championships in Waikoloa, Hawaii, this August.

U.S. National Championships Registration and Competition Times

Friday, June 29th—Competitor Preregistration
All Divisions: 4:00 P.M.–6:00 P.M.

Saturday, June 30th—Competitor General Registration
Masters: 8:00 A.M.– 8:30 A.M.
Junior/Senior:  2:00 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

Saturday, June 30th—Player Meeting
Masters:  9:00 A.M.
Junior/Senior: 3:00 P.M.

All times subject to change.

Registering to Play in the U.S. National Championships

All players registering for the U.S. National Championships must do so within the times provided above.  All players must have a Play! Pokemon Player ID to enter.  Player IDs will be issued on site to those who have not yet received an ID.  To receive an ID online, log into your Trainer Club account, and visit https://www.pokemon.com/us/account/upgrade2/, which will issue an ID to your account.  Be sure to bring this number with you when you register.

U.S. National Championships Attendance Caps

Registration will be guaranteed to the first 220 Junior Division players, 220 Senior Division players, and 540 Masters Division players. While we will attempt to accommodate every player wishing to participate, we cannot guarantee seating beyond these limits.

Additional Information:

Players who wish to compete in a Pokémon VGC event, like the U.S. National Championships, must adhere to the Tournament Rules.

When you show up at a Pokémon Video Game tournament, there are some things you must have with you. We’ve provided this handy checklist so that you can show up to the event prepared!

• A copy of Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version for the Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo DS system
  • Players at United States events may only use North American versions
• A Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo DS system
  • Players are strongly encouraged to bring a charger for their systems, as tournament staff will not have chargers available for loan
• A team of legal Pokémon per the Tournament Rules
• Should a player’s eligibility to participate in an age division be questioned, proof of age may be requested. Failure to provide proof of age may result in the player being denied participation in the tournament, at the organizer’s discretion

U.S. National Championships Prizes:

Prizes are awarded the top finishers in each of three age divisions.

The divisions are as follows:

Junior Division: Born in 2001 or later
Senior Division: Born in 1997, 1998, 1999, or 2000
Masters Division: Born in 1996 or earlier

1st Place:

• A National Champion Trophy
• An invitation to compete at the Pokémon Video Game World Championships in Waikoloa, Hawaii, on August 11th & 12th, 2012
• Airfare and 5-day/4-night hotel accommodations for the winner (including parent or legal guardian for players under 18) to attend the Pokémon Video Game World Championships

2nd Place:

• A National Championships Finalist Trophy
• An invitation to compete at the Pokémon Video Game World Championships in Waikoloa, Hawaii, on August 11th and 12th, 2012
• Airfare and 5-day/4-night hotel accommodations for the winner (including parent or legal guardian for players under 18) to attend the Pokémon Video Game World Championships

3rd and 4th Place:

• A National Championships Semi-Finalist Trophy
• An invitation to compete at the Pokémon Video Game World Championships in Waikoloa, Hawaii, on August 11th and 12th, 2012
• Airfare and 5-day/4-night hotel accommodations for the winner (including parent or legal guardian for players under 18) to attend the Pokémon Video Game World Championships