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Play! Pokémon: Difference between revisions

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{{incomplete}}[[File:Play Pokemon logo.png|thumb|right|The new '''Play! Pokémon''' logo, debuting in August 2010]]
{{incomplete}}
[[File:Play Pokemon logo.png|thumb|right|The new '''Play! Pokémon''' logo, debuting in August 2010]]


'''Play! Pokémon''', formerly known as '''Pokémon Organized Play''', often abbreviated as '''POP''', is an official gathering of players of the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] and the [[Pokémon games]] to play, trade, and just generally have fun and learn about the games. POP used to oversee activity within the [[Pokémon Trading Figure Game]].
'''Play! Pokémon''' (formerly known as '''Pokémon Organized Play''' and often abbreviated as '''POP''') is an official gathering of players of the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] and the [[Pokémon games|Pokémon video games]] (often referred to as just ''Pokémon games'') to play, trade, and just generally have fun and learn about the games. Play! Pokémon also used to oversee activity within the [[Pokémon Trading Figure Game]], which is no longer active.


The division was formed by [[The Pokémon Company International]] (nee Pokémon USA) in 2003 after [[Wizards of the Coast]] lost their Pokémon TCG license. With their occupation, PUSA created new league, tournament, and prize systems, as well as an improved {{TCG|Professor Program}}. In 2010, the name changed to its current title, that being Play! Pokémon.
The division was formed by [[The Pokémon Company International]] (née Pokémon USA) in 2003 after [[Wizards of the Coast]] lost their Pokémon Trading Card Game (abbreviated as TCG) license. With their stewardship, PUSA created new league, tournament, and prize systems, as well as an improved {{TCG|Professor Program}}. In 2010, the name changed from Pokémon Organized Play to its current title, Play! Pokémon.


==Registration==
==Registration==
[[File:POP logo.png|thumb|right|The POP logo used until August 2010]]Players wishing to enter the foray of either the TCG or video games and compete in events must sign up to obtain a POP-ID. It is used to access a "My Pokémon" account, where a player can view his or her Rankings, {{TCG|Premier Ratings}}, Tournaments (for {{TCG|Tournament Organizer}}s only), or Leagues (for {{TCG|League Leader}}s only).
[[File:POP logo.png|thumb|right|The POP logo used until August 2010]] Players playing the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] or [[Pokémon games|Pokémon video games]] in organized play events or competitions are assigned a player ID. Event organizers upload player event information that may then be viewed on the [[Pokémon.com]] website by players if players also create a [[#Pokémon Trainer Club|Pokémon Trainer Club]] account, including a player's Rankings, {{TCG|Premier Ratings}}, Tournaments (for {{TCG|Tournament Organizer}}s only), or Leagues (for {{TCG|League Leader}}s only). After setting up a Pokémon Trainer Club account and linking that account to the player's ID, organized play information is accessed by going to ''"My Profile"'' under the {{DL|Pokémon.com|Pokémon Trainer Club|Pokémon.com Pokémon Trainer Club}} section of the website and selecting ''"Play! Pokémon Settings"'' and then ''"My Play! Pokémon"''.
 
The player Pokémon Trainer Club account is also used to adjust general website setting, many [[Pokémon Trading Card Game Online]] setting, and may be used by parents to setup and control sub-accounts for their children.


==Age divisions==
==Age divisions==
So that potentially younger less experienced players are not at a disadvantage playing older more experienced ones, they are sorted into age divisions in sanctioned events. These were defined by a specific age up until the 2006-2007 season, consisting of Ten and Under (10-), Eleven to Fourteen (11-14) and Fifteen and Over (15+). Beginning with the 2006-2007 season, POP revised the system based on date of birth. The divisions are now categorized as of 2011 into three divisions: Junior (born in 2001 or later), Senior (born between 1997 and 2000) and Masters (born in 1996 or earlier). In the video game categories, there are two divisions, Junior (born in 2001 or later) and Senior (born before 2000).
So that younger, less experienced players are not disadvantaged by playing older, more experienced players, sanctioned Pokémon tournaments separate players into age divisions. These were defined by a specific age up until the 2006-2007 season, consisting of Ten and Under (10-), Eleven to Fourteen (11-14), and Fifteen and Over (15+). Beginning with the 2006-2007 season, the system was revised to be based on year of birth, to avoid the issues of a player shifting divisions in the middle of a tournament season.
 
Originally the Video Game Championship series used only two age divisions, but as of 2012 both the Trading Card Game and Video Game series have been unified to use the same age division structure.
 
As of July 15, 2014, the three age divisions are defined as follows:


=={{TCG|Pokémon League}}s==
* '''Junior Division''': Born in 2004 or later
* '''Senior Division''': Born in 2000, 2001, 2002, or 2003
* '''Masters Division''': Born in 1999 or earlier
 
These divisions are officially adjusted when the new tournament season begins, around mid-July each year, sometime between the conclusion of National Championships worldwide and the start of the [[Pokémon World Championships]]. However, the World Championships are considered part of the previous tournament season and use its age division years.
 
==Pokémon Leagues==
[[File:League logo.png|thumb|right|Pokémon League logo]]
[[File:League logo.png|thumb|right|Pokémon League logo]]
Pokémon Leagues provide a nearby place for players to get together with other fans of the Pokémon TCG and [[Pokémon games]] and have fun. They are often held in public locations, such as stores, community centers and libraries. Leagues are often the perfect venues for players starting out to learn about the TCG or video games and to hone their skills to compete in tournaments.
{{main|Pokémon League (TCG)}}
Pokémon Leagues provide a nearby place for players to get together with other fans of the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] and [[Pokémon games]] and have fun. They are often held in public locations, such as stores, community centers and libraries. Leagues are often the perfect venues for players starting out to learn about the TCG or video games and to hone their skills to compete in tournaments.


Leagues often focus on a theme related to the current video game every year, and break the cycle down into seven or eight seasons lasting around six weeks, each season representing a part of the theme (e.g. a specific [[Gym]] if the theme is based around Gyms featured in a Pokémon game). The theme often correlates with the current main series Pokémon games.
Leagues often focus on a theme related to the current video game every year, and break the cycle down into seven or eight seasons lasting around six weeks, each season representing a part of the theme (e.g. a specific [[Gym]] if the theme is based around Gyms featured in a Pokémon game). The theme often correlates with the current main series Pokémon games.
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*2010-11: [[Pokéathlon]] League
*2010-11: [[Pokéathlon]] League


During Wizards' occupation, players received points based on actions at every League session, and these points were recorded in League books. Points were awarded for actions such as challenging a player, winning/losing a battle, trading cards, meeting new individuals and promoting good sportsmanship.
During Wizards' tenure, players received points based on actions at every League session, and these points were recorded in League books. Points were awarded for actions such as challenging a player, winning/losing a battle, trading cards, meeting new individuals and promoting good sportsmanship.


Unlike Wizards, POP utilized a hybrid League system during the 2003-2004 season, where players could earn points by playing both the video games and the Trading Card Game. The idea was scrapped for the next cycle, though it since has made a comeback.
Unlike Wizards, Play! Pokémon utilized a hybrid League system during the 2003-2004 season, where players could earn points by playing both the video games and the Trading Card Game. The idea was scrapped for the next cycle, though it since has made a comeback.


'''Typical prizes:''' When a player reaches the Poké Ball symbol on their [[Pokémon League#Score Card|Score Card]], they receive (a) promotional foil card(s). Once an entire side is filled, the player will receive a promotional Nintendo DS Lite/DSi skin. Some Leagues have a different system of handing these items out.
'''Typical prizes:''' When a player reaches the Poké Ball symbol or the badge symbol on their [[Pokémon League (TCG)#Score Card|Score Card]], they receive (a) promotional foil card(s). Once an entire side is filled, the player will receive a promotional Nintendo DS Lite/DSi skin. Some Leagues have a different system of handing these items out.


==Player Rewards Program==
==Player Rewards Program==
This allows players who compete in Leagues, Tournaments and Premier Events to earn POP Booster packs as rewards for their efforts. Attending one of these will earn players 1 "credit". Each credit is a step toward a Rewards "Tier."  Those who play in 3–5 events qualify for Tier One and earn 5 POP packs. 6–10 events qualify for Tier Two, earning 10 packs. 11 events or more qualify for Tier Three, earning 15 packs. Thus, players can earn up to 15 POP Booster packs each quarter (three months). At the end of each quarter, POP distributes the Player Rewards to those that have earned them through the mail.
This allows players who compete in Leagues, Tournaments and Premier Events to earn rewards for their efforts. Attending one of these will earn players 1 "credit". Each credit is a step toward a Rewards "Tier."  At the end of each quarter, Play! Pokémon distributes the Player Rewards to those that have earned them through the mail. At one time, player who played in 3–5 events qualified for Tier One and earn 5 POP booster packs; 6–10 events qualified for Tier Two, earning 10 packs, and 11 events or more qualify for Tier Three and earned 15 packs. Thus, players could earn up to 15 POP Booster packs each quarter (three months).


===POP packs===
===POP packs===
'''POP packs''' are special Pokémon TCG packs that only contain two cards, as opposed to (at the time, nine) the current number of ten. Introduced in September 2004, the POP sets are released roughly once every six months and were created to bring useful cards that have been {{TCG|Rotation|rotated}} out of play back into the game, as well as exclusive cards. Although, with an increasing number of alternate-art Promo cards in Japan, the latest POP sets currently serve as a vehicle to bring them to the West. The usefulness of recent POP sets has been a subject of debate within the Pokémon community; collectors praising PUSA for releasing these cards in English, while they face scrutiny by players, as many cards are the same as those in the current Modified format.  
'''POP packs''' were special [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|Pokémon TCG]] {{TCG|Booster pack|Booster packs}} that only contained two cards, as opposed to the current number of ten (at the time, nine). Introduced in September 2004, the POP sets were released roughly once every six months until September 2009. There were nine POP sets in total: {{TCG|POP Series 1|Series 1}}, {{TCG|POP Series 2|Series 2}}, {{TCG|POP Series 3|Series 3}}, {{TCG|POP Series 4|Series 4}}, {{TCG|POP Series 5|Series 5}}, {{TCG|POP Series 6|Series 6}}, {{TCG|POP Series 7|Series 7}}, {{TCG|POP Series 8|Series 8}}, and {{TCG|POP Series 9|Series 9}}.  They were created to bring useful cards that had been {{TCG|Rotation|rotated}} out of play back into the game, as well as exclusive cards. With an increasing number of alternate-art Promo cards in Japan, the latest POP sets also served as a vehicle to bring them to the West. The usefulness of these latest POP sets had been a subject of debate within the Pokémon community; collectors praising PUSA for releasing these cards in English, while they faced scrutiny by players, as many cards were the same as those in then current Modified format.  


POP packs can typically only be found by participating in Pokémon Organized Play events, but after leagues no longer distribute them, they are occasionally included in Value Packs, etc. sold in stores.
POP packs were typically only be found by participating in Pokémon Organized Play events, but after leagues no longer distribute them, they were occasionally included in Value Packs, etc. sold in stores.
 
===Player of the Year===
Beginning with the 2011-2012 season, the TCG player in each age division who attained the most '''Play! Points''' during the season was awarded the title of '''Player of the Year''', and rewarded with two boxes of each set released during the next year. Award winners were:
{| class="roundy" style="text-align:center; background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"
|-
!Season
!Junior
!Senior
!Master
|- style="background:#fff"
! 2011-12
!Cory Connor
!Laurens van Brecht
!Bruce Long
|- style="background:#fff"
! 2012-13
!Sydney M.
!Emily Grieve
!Gawein Wagner
|}


==Local Tournaments==
==Local Tournaments==
Local Tournaments are meant for both fun and practice. They are usually held once a week in a gaming store or other large hall such as a church by a local League Leader or Tournament Organizer. Prizes vary depending on the competitors. They are often free to enter, but the price can sometimes range to $5.
Local Tournaments are meant for both fun and practice. They are usually held once a week in a gaming store or other large hall such as a church by a local {{DL|Pokémon League (TCG)|League Leader}} or {{TCG|Tournament Organizer}}. Prizes vary depending on the competitors. They are often free to enter, but the price can sometimes range to $5.


POP-sanctioned tournaments are either single elimination, Swiss, or Swiss followed by single elimination rounds. Some POP events use 'Age Modified Swiss', (a variation of Swiss invented by Play! Pokémon) in which a player's age takes priority over the player's record when the organizer pairs players.
[[Play! Pokémon]] sanctioned tournaments are either single elimination, Swiss, or Swiss followed by single elimination rounds. Some Play! Pokémon events use 'Age Modified Swiss', (a variation of Swiss invented by Play! Pokémon) in which a player's age takes priority over the player's record when the organizer pairs players.


After sanctioned tournaments are completed, the Tournament Organizer uploads the results of each match to TPCi. The results of each match are used to calculate a player's Premier Rating. POP Ratings are based on the Elo rating system.
After sanctioned tournaments are completed, the Tournament Organizer uploads the results of each match to [[The Pokémon Company International]] (abbreviated to TPCi) via Play! Pokémon. The results of each match are used to calculate a player's {{TCG|Premier Ratings|Premier Rating}}. Play! Pokémon Ratings are based on the [[wp:Elo rating system|Elo rating system]].


===Typical prizes===
===Typical prizes===
In early seasons, players could earn Promotional cards by participating in league sessions. After TPCi's revisions, players earned POP Packs upon participation instead.
In early seasons, players could earn Promotional cards by participating in league sessions.


==Prerelease Tournaments==
==Prerelease Tournaments==
Prerelease Tournaments are events in which players get the opportunity to play with cards from an Expansion that will be released in stores prior to the event. They are typically held on the two weekends before the set release (although a third weekend is added to the schedule if the Prerelease clashes with a major Play! Pokémon event, such as the World Championship, traditionally held in August). The fee is a minimum of $25 and each player gets six Booster packs. Players may build a 40-card deck using the cards opened out of the six packs (not including basic Energy cards, which are provided at the event). If the player vouches to participate in this event, he or she receives two additional booster packs at the end of the event, along with a special Prerelease card.
Prerelease Tournaments are events in which players get the opportunity to play with cards from an Expansion that will be released in stores prior to the event. They are typically held on the two weekends before the set release (although a third weekend is added to the schedule if the Prerelease clashes with a major Play! Pokémon event, such as the World Championship, traditionally held in August). The fee is a minimum of $25 and each player gets four Booster packs, a 22-cards pack, and a foil black-star promo. Players may build a 40-card deck using the cards opened out of the given packs (not including basic Energy cards, which are provided at the event). If the player vouches to participate in this event, he or she receives two additional booster packs at the end of the event, along with a special Prerelease card.


==TCG Premier Events==
==TCG Premier Events==
Premier Events are meant for competition, and there are several held throughout the season every year until the climax at Worlds where the best players battle it out to become the Pokémon Champion.
Premier Events are tournaments held throughout the year, offering opportunities to earn invitations to the World Championships held each August.  Invitations to the World Championships could be earned, in season, by a player's {{TCG|Premier Ratings}} from 2003-2010.  Each player's Premier Rating would go up and down as wins and losses were accumulated, calculated by a factor called a {{TCG|K-Value}}.  In 2011, the system changed to allow only the top players in each regional zone to be invited based on Championship Points accumulated throughout the 2011-2012 season.  For the 2012-2013 season, players were able to earn invitations to the World Championships by earning 400 Championship Points throughout the season.
 


===Battle Road Tournaments===
===Battle Road Tournaments===
[[File:Battle Roads Autumn logo.jpg|thumb|right|Battle Road Autumn logo]]
[[File:Battle Roads Autumn logo.png|thumb|right|Battle Road Autumn logo]]
[[File:Battle Roads Spring logo.jpg|thumb|right|Battle Road Spring logo]]
[[File:Battle Roads Spring logo.png|thumb|right|Battle Road Spring logo]]
Held in the Autumn and the Spring, the Battle Road tournaments give players the opportunity to work on their premier ratings, potentially earning an invite and trip to Worlds. Battle Road Autumn tournaments are held between September and October, while the Spring tournaments are held between May and June. In the 2008-2009 season, these events have a {{TCG|K-Value}} of 4.
Held in the Autumn and the Spring, the Battle Road tournaments are entry level tournaments which give players the opportunity to earn up to 15 Championship Points, and have a Best Finish Limit of 6 (Autumn and Spring combined). Battle Road Autumn tournaments are held between September and October, while the Spring tournaments are held between May and June.


====Typical prize structure====
====Typical prize structure====
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"  
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 1st ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 1st ||
*8 Booster packs from the latest set
*15 Championship Points
*{{TCG ID|Battle Road|Victory Medal|promo}} promotional card
*4 Booster packs from the latest set
|-
*Gold [[Victory Cup (BW Promo 29)|Victory Cup]] promotional card
| 2nd ||  
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 2nd ||  
*12 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
*4 Booster packs from the latest set
*4 Booster packs from the latest set
*Silver [[Victory Cup (BW Promo 29)|Victory Cup]] promotional card
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 3rd ||
*10 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
*2 Booster packs from the latest set
*Bronze [[Victory Cup (BW Promo 29)|Victory Cup]] promotional card
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 4th ||
*10 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
*2 Booster packs from the latest set
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 5th-8th ||
*6 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 9th-12th ||
*4 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 13th-16th ||
*2 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|}
|}
{{-}}
{{-}}
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===City Championships===
===City Championships===
[[File:City Champs logo.png|thumb|right|City Championships logo]]
[[File:City Champs logo.png|thumb|right|City Championships logo]]
The first event in the Championship Series, held between November and January. The City Championships are where players from a specific city come together to determine who is the City champion. In the 2008-2009 season, these events have a {{TCG|K-Value}} of 16.
The third event in the Championship Series, held between November and January, are the City Championships. City Championships allow players to earn up to 50 Championship Points, and have a Best Finish Limit of 4.  Though commonly held on weekends, some major cities are known to hold tournaments daily in large, adjacent suburbs for a period of four to nine days, with one or two days of rest within.


====Typical prize structure====
====Typical prize structure====
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"  
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 1st ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 1st ||  
*City Champion medal
*City Champion trophy
*Prize kit
*50 Championship Points
*36 Booster packs from the latest set
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 2nd ||
*40 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
*18 Booster packs from the latest set
*18 Booster packs from the latest set
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 2nd ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 3rd-4th ||
*10 Booster packs from the latest set
*30 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
|-
*8 Booster packs from the latest set
| 3rd & 4th ||  
|- style="background:#fff"
*4 Booster packs from the latest set
| style="text-align:center" | 5th-8th ||
*20 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 9th-12th ||
*10 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 13th-16th ||
*5 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 17th-32nd ||  
*3 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
|}
|}
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card and commemorative pin.
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.


===State/Province/Territory Championships===
===State/Province/Territory Championships===
[[File:TCG SPT Championships logo.png|thumb|right|State/Province/Territory Championships logo]]
[[File:TCG SPT Championships logo.png|thumb|right|State/Province/Territory Championships logo]]
Previously known as 'State Championships' before the 2006-2007 season, this event held in March is where the best players in their State, Province or Territory come together to play and battle to become the State/Province/Territory champion. In the 2008-2009 season, these events have a {{TCG|K-Value}} of 32.
Previously known as 'State Championships' before the 2006-2007 season, this event, held on one of three weekends in March, brings together players from States, Provinces, and Territories, as well as neighboring areas, to determine the State, Provincial, or Territorial Champion. Players can earn up to 100 Championship Points, and these events come together with Regional Championships to form a Best Finish Limit of 4.


====Typical prize structure====
====Typical prize structure====
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"  
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 1st ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 1st ||  
*S/P/T Championship 1st Place Trophy
*S/P/T Championship 1st Place Trophy
*Reserved event ticket and a $300 travel allowance for the National Championships
*100 Championship Points
*$500<sup>JR,SR</sup>/$300<sup>MA</sup> Travel Stipend to compete in TCG National Championships
*First round bye at U.S. or Canada National Championships
*36 Booster packs from the latest set
*36 Booster packs from the latest set
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 2nd ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 2nd ||  
*S/P/T Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*S/P/T Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*Reserved event ticket for the National Championships
*90 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
*16 Booster packs from the latest set
*36 Booster packs from the latest set
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 3rd ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 3rd-4th ||  
*S/P/T Championship 3rd Place Trophy
*S/P/T Championship 3rd or 4th Place Trophy
*8 Booster packs from the latest set
*70 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
|-
*18 Booster packs from the latest set
| 4th ||  
|- style="background:#fff"
*8 Booster packs from the latest set
| style="text-align:center" | 5th-8th ||  
|-
*50 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
| 5th-8th ||  
*9 Booster packs from the latest set
*4 Booster packs from the latest set
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 9th-12th ||
*30 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 13th-16th ||
*20 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 17th-32nd ||
*10 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 33rd-64th ||  
*5 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)
|}
|}
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card and commemorative pin.
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.


===Regional Championships===
===Regional Championships===
[[File:TCG Regional Championships logo.png|thumb|right|Regional Championships logo]]
[[File:Regional_Championship_logo.png|thumb|right|Regional Championships logo]]
First introduced in 2005, this event divides countries into large regions and pits players against each other in order to become the Regional champion.  In the 2008-2009 season, these events have a {{TCG|K-Value}} of 32.
First introduced in 2005, this event divides countries into large regions and pits players against each other in order to become the Regional champion.  Regional Championships are held around October, January, and April.  These tournaments offer up to 120 Championship Points, and combine with State/Provincial/Territorial Championships to form a Best Finish Limit of 4.


====Typical prize structure====
====Typical prize structure====
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"  
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 1st ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 1st ||  
*Regional Championship 1st Place Trophy
*Regional Championship 1st Place Trophy
*$1500 Scholarship Award
*120 Championship Points
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the National Championships
*Travel Award to the U.S. or Canada National Championships
*Prize kit
*First and second round byes at U.S. or Canada National Championships
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 2nd ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 2nd ||  
*Regional Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*Regional Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*$1000 Scholarship Award
*110 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
*Reserved event ticket for the National Championships
*First and second round byes at U.S. or Canada National Championships
*$500<sup>JR,SR</sup> Travel Stipend to U.S. or Canada National Championships
*Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 3rd-4th ||
*Regional Championship 3rd or 4th Place Trophy
*90 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
*$500<sup>JR,SR</sup> Travel Stipend to U.S. or Canada National Championships
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 3rd ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 5th-8th ||  
*Regional Championship 3rd Place Trophy
*70 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 24 Booster packs from recent sets
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 4th ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 9th-12th ||  
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
*50 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|-
*Combination of 18 Booster packs from recent sets
| 5th-8th ||  
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 13th-16th ||  
*40 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
*Combination of 18 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 18 Booster packs from recent sets
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 9th-16th ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 17th-32nd ||
*Combination of 9 Booster packs from recent sets
*20 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
*Combination of 7 Booster packs from recent sets
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 33rd-64th ||
*10 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)
|}
|}
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card and commemorative pin.
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.


===National Championships===
===National Championships===
[[File:TCG National Championships logo.png|thumb|right|National Championships logo]]
[[File:National Championships Logo.png|thumb|right|National Championships logo]]
The National Championships are the penultimate event of the Championship Series. Held between April and June in countries across the globe, it gives players in good standing to compete to become National champion and give their Premier Ratings a boost, potentially winning an invitation to Worlds.  In the 2008-2009 season, these events have a {{TCG|K-Value}} of 32.
The National Championships are the penultimate event of the Championship Series. Held between April and June in countries across the globe, it gives players in good standing to compete to become National Champion and give their Championship Points a boost, potentially winning an invitation to Worlds.


====Typical prize structure====
====Typical prize structure====
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"  
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 1st ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 1st ||  
*National Championship 1st Place Trophy
*National Championship 1st Place Trophy
*$5000 Scholarship Award
*500 Championship Points
*$5,000 Scholarship Award
*Reserved event ticket and a travel award for the World Championships
*Reserved event ticket and a travel award for the World Championships
*Prize kit
*Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 2nd ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 2nd ||  
*National Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*National Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*$3000 Scholarship Award
*500 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
*$3,000 Scholarship Award
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
*Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 3rd ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 3rd-4th ||  
*National Championship 3rd Place Trophy
*National Championship Semifinalist Trophy
*$1500 Scholarship Award
*500 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
*$1,500 Scholarship Award
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 4th ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 5th-8th ||  
*$1500 Scholarship Award
*500 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
*Reserved event ticket for the World Championships
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 9th-12th ||
*80 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 5th-8th ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 13th-16th ||  
*$750 Scholarship Award
*60 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
*Reserved event ticket for the World Championships
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 9th-16th ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 17th-32nd ||
*40 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
*Combination of 18 Booster packs from recent sets
*Combination of 18 Booster packs from recent sets
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 33rd-64th ||
*30 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 65th-128th ||
*10 Championship Points (if 512 players or more)
|}
|}
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card and commemorative pin.
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.


===Last Chance Qualifier===
===Last Chance Qualifier===
The Last Chance qualifier, referred to casually as the "grinder," is an event held on-site at the World Championships location the day before the World Championships themselves.  Typically, it consists of an eight round Swiss tournament with a cut after Swiss depending on the amount of players.  The number of players who receive Worlds invites from the Last Chance Qualifier is dependent on how many Worlds spots have been claimed through Premier Ratings and other tournaments.
The Last Chance qualifier, referred to casually as "the grinder," is an event held on-site on the first day of the World Championships.  Typically, it consists of multi-round single-elimination, best of three tournament.  The number of players who receive Worlds invites from the Last Chance Qualifier is dependent on how many Worlds spots have been claimed through Championship Points and other tournaments.


====Typical prize structure====  
====Typical prize structure====  
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"  
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| Varies ||  
| style="text-align:center" | Varies ||  
*Invitation to that year's World Championships
*Invitation to that year's World Championships
|}
|}


===World Championships===
===World Championships===
{{main|World Championships#Trading Card Game}}
{{main|World Championships}}
[[File:Pokémon World Championships 2010 logo.png||thumb|right|e|2010 World Championships logo]]
[[File:Pokémon World Championships 2014 logo.png||thumb|right|e|2014 World Championships logo]]
The season comes to a climax at the World Championships held in August. Only players who receive invitations via their National Championships, Premier Rating, or performance at the previous World Championships are permitted to play in this event. Additionally, top-ranked players in the Last Chance Qualifier will receive an invitation to participate in the World Championships. The event hosts top players from around the world competing for the title of Pokémon TCG World Champion.  In the 2009-2010 season, these events do not have a {{TCG|K-Value}}, since they are the final event of the year.
The season comes to a climax at the World Championships held in August. Only players who receive invitations via their National Championships, Premier Rating, or performance at the previous World Championships are permitted to play in this event. Additionally, top-ranked players in the Last Chance Qualifier will receive an invitation to participate in the World Championships. The event hosts top players from around the world competing for the title of Pokémon TCG World Champion.  Championship Points earned at the World Championships will be used in the next year's totals.
 


====Typical prize structure====  
====Typical prize structure====  
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 1st ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 1st ||  
*World Championship 1st Place Trophy
*World Championship 1st Place Trophy
*Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
*$7500 Scholarship Award
*$10,000 Scholarship Award
*One box of each of the most current sets for a year
*Two boxes of each of the most current sets for a year
|-
*Factory-sealed full sets of the four most recent sets
| 2nd ||  
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 2nd ||  
*World Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*World Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
*$5000 Scholarship Award
*$7,500 Scholarship Award
*One box of each of the most current sets for a year
*Two boxes of each of the most current sets for a year
|-
*Factory-sealed full sets of the four most recent sets
| 3rd ||  
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 3rd ||  
*World Championship 3rd Place Trophy
*World Championship 3rd Place Trophy
*Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
*$3500 Scholarship Award
*$5,000 Scholarship Award
*One box of next upcoming set
*Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
|-
*Factory-sealed full sets of the four most recent sets
| 4th ||  
|- style="background:#fff"
*reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
| style="text-align:center" | 4th ||  
*$3500 Scholarship Award
*World Championship 4th Place Trophy
*One box of next upcoming set
*Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
|-
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
| 5th-8th ||  
*$5,000 Scholarship Award
*$1500 Scholarship Award
*Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
*Factory-sealed full sets of the four most recent sets
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 5th-8th ||  
*Championship Points (amount TBA)
*$1,500 Scholarship Award
*36 booster packs of next upcoming set
*36 booster packs of next upcoming set
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
| 9th-16th ||  
| style="text-align:center" | 9th-32nd ||  
*$1000 Scholarship Award
*Championship Points (amount TBA)
*36 booster packs of next upcoming set
|-
| 17th-32nd ||
*36 booster packs of next upcoming set
*36 booster packs of next upcoming set
|}
|}
Line 282: Line 398:


==Video Game Championships==
==Video Game Championships==
Similar to the TCG, the Pokémon video game leagues are run by those in conjunction with organizers.  The genesis of the video games championships event was the [[Pokémon 10th Anniversary Journey Across America]], where tournaments were held as part of the tour.  The first National Championships in Video Games was held at the [[Party of the Decade]] on August 8, 2006 at {{wp|Bryant Park}} in {{wp|New York City}}.
The Pokémon video games have their own set of tournaments which usually parallel with the Trading Card Game.  One of the first instances of a major video game tournament was the [[Pokémon 10th Anniversary Journey Across America]], where tournaments were held as part of the tour.  The first Video Game National Championships was held at the [[Party of the Decade]] on August 8, 2006 at {{wp|Bryant Park}} in {{wp|New York City}}.  In 2008, at the TCG World Championships, a special Video Game Showdown was held.  Players were separated into Junior and Senior Divisions.  This tournament would evolve into the [[2009 World Championships|first formal World Championships]] for the Pokémon video games in 2009.


===Regional Championships===
===Regional Championships===
[[File:Video Game Championships logo.png|thumb|right|Logo for the Pokémon Video Game Championship Series worldwide.]]Usually held in the United States in April through June, up to six sites host a regional championship event.  Players (divided into Junior and Senior divisions) in 2010 utilized {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} for their region (North American) games entering a team of six legal Pokémon in the contest; player limits were 512 for the Junior division and 768 for the Senior division at each regional event; each round is single elimination in the GS Cup format in the Battle Arena.  In each round, players use four of their six legal registered Pokémon, and can change team members between rounds.
[[File:Video Game Championships logo.png|thumb|right|Logo for the Pokémon Video Game Championship Series worldwide.]]Regional Championships are held in October, January, and April, usually alongside the TCG.  These events offer up to 120 Championship Points, since 2012.


====Typical prize structure====
====Typical prize structure====
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"  
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
|1st ||
| style="text-align:center" | 1st ||  
*A Regional Championships 1st Place Trophy
*Regional Championship 1st Place Trophy
*A Nintendo DSi system
*120 Championship Points
*Airfare and 4 day/3 night hotel accommodations for the winner (including parent or legal guardian for players under 18) and an invitation to attend and participate in the Pokémon Video Game National Championships
*Travel Award to the recipient's National Championships
|-
*First round bye at the recipient's National Championships
|2nd-4th ||
|- style="background:#fff"
*A Nintendo DSi system
| style="text-align:center" | 2nd ||
*A $300 travel allowance (including an additional $300 travel allowance for players under 18) and an invitation to participate in the Pokémon Video Game National Championships.
*Regional Championship 2nd Place Trophy
|-
*110 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
|5th-16th ||
*First and second round byes at the recipient's National Championships
*An invitation to participate in the Pokémon Video Game National Championships
*$750<sup>JR,SR</sup>/$600<sup>MA</sup> Travel Stipend to the recipient's National Championships
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 3rd-4th ||  
*Regional Championship 3rd or 4th Place Trophy
*90 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
*$700<sup>JR,SR</sup> Travel Stipend to U.S. or Canada National Championships
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 5th-8th ||
*70 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 9th-12th ||
*50 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 13th-16th ||  
*40 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 17th-32nd ||
*20 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 33rd-64th ||
*10 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)
|}
|}
 
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.
===National Championship===
===National Championship===
On the day before the National Championships, similar to the TCG Championships, a last chance qualifier is held. Those fill spots that are not held by those who either cannot attend the VGC or have local players qualify. In Europe, Australia and Japan, these are one day events.  
National Championships are the penultimate event in the VG Championship Series.  They offer invitations to the World Championships for the high finishers in the tournament.


====Typical prize structure====
====Typical prize structure====
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"  
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
|1st ||
| style="text-align:center" | 1st ||  
*A National Championships 1st Place Trophy
*National Championship 1st Place Trophy
*A Nintendo DSi system
*480 Championship Points
*A Nintendo Wii
*Reserved event ticket and a travel award for the World Championships
*Airfare and 5-day/4-night hotel accommodations for the winner (including parent or legal guardian for players under 18) to attend and receive an invitation to the Pokémon Video Game World Championships
*A Nintendo Wii U 32GB Deluxe Set
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
|2nd ||
| style="text-align:center" | 2nd ||
*A National Championships 2nd Place Trophy
*National Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*A Nintendo DSi system
*440 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
*Airfare and 5-day/4-night hotel accommodations for the winner (including parent or legal guardian for players under 18) to attend and participate in the Pokémon Video Game World Championships
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
|-
*A Nintendo 3DS XL
|3rd-8th ||
|- style="background:#fff"
*Airfare and 5-day/4-night hotel accommodations for the winner (including parent or legal guardian for players under 18) and an invitation to attend and participate in the Pokémon Video Game World Championships
| style="text-align:center" | 3rd-4th ||  
|-
*National Championship Semifinalist Trophy
|9th-16th ||
*360 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
*An invitation to compete at the Pokémon Video Game World Championships
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
*A Nintendo 3DS XL
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 5th-8th ||
*210 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 9th-16th ||
*150 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 17th-32nd ||  
*90 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 33rd-64th ||
*30 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 65th-128th ||  
*15 Championship Points (if 512 players or more)
|}
|}
All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.


===World Championship===
===World Championship===
Line 338: Line 491:
The format is the same as the Nationals, including a last chance qualifier the day before the tournament begins.  The Video Game World Championships began in [[2009 World Championships|2009 in San Diego, California]].
The format is the same as the Nationals, including a last chance qualifier the day before the tournament begins.  The Video Game World Championships began in [[2009 World Championships|2009 in San Diego, California]].


====Typical prize structure====
====Typical prize structure====  
{| {{graytable}}
{| class="roundy" style="background: #eaeaea; border: 3px solid gray;"  
|- style="background: #eaeaea;"
|-
!Place
!Place
!Prize
!Prize
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
|1st ||
| style="text-align:center" | 1st ||  
*A World Championships 1st Place Trophy
*World Championship 1st Place Trophy
*Airfare and 5-day/4-night hotel accommodations for the winner (including parent or legal guardian for players under 18) to attend and an invitation to participate in the following year's World Championships
*Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
*A trip for four to Tokyo, Japan, New York City, or Oahu, Hawaii, including airfare and 6-day/5-night accommodations
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
|-
*$3,500 Scholarship Award
|2nd ||
*Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
*A World Championships 2nd Place Trophy
|- style="background:#fff"
*Airfare and 5-day/4-night hotel accommodations for the winner (including parent or legal guardian for players under 18) to attend and an invitation to participate in the following year's World Championships
| style="text-align:center" | 2nd ||  
*World Championship 2nd Place Trophy
*Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
*Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
*$1,500 Scholarship Award
*Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 3rd ||
*World Championship 3rd Place Trophy
*Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
*Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 4th ||
*World Championship 4th Place Trophy
*Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
*Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 5th-8th ||
*Championship Points (amount TBA)
*Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="text-align:center" | 9th-16th ||
*Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
|}
|}
In addition, all of the finalists receive World Championship commemorative items.
{{-}}
==External links==
* [http://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/ Official Play! Pokémon website]


In additional, each of the eight finalists receive a collection of Pokémon items.
{{-}}
{{DoubleProjectTag|Games|TCG}}


==External links==
[[Category:Play! Pokémon|*]]
* [http://www.pokemon.com/us/organized-play/ Official Play! Pokémon website]
[[Category:Pokémon Trading Card Game]]
[[Category:Pokémon meta]]


[[Category:TCG]]
[[fr:Play! Pokémon]]
[[Category:Games]]

Revision as of 11:22, 23 October 2016

050Diglett.png This article is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it.
The new Play! Pokémon logo, debuting in August 2010

Play! Pokémon (formerly known as Pokémon Organized Play and often abbreviated as POP) is an official gathering of players of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the Pokémon video games (often referred to as just Pokémon games) to play, trade, and just generally have fun and learn about the games. Play! Pokémon also used to oversee activity within the Pokémon Trading Figure Game, which is no longer active.

The division was formed by The Pokémon Company International (née Pokémon USA) in 2003 after Wizards of the Coast lost their Pokémon Trading Card Game (abbreviated as TCG) license. With their stewardship, PUSA created new league, tournament, and prize systems, as well as an improved Professor Program. In 2010, the name changed from Pokémon Organized Play to its current title, Play! Pokémon.

Registration

The POP logo used until August 2010

Players playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game or Pokémon video games in organized play events or competitions are assigned a player ID. Event organizers upload player event information that may then be viewed on the Pokémon.com website by players if players also create a Pokémon Trainer Club account, including a player's Rankings, Premier Ratings, Tournaments (for Tournament Organizers only), or Leagues (for League Leaders only). After setting up a Pokémon Trainer Club account and linking that account to the player's ID, organized play information is accessed by going to "My Profile" under the Pokémon.com Pokémon Trainer Club section of the website and selecting "Play! Pokémon Settings" and then "My Play! Pokémon".

The player Pokémon Trainer Club account is also used to adjust general website setting, many Pokémon Trading Card Game Online setting, and may be used by parents to setup and control sub-accounts for their children.

Age divisions

So that younger, less experienced players are not disadvantaged by playing older, more experienced players, sanctioned Pokémon tournaments separate players into age divisions. These were defined by a specific age up until the 2006-2007 season, consisting of Ten and Under (10-), Eleven to Fourteen (11-14), and Fifteen and Over (15+). Beginning with the 2006-2007 season, the system was revised to be based on year of birth, to avoid the issues of a player shifting divisions in the middle of a tournament season.

Originally the Video Game Championship series used only two age divisions, but as of 2012 both the Trading Card Game and Video Game series have been unified to use the same age division structure.

As of July 15, 2014, the three age divisions are defined as follows:

  • Junior Division: Born in 2004 or later
  • Senior Division: Born in 2000, 2001, 2002, or 2003
  • Masters Division: Born in 1999 or earlier

These divisions are officially adjusted when the new tournament season begins, around mid-July each year, sometime between the conclusion of National Championships worldwide and the start of the Pokémon World Championships. However, the World Championships are considered part of the previous tournament season and use its age division years.

Pokémon Leagues

Pokémon League logo
Main article: Pokémon League (TCG)

Pokémon Leagues provide a nearby place for players to get together with other fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon games and have fun. They are often held in public locations, such as stores, community centers and libraries. Leagues are often the perfect venues for players starting out to learn about the TCG or video games and to hone their skills to compete in tournaments.

Leagues often focus on a theme related to the current video game every year, and break the cycle down into seven or eight seasons lasting around six weeks, each season representing a part of the theme (e.g. a specific Gym if the theme is based around Gyms featured in a Pokémon game). The theme often correlates with the current main series Pokémon games.

List of themes featured in Pokémon TCG Leagues

During Wizards' tenure, players received points based on actions at every League session, and these points were recorded in League books. Points were awarded for actions such as challenging a player, winning/losing a battle, trading cards, meeting new individuals and promoting good sportsmanship.

Unlike Wizards, Play! Pokémon utilized a hybrid League system during the 2003-2004 season, where players could earn points by playing both the video games and the Trading Card Game. The idea was scrapped for the next cycle, though it since has made a comeback.

Typical prizes: When a player reaches the Poké Ball symbol or the badge symbol on their Score Card, they receive (a) promotional foil card(s). Once an entire side is filled, the player will receive a promotional Nintendo DS Lite/DSi skin. Some Leagues have a different system of handing these items out.

Player Rewards Program

This allows players who compete in Leagues, Tournaments and Premier Events to earn rewards for their efforts. Attending one of these will earn players 1 "credit". Each credit is a step toward a Rewards "Tier." At the end of each quarter, Play! Pokémon distributes the Player Rewards to those that have earned them through the mail. At one time, player who played in 3–5 events qualified for Tier One and earn 5 POP booster packs; 6–10 events qualified for Tier Two, earning 10 packs, and 11 events or more qualify for Tier Three and earned 15 packs. Thus, players could earn up to 15 POP Booster packs each quarter (three months).

POP packs

POP packs were special Pokémon TCG Booster packs that only contained two cards, as opposed to the current number of ten (at the time, nine). Introduced in September 2004, the POP sets were released roughly once every six months until September 2009. There were nine POP sets in total: Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4, Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9. They were created to bring useful cards that had been rotated out of play back into the game, as well as exclusive cards. With an increasing number of alternate-art Promo cards in Japan, the latest POP sets also served as a vehicle to bring them to the West. The usefulness of these latest POP sets had been a subject of debate within the Pokémon community; collectors praising PUSA for releasing these cards in English, while they faced scrutiny by players, as many cards were the same as those in then current Modified format.

POP packs were typically only be found by participating in Pokémon Organized Play events, but after leagues no longer distribute them, they were occasionally included in Value Packs, etc. sold in stores.

Player of the Year

Beginning with the 2011-2012 season, the TCG player in each age division who attained the most Play! Points during the season was awarded the title of Player of the Year, and rewarded with two boxes of each set released during the next year. Award winners were:

Season Junior Senior Master
2011-12 Cory Connor Laurens van Brecht Bruce Long
2012-13 Sydney M. Emily Grieve Gawein Wagner

Local Tournaments

Local Tournaments are meant for both fun and practice. They are usually held once a week in a gaming store or other large hall such as a church by a local League Leader or Tournament Organizer. Prizes vary depending on the competitors. They are often free to enter, but the price can sometimes range to $5.

Play! Pokémon sanctioned tournaments are either single elimination, Swiss, or Swiss followed by single elimination rounds. Some Play! Pokémon events use 'Age Modified Swiss', (a variation of Swiss invented by Play! Pokémon) in which a player's age takes priority over the player's record when the organizer pairs players.

After sanctioned tournaments are completed, the Tournament Organizer uploads the results of each match to The Pokémon Company International (abbreviated to TPCi) via Play! Pokémon. The results of each match are used to calculate a player's Premier Rating. Play! Pokémon Ratings are based on the Elo rating system.

Typical prizes

In early seasons, players could earn Promotional cards by participating in league sessions.

Prerelease Tournaments

Prerelease Tournaments are events in which players get the opportunity to play with cards from an Expansion that will be released in stores prior to the event. They are typically held on the two weekends before the set release (although a third weekend is added to the schedule if the Prerelease clashes with a major Play! Pokémon event, such as the World Championship, traditionally held in August). The fee is a minimum of $25 and each player gets four Booster packs, a 22-cards pack, and a foil black-star promo. Players may build a 40-card deck using the cards opened out of the given packs (not including basic Energy cards, which are provided at the event). If the player vouches to participate in this event, he or she receives two additional booster packs at the end of the event, along with a special Prerelease card.

TCG Premier Events

Premier Events are tournaments held throughout the year, offering opportunities to earn invitations to the World Championships held each August. Invitations to the World Championships could be earned, in season, by a player's Premier Ratings from 2003-2010. Each player's Premier Rating would go up and down as wins and losses were accumulated, calculated by a factor called a K-Value. In 2011, the system changed to allow only the top players in each regional zone to be invited based on Championship Points accumulated throughout the 2011-2012 season. For the 2012-2013 season, players were able to earn invitations to the World Championships by earning 400 Championship Points throughout the season.


Battle Road Tournaments

Battle Road Autumn logo
Battle Road Spring logo

Held in the Autumn and the Spring, the Battle Road tournaments are entry level tournaments which give players the opportunity to earn up to 15 Championship Points, and have a Best Finish Limit of 6 (Autumn and Spring combined). Battle Road Autumn tournaments are held between September and October, while the Spring tournaments are held between May and June.

Typical prize structure

Place Prize
1st
  • 15 Championship Points
  • 4 Booster packs from the latest set
  • Gold Victory Cup promotional card
2nd
  • 12 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
  • 4 Booster packs from the latest set
  • Silver Victory Cup promotional card
3rd
  • 10 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
  • 2 Booster packs from the latest set
  • Bronze Victory Cup promotional card
4th
  • 10 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
  • 2 Booster packs from the latest set
5th-8th
  • 6 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
9th-12th
  • 4 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
13th-16th
  • 2 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)


City Championships

City Championships logo

The third event in the Championship Series, held between November and January, are the City Championships. City Championships allow players to earn up to 50 Championship Points, and have a Best Finish Limit of 4. Though commonly held on weekends, some major cities are known to hold tournaments daily in large, adjacent suburbs for a period of four to nine days, with one or two days of rest within.

Typical prize structure

Place Prize
1st
  • City Champion trophy
  • 50 Championship Points
  • 36 Booster packs from the latest set
2nd
  • 40 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
  • 18 Booster packs from the latest set
3rd-4th
  • 30 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
  • 8 Booster packs from the latest set
5th-8th
  • 20 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
9th-12th
  • 10 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
13th-16th
  • 5 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
17th-32nd
  • 3 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)

All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.

State/Province/Territory Championships

State/Province/Territory Championships logo

Previously known as 'State Championships' before the 2006-2007 season, this event, held on one of three weekends in March, brings together players from States, Provinces, and Territories, as well as neighboring areas, to determine the State, Provincial, or Territorial Champion. Players can earn up to 100 Championship Points, and these events come together with Regional Championships to form a Best Finish Limit of 4.

Typical prize structure

Place Prize
1st
  • S/P/T Championship 1st Place Trophy
  • 100 Championship Points
  • $500JR,SR/$300MA Travel Stipend to compete in TCG National Championships
  • First round bye at U.S. or Canada National Championships
  • 36 Booster packs from the latest set
2nd
  • S/P/T Championship 2nd Place Trophy
  • 90 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
  • 36 Booster packs from the latest set
3rd-4th
  • S/P/T Championship 3rd or 4th Place Trophy
  • 70 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
  • 18 Booster packs from the latest set
5th-8th
  • 50 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
  • 9 Booster packs from the latest set
9th-12th
  • 30 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
13th-16th
  • 20 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
17th-32nd
  • 10 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
33rd-64th
  • 5 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)

All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.

Regional Championships

Regional Championships logo

First introduced in 2005, this event divides countries into large regions and pits players against each other in order to become the Regional champion. Regional Championships are held around October, January, and April. These tournaments offer up to 120 Championship Points, and combine with State/Provincial/Territorial Championships to form a Best Finish Limit of 4.

Typical prize structure

Place Prize
1st
  • Regional Championship 1st Place Trophy
  • 120 Championship Points
  • Travel Award to the U.S. or Canada National Championships
  • First and second round byes at U.S. or Canada National Championships
  • Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
2nd
  • Regional Championship 2nd Place Trophy
  • 110 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
  • First and second round byes at U.S. or Canada National Championships
  • $500JR,SR Travel Stipend to U.S. or Canada National Championships
  • Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
3rd-4th
  • Regional Championship 3rd or 4th Place Trophy
  • 90 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
  • $500JR,SR Travel Stipend to U.S. or Canada National Championships
  • Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
5th-8th
  • 70 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
  • Combination of 24 Booster packs from recent sets
9th-12th
  • 50 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
  • Combination of 18 Booster packs from recent sets
13th-16th
  • 40 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
  • Combination of 18 Booster packs from recent sets
17th-32nd
  • 20 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
  • Combination of 7 Booster packs from recent sets
33rd-64th
  • 10 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)

All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.

National Championships

National Championships logo

The National Championships are the penultimate event of the Championship Series. Held between April and June in countries across the globe, it gives players in good standing to compete to become National Champion and give their Championship Points a boost, potentially winning an invitation to Worlds.

Typical prize structure

Place Prize
1st
  • National Championship 1st Place Trophy
  • 500 Championship Points
  • $5,000 Scholarship Award
  • Reserved event ticket and a travel award for the World Championships
  • Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
2nd
  • National Championship 2nd Place Trophy
  • 500 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
  • $3,000 Scholarship Award
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
  • Combination of 72 Booster packs from recent sets
3rd-4th
  • National Championship Semifinalist Trophy
  • 500 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
  • $1,500 Scholarship Award
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
  • Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
5th-8th
  • 500 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
  • Reserved event ticket for the World Championships
  • Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
9th-12th
  • 80 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
  • Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
13th-16th
  • 60 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
  • Combination of 36 Booster packs from recent sets
17th-32nd
  • 40 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
  • Combination of 18 Booster packs from recent sets
33rd-64th
  • 30 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)
65th-128th
  • 10 Championship Points (if 512 players or more)

All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.

Last Chance Qualifier

The Last Chance qualifier, referred to casually as "the grinder," is an event held on-site on the first day of the World Championships. Typically, it consists of multi-round single-elimination, best of three tournament. The number of players who receive Worlds invites from the Last Chance Qualifier is dependent on how many Worlds spots have been claimed through Championship Points and other tournaments.

Typical prize structure

Place Prize
Varies
  • Invitation to that year's World Championships

World Championships

Main article: World Championships
2014 World Championships logo

The season comes to a climax at the World Championships held in August. Only players who receive invitations via their National Championships, Premier Rating, or performance at the previous World Championships are permitted to play in this event. Additionally, top-ranked players in the Last Chance Qualifier will receive an invitation to participate in the World Championships. The event hosts top players from around the world competing for the title of Pokémon TCG World Champion. Championship Points earned at the World Championships will be used in the next year's totals.


Typical prize structure

Place Prize
1st
  • World Championship 1st Place Trophy
  • Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
  • $10,000 Scholarship Award
  • Two boxes of each of the most current sets for a year
  • Factory-sealed full sets of the four most recent sets
2nd
  • World Championship 2nd Place Trophy
  • Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
  • $7,500 Scholarship Award
  • Two boxes of each of the most current sets for a year
  • Factory-sealed full sets of the four most recent sets
3rd
  • World Championship 3rd Place Trophy
  • Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
  • $5,000 Scholarship Award
  • Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
  • Factory-sealed full sets of the four most recent sets
4th
  • World Championship 4th Place Trophy
  • Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
  • $5,000 Scholarship Award
  • Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
  • Factory-sealed full sets of the four most recent sets
5th-8th
  • Championship Points (amount TBA)
  • $1,500 Scholarship Award
  • 36 booster packs of next upcoming set
9th-32nd
  • Championship Points (amount TBA)
  • 36 booster packs of next upcoming set

In addition, all of the 32 finalists receive World Championship commemorative items, and in 2010, also received a customized Nintendo DSi XL. All competitors receive a promotional card and commemorative pin.

Gym and Stadium Challenges

In these events, players from many areas came together to play for a World Championships invitation. Stadium Challenges were phased out in the 2005-2006 season, and Gym Challenges were ended beginning in the 2006-2007 season in favor of Battle Road Tournaments, similar to those held in Japan.

Typical prizes included an invitation to play in the World Championships of that year, a travel award and hotel stay for the tournament (for those who ranked high up), a combination of Booster packs, a stamped promotional card and commemorative pin.

Video Game Championships

The Pokémon video games have their own set of tournaments which usually parallel with the Trading Card Game. One of the first instances of a major video game tournament was the Pokémon 10th Anniversary Journey Across America, where tournaments were held as part of the tour. The first Video Game National Championships was held at the Party of the Decade on August 8, 2006 at Bryant Park in New York City. In 2008, at the TCG World Championships, a special Video Game Showdown was held. Players were separated into Junior and Senior Divisions. This tournament would evolve into the first formal World Championships for the Pokémon video games in 2009.

Regional Championships

Logo for the Pokémon Video Game Championship Series worldwide.

Regional Championships are held in October, January, and April, usually alongside the TCG. These events offer up to 120 Championship Points, since 2012.

Typical prize structure

Place Prize
1st
  • Regional Championship 1st Place Trophy
  • 120 Championship Points
  • Travel Award to the recipient's National Championships
  • First round bye at the recipient's National Championships
2nd
  • Regional Championship 2nd Place Trophy
  • 110 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
  • First and second round byes at the recipient's National Championships
  • $750JR,SR/$600MA Travel Stipend to the recipient's National Championships
3rd-4th
  • Regional Championship 3rd or 4th Place Trophy
  • 90 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
  • $700JR,SR Travel Stipend to U.S. or Canada National Championships
5th-8th
  • 70 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
9th-12th
  • 50 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
13th-16th
  • 40 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
17th-32nd
  • 20 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
33rd-64th
  • 10 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)

All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.

National Championship

National Championships are the penultimate event in the VG Championship Series. They offer invitations to the World Championships for the high finishers in the tournament.

Typical prize structure

Place Prize
1st
  • National Championship 1st Place Trophy
  • 480 Championship Points
  • Reserved event ticket and a travel award for the World Championships
  • A Nintendo Wii U 32GB Deluxe Set
2nd
  • National Championship 2nd Place Trophy
  • 440 Championship Points (if 4 players or more)
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
  • A Nintendo 3DS XL
3rd-4th
  • National Championship Semifinalist Trophy
  • 360 Championship Points (if 8 players or more)
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the World Championships
  • A Nintendo 3DS XL
5th-8th
  • 210 Championship Points (if 32 players or more)
9th-16th
  • 150 Championship Points (if 64 players or more)
17th-32nd
  • 90 Championship Points (if 128 players or more)
33rd-64th
  • 30 Championship Points (if 256 players or more)
65th-128th
  • 15 Championship Points (if 512 players or more)

All competitors receive a stamped promotional card.

World Championship

Main article: World Championships#Video games
Champions and runners-up from the 2010 World Championships.

The format is the same as the Nationals, including a last chance qualifier the day before the tournament begins. The Video Game World Championships began in 2009 in San Diego, California.

Typical prize structure

Place Prize
1st
  • World Championship 1st Place Trophy
  • Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
  • $3,500 Scholarship Award
  • Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
2nd
  • World Championship 2nd Place Trophy
  • Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
  • Reserved event ticket and travel award for the next year's World Championships
  • $1,500 Scholarship Award
  • Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
3rd
  • World Championship 3rd Place Trophy
  • Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
  • Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
4th
  • World Championship 4th Place Trophy
  • Championship Points (enough to qualify for next year's World Championships, TBA)
  • Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
5th-8th
  • Championship Points (amount TBA)
  • Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion
9th-16th
  • Two boxes of each of the next TCG expansion

In addition, all of the finalists receive World Championship commemorative items.

External links


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