Pokémon World Championships

SOME of the world’s best Pokémon players recently landed in London to take part in the Pokémon World

Championships. The gaming exhibition kicked off with an opening ceremony where Pokémon Company president and CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara welcomed attendees.

Then it was down to business as players battled it out in Trading Card Game tournaments, Pokémon GO and various videogame competitions.

It might sound like a lot of fun but there was some serious money at stake – players competed in various age groups for prizes totalling around $500 000 (R8,4 million).

Only those who picked up top points in championships and other contests throughout the year were invited to the World Championships. This ensures that only the best players compete against one another.

There was plenty of fun and games to be had, though.

“Some of these top players are playing their best friends. They’re still going to beat them, but it’s not nasty. There’s a handshake, a good game, then they hang out afterwards,” says JC Smith from Pokémon Company.

For the first time since it began in 2004, the four-day event was held outside of North America. Regular players and fans also got in on the fun which featured side tournaments, special events and Pokémon activities.

It’s the first Pokémon World Championship to take place since the Covid-19 pandemic began.