World Championships: Difference between revisions

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{{samename|{{pkmn|anime}} competition known as the "Pokémon World Championships" in Japanese|World Coronation Series}}
{{samename|{{pkmn|anime}} competition known as the "Pokémon World Championships" in Japanese|World Coronation Series}}
[[File:Pokémon World Championships logo.png|thumb|250px|Logo]]
[[File:Pokémon World Championships logo.png|thumb|250px|Logo]]
The '''Pokémon World Championships''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンワールドチャンピオンシップス''' ''Pokémon World Championships'') are an annual event staged by the [[Play! Pokémon]] organized play division of [[The Pokémon Company International]] (formerly known as Pokémon USA). The first ever World Championship event was run by [[Wizards of the Coast]], a division of [[Hasbro]], in August 2002 in Seattle, WA<ref>[http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=68329&p=irol-newsArticlePR_pf&ID=322673&highlight= First-Ever Pokemon Trading Card Game World Champion Titles Won by Dylan Austin, 14 of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Mindy Lambkee, 10 of Kent, Washington]</ref>. Due to the transfer of the licensing of the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]] from Wizards to Nintendo, neither company staged a World Championship in 2003. Nintendo resumed World Championships in 2004, and have held them each year ever since. Prior to the start of the World Championships {{DL|Play! Pokémon|TCG Premier Events|tournament}} structure, the best players from around the world competed at the [[Tropical Mega Battle]] between 1999 and 2001, as well as at several Super Trainer Showdown events held in the US in 2000 and 2001.
The '''Pokémon World Championships''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンワールドチャンピオンシップス''' ''Pokémon World Championships'') are an annual event held by the [[Play! Pokémon]] organized play division of [[The Pokémon Company International]]. The first ever World Championship event was run by [[Wizards of the Coast]], a division of [[Hasbro]], in August 2002 in Seattle, WA<ref>[http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=68329&p=irol-newsArticlePR_pf&ID=322673&highlight= First-Ever Pokemon Trading Card Game World Champion Titles Won by Dylan Austin, 14 of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Mindy Lambkee, 10 of Kent, Washington]</ref>. Due to the transfer of the licensing of the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|Trading Card Game]] from Wizards to Nintendo, neither company staged a World Championship in 2003. Nintendo resumed World Championships in 2004, and have held them each year since then. Prior to the start of the World Championships {{DL|Play! Pokémon|TCG Premier Events|tournament}} structure, the best players from around the world competed at the [[Tropical Mega Battle]] between 1999 and 2001, as well as at several Super Trainer Showdown events held in the US in 2000 and 2001.


As an invitational-only event held in August of a given year, players are chosen on overall ratings, national champions and past performances in the previous year's World Championships (see [[Championship Point]]).
The events are held in August of a given year. Players must qualify based on overall ratings, national champions, and past performances in the previous year's World Championships (see [[Championship Point]]).


==Trading Card Game==
==Trading Card Game==
The championships are staged utilizing that year's {{TCG|Standard format}}, previously referred to as ''Modified Format'' prior to the {{TCG|2013-14 Modified format|2014 season}}. The {{TCG|2014-15 Modified format|2015 season}} introduced the {{TCG|Expanded format}}.  Set over three days with a last chance qualifier (known to players as "The Grinder") on the Friday to fill seats left vacant for various reasons (no travel, local qualifiers) until all seats are filled.  The second day is limited to Swiss Pairings over a set number of rounds, and the top players (16 each in the Junior and Senior Divisions, as well as the top 32 in the Masters division) move onto the Sunday rounds.  The format for this final is single elimination, until the finals, which are a best two matches out of three to decide the World Champion.  There are three divisions: Junior (known as the 10 Years Old and Under Division until 2006), Senior (known as the 11 to 14 Year Old Division until 2006) and Masters (called the 15 Years and Older Division until 2006).
The championships are staged utilizing that year's {{TCG|Standard format}}, previously referred to as ''Modified Format'' prior to the {{TCG|2013-14 Modified format|2014 season}}. The {{TCG|2014-15 Modified format|2015 season}} introduced the {{TCG|Expanded format}}.   


===Standard/Modified Format Sets===
===Standard/Modified Format Sets===
Line 35: Line 35:


==Video games (core series)==
==Video games (core series)==
The Video Game Championships (VGC) use the [[core series]] of Pokémon games and was first staged in [[2009 World Championships|2009]] in {{wp|San Diego, California}}. The format is virtually the same as the TCG counterparts in which winners of those in the National tournament play. In 2010, a Last Chance Qualifier was held on Friday to fill all vacant spots. In 2011, a Masters age Division was added to parallel the TCG. The most recently released Pokémon game is used for battles. The in-battle rules and banned Pokémon vary from year to year. Usually, the battles are double battles, and each player can use four Pokémon. The event format consists of Swiss rounds, followed by a single elimination tournament. In 2009, the top two advanced to play the finals on Sunday, whereas since 2010, the top eight advance to play in a head-to-head single elimination event to decide the World Champions.
The Video Game Championships (VGC) use the [[core series]] of Pokémon games and was first staged in [[2009 World Championships|2009]] in {{wp|San Diego, California}}.


===Games used===
All battles use the following rules:
* The format is [[Double Battle]]s. A player must bring between 4 and 6 Pokémon and select 4 of them just before the battle. In games that use Team Preview ([[Generation V]] onward), this selection is made after viewing the opponent's 6 Pokémon.
* Two Pokémon may not have the same Pokédex number. [[Mythical Pokémon]] (and [[Ash-Greninja]]) are disallowed. [[Special Pokémon]] are disallowed most of the time but certain years instead allow a limited number per team.
** The [[Soul Dew]] was disallowed until [[Generation VII]], where its effect changed.
* In games that use [[origin mark]]s ([[Generation VI]] onward), all Pokémon must have an [[origin mark]] matching the games used for the competition. This may be substituted with the [[battle-ready symbol]].
* Two Pokémon may not have the same [[held item]].
* All Pokémon battle at [[level]] 50. Depending on the year, one of these rules may be in effect:
** Any Pokémon either above or below level 50 will be auto-leveled to 50.
** Any Pokémon above level 50 will be auto-leveled down to 50, but Pokémon below level 50 will not be auto-leveled up.
** Any Pokémon above level 50 is disallowed.
* All Pokémon will be auto-leveled to [[level]] 50 during the battle, regardless of whether their actual level is higher or lower.
* Two Pokémon may not have the same nickname. A Pokémon may not be nicknamed the name of a different Pokémon, and nicknames and Trainer names may not be inappropriate.
 
===Year-specific formats===
* '''[[2009 World Championships|2009]]''' — {{game|Platinum}}
* '''[[2009 World Championships|2009]]''' — {{game|Platinum}}
** Uniquely for this year, players connected their [[Nintendo DS]]es to a modified, unreleased version of [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]] for at least the semifinals onward. The modified game featured Platinum outfits for [[Dawn]] and [[Lucas]] as well as no region- or language-locking.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICRdjvaUQM8</ref>
** Any Pokémon above level 50 was disallowed. This disallowed {{p|Tyranitar}} indirectly, as Tyranitar at or below level 50 was impossible to obtain (prior to a [[Generation VI]] event).
* '''[[2010 World Championships|2010]]''' — {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}
* '''[[2010 World Championships|2010]]''' — {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}
** Up to two [[Special Pokémon]] were allowed.
* '''[[2011 World Championships|2011]]''' — {{game|Black and White|s}}
* '''[[2011 World Championships|2011]]''' — {{game|Black and White|s}}
** Only [[Udex|Unova Pokédex]] Pokémon were allowed. {{m|Sky Drop}} was disallowed due to the [[Sky Drop glitch]].
* '''[[2012 World Championships|2012]]''' — {{game|Black and White|s}}
* '''[[2012 World Championships|2012]]''' — {{game|Black and White|s}}
** Sky Drop and {{m|Dark Void}} were both disallowed.
* '''[[2013 World Championships|2013]]''' — {{game|Black and White|s|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2|2}}
* '''[[2013 World Championships|2013]]''' — {{game|Black and White|s|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2|2}}
** Sky Drop and {{m|Dark Void}} were both disallowed.
* '''[[2014 World Championships|2014]]''' — {{g|X and Y}}
* '''[[2014 World Championships|2014]]''' — {{g|X and Y}}
** Only [[List of Pokémon by Kalos Pokédex number|Kalos Pokédex]] Pokémon were allowed. Dark Void once again became allowed.
* '''[[2015 World Championships|2015]]''' — {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}
* '''[[2015 World Championships|2015]]''' — {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}
* '''[[2016 World Championships|2016]]''' — {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}
* '''[[2016 World Championships|2016]]''' — {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}
** Up to two Special Pokémon were allowed.
* '''[[2017 World Championships|2017]]''' — {{g|Sun and Moon}}
* '''[[2017 World Championships|2017]]''' — {{g|Sun and Moon}}
** Only [[Adex|Alola Pokédex]] Pokémon were allowed. Kantonian form counterparts to [[Alolan form]]s were '''not''' considered to be part of the Alola Pokédex. [[Mega Stone]]s were disallowed.
* '''[[2018 World Championships|2018]]''' — {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}
* '''[[2018 World Championships|2018]]''' — {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}
* '''[[2019 World Championships|2019]]''' — {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}
* '''[[2019 World Championships|2019]]''' — {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}
** Up to two Special Pokémon were allowed. In addition, the season was split into three series:
** Sun Series (2018-09-04 - 2019-01-07): Mega Stones, [[Primal Reversion]], {{p|Rayquaza}} with {{m|Dragon Ascent}}, and [[Z-Crystal]]s were all disallowed.
** Moon Series (2019-01-08 - 2019-04-01): Mega Stones, Primal Reversion, Rayquaza with Dragon Ascent, and [[Ultranecrozium Z]] were disallowed.
** Ultra Series (2019-04-02 - 2019-08): All Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion, and Z-Moves are allowed.
* '''[[2022 World Championships|2022]]''' — {{g|Sword and Shield}}
* '''[[2022 World Championships|2022]]''' — {{g|Sword and Shield}}
** Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 World Championships were cancelled and the season was eventually extended to last three years with several different series:
{{Incomplete|section}}
===In the games===
In {{game|Black and White|s|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2|2}}, the top four competitors from each division of the Video Game Championships from the [[2012 World Championships]] were featured in the [[World Championships Tournament]]s in the [[Pokémon World Tournament]]. In the [[Generation VI]] games, {{DL|Pokémon X and Y beta|Battle Maison|unused text}} exists for the top three competitors as opponents in the [[Battle Maison]].
In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, several NPCs at the [[Battle Resort]] mention the Pokémon World Championships.
===In the anime===
{{main|World Coronation Series}}
===Trivia===
* {{pkmn2|Event}}-exclusive Pokémon have been relevant on the following occasions:
** In 2009, the only tournament-legal {{p|Dragonite}} were event-exclusive. ({{p|Rotom}}'s alternate forms were indirectly disallowed due to the game automatically transforming them back into normal Rotom upon connecting with any other game.)
** In 2010, Origin Forme {{p|Giratina}} was tournament-legal but event-exclusive.
** The banning of Dark Void between 2011 and 2013 indirectly indicates that {{p|Smeargle}} with Dark Void, which requires an event to obtain, was tournament-legal in 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016.
** {{p|Zorua}} and {{p|Zoroark}} were event-exclusive but tournament-legal in 2011 and 2012.
** [[Gigantamax]] {{p|Meowth}}, {{p|Snorlax}}, and {{p|Toxtricity}} were event-exclusive but tournament-legal between their release and the release of [[The Isle of Armor]] (which made them available without an event).
* The first half of 2020 is the only time that non-event Pokémon have been excluded because of rarity. Specifically, Gigantamax Pokémon that were rarely available normally in-game did not become allowed until the start of the first [[Wild Area News]] event that temporarily made them more common. This would become moot with the release of The Isle of Armor, which would make all relevant Gigantamax Pokémon available without relying on rarity.


==Pokkén Tournament==
==Pokkén Tournament==
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==Pokémon GO==
==Pokémon GO==
*2019 (invitational only)
*2019 (invitational only)
** [[Junichi Masuda]] and [[Shigeki Morimoto]] were among the exhibition opponents.


==In the games==
==Scheduling and matchups==
In {{game|Black and White|s|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2|2}}, the top four competitors from each division of the Video Game Championships from the [[2012 World Championships]] were featured in the [[World Championships Tournament]]s in the [[Pokémon World Tournament]]. In the [[Generation VI]] games, {{DL|Pokémon X and Y beta|Battle Maison|unused text}} exists for the top three competitors as opponents in the [[Battle Maison]].
{{Outdated|section}}
 
The Championships are set over three days with a last chance qualifier (known to players as "The Grinder") on the Friday to fill seats left vacant for various reasons (no travel, local qualifiers) until all seats are filled.  The second day is limited to Swiss Pairings over a set number of rounds, and the top players (16 each in the Junior and Senior Divisions, as well as the top 32 in the Masters division) move onto the Sunday rounds. The format for this final is single elimination, until the finals, which are a best two matches out of three to decide the World Champion.  There are three divisions: Junior (known as the 10 Years Old and Under Division until 2006), Senior (known as the 11 to 14 Year Old Division until 2006) and Masters (called the 15 Years and Older Division until 2006). In 2010, a Last Chance Qualifier was held on Friday to fill all vacant spots. In 2011, a Masters age Division was added to the VGC to parallel the TCG.  The event format consists of Swiss rounds, followed by a single elimination tournament. In 2009, the top two advanced to play the finals on Sunday, whereas since 2010, the top eight advance to play in a head-to-head single elimination event to decide the World Champions.
In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, several NPCs at the [[Battle Resort]] mention the Pokémon World Championships.
 
==In the anime==
{{main|World Coronation Series}}
 
==Trivia==
* 2020's VGC series was the first time that non-{{pkmn2|event}} Pokémon were excluded because of rarity, and also the first time that event-exclusive forms were allowed. (Specifically, [[Gigantamax]] Pokémon that were rarely available normally in-game did not become allowed until a [[Wild Area News]] event temporarily made them more common. Simultaneously, Gigantamax Pokémon that were not normally available in-game but were made available via event were allowed.)
** However, both these distinctions would become moot partway through the series with the release of [[The Isle of Armor]], which made all relevant Gigantamax Pokémon accessible without needing to depend on either rarity or an event.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==

Revision as of 11:29, 12 April 2022

If you were looking for the anime competition known as the "Pokémon World Championships" in Japanese, see World Coronation Series.
Logo

The Pokémon World Championships (Japanese: ポケモンワールドチャンピオンシップス Pokémon World Championships) are an annual event held by the Play! Pokémon organized play division of The Pokémon Company International. The first ever World Championship event was run by Wizards of the Coast, a division of Hasbro, in August 2002 in Seattle, WA[1]. Due to the transfer of the licensing of the Trading Card Game from Wizards to Nintendo, neither company staged a World Championship in 2003. Nintendo resumed World Championships in 2004, and have held them each year since then. Prior to the start of the World Championships tournament structure, the best players from around the world competed at the Tropical Mega Battle between 1999 and 2001, as well as at several Super Trainer Showdown events held in the US in 2000 and 2001.

The events are held in August of a given year. Players must qualify based on overall ratings, national champions, and past performances in the previous year's World Championships (see Championship Point).

Trading Card Game

The championships are staged utilizing that year's Standard format, previously referred to as Modified Format prior to the 2014 season. The 2015 season introduced the Expanded format.

Standard/Modified Format Sets

Expanded Format Sets

World Championship decks

Main article: World Championships Deck (TCG)

World Championship decks are purchasable non-tournament-legal prints of 60-card decks used by World Championship players.

Video games (core series)

The Video Game Championships (VGC) use the core series of Pokémon games and was first staged in 2009 in San Diego, California.

All battles use the following rules:

  • The format is Double Battles. A player must bring between 4 and 6 Pokémon and select 4 of them just before the battle. In games that use Team Preview (Generation V onward), this selection is made after viewing the opponent's 6 Pokémon.
  • Two Pokémon may not have the same Pokédex number. Mythical Pokémon (and Ash-Greninja) are disallowed. Special Pokémon are disallowed most of the time but certain years instead allow a limited number per team.
  • In games that use origin marks (Generation VI onward), all Pokémon must have an origin mark matching the games used for the competition. This may be substituted with the battle-ready symbol.
  • Two Pokémon may not have the same held item.
  • All Pokémon battle at level 50. Depending on the year, one of these rules may be in effect:
    • Any Pokémon either above or below level 50 will be auto-leveled to 50.
    • Any Pokémon above level 50 will be auto-leveled down to 50, but Pokémon below level 50 will not be auto-leveled up.
    • Any Pokémon above level 50 is disallowed.
  • All Pokémon will be auto-leveled to level 50 during the battle, regardless of whether their actual level is higher or lower.
  • Two Pokémon may not have the same nickname. A Pokémon may not be nicknamed the name of a different Pokémon, and nicknames and Trainer names may not be inappropriate.

Year-specific formats

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.

In the games

In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, the top four competitors from each division of the Video Game Championships from the 2012 World Championships were featured in the World Championships Tournaments in the Pokémon World Tournament. In the Generation VI games, unused text exists for the top three competitors as opponents in the Battle Maison.

In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, several NPCs at the Battle Resort mention the Pokémon World Championships.

In the anime

Main article: World Coronation Series

Trivia

  • Event-exclusive Pokémon have been relevant on the following occasions:
    • In 2009, the only tournament-legal Dragonite were event-exclusive. (Rotom's alternate forms were indirectly disallowed due to the game automatically transforming them back into normal Rotom upon connecting with any other game.)
    • In 2010, Origin Forme Giratina was tournament-legal but event-exclusive.
    • The banning of Dark Void between 2011 and 2013 indirectly indicates that Smeargle with Dark Void, which requires an event to obtain, was tournament-legal in 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016.
    • Zorua and Zoroark were event-exclusive but tournament-legal in 2011 and 2012.
    • Gigantamax Meowth, Snorlax, and Toxtricity were event-exclusive but tournament-legal between their release and the release of The Isle of Armor (which made them available without an event).
  • The first half of 2020 is the only time that non-event Pokémon have been excluded because of rarity. Specifically, Gigantamax Pokémon that were rarely available normally in-game did not become allowed until the start of the first Wild Area News event that temporarily made them more common. This would become moot with the release of The Isle of Armor, which would make all relevant Gigantamax Pokémon available without relying on rarity.

Pokkén Tournament

Games used

  • 2015 - Pokkén Tournament (arcade version, invitational only)
  • 2016 - Pokkén Tournament
  • 2017 - Pokkén Tournament
  • 2018 - Pokkén Tournament DX
  • 2019 - Pokkén Tournament DX

Pokémon GO

Scheduling and matchups

140Kabuto.png This section contains old or outdated information, or has not been updated in a while.
Please check the content of this section and update it as required.

The Championships are set over three days with a last chance qualifier (known to players as "The Grinder") on the Friday to fill seats left vacant for various reasons (no travel, local qualifiers) until all seats are filled. The second day is limited to Swiss Pairings over a set number of rounds, and the top players (16 each in the Junior and Senior Divisions, as well as the top 32 in the Masters division) move onto the Sunday rounds. The format for this final is single elimination, until the finals, which are a best two matches out of three to decide the World Champion. There are three divisions: Junior (known as the 10 Years Old and Under Division until 2006), Senior (known as the 11 to 14 Year Old Division until 2006) and Masters (called the 15 Years and Older Division until 2006). In 2010, a Last Chance Qualifier was held on Friday to fill all vacant spots. In 2011, a Masters age Division was added to the VGC to parallel the TCG. The event format consists of Swiss rounds, followed by a single elimination tournament. In 2009, the top two advanced to play the finals on Sunday, whereas since 2010, the top eight advance to play in a head-to-head single elimination event to decide the World Champions.

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 寶可夢世界錦標賽 Pokémon Saigaai Gámbīuchoi
Mandarin 寶可夢世界錦標賽 / 宝可梦世界锦标赛 Pokémon Shìjiè Jǐnbiāosài
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Pokémon Wereldkampioenschap
France Flag.png French Championnats du Monde Pokémon
Germany Flag.png German Pokémon-Weltmeisterschaften
Italy Flag.png Italian Campionati Mondiali Pokémon
South Korea Flag.png Korean 포켓몬 월드챔피언십 Pokémon World Championships
Poland Flag.png Polish Mistrzostwo Świata Pokémon
Portuguese Brazil Flag.png Brazil Campeonato Mundial Pokémon
Campeonato Mundial de Pokémon
Portugal Flag.png Portugal Campeonato Mundial de Pokémon
Russia Flag.png Russian Чемпионат Мира по игре в Покемон Chempionat Mira po igre v Pokémon
Spain Flag.png Spanish Campeonato Mundial Pokémon

See also

References

External links


Pokémon World Championships
Pokémon Trading Card Game only 2004-2008; TCG and Video Games 2009-on
2004: Blaziken TechMagma SpiritRocky BeachTeam Rushdown
2005: Bright AuraDark TyranitarKing of the WestQueendom
2006: B-L-SEeveelutionsMewtrickSuns & Moons
2007: FlyveesLegendary AscentRamboltSwift Empoleon
2008: Bliss ControlEmpotechIntimidationPsychic Lock
2009: StallgonCrowned TigerQueengarLuxdrill
2010: LuxChomp of the SpiritHappy LuckPower CottonweedBoltevoir
2011: MegazoneReshiphlosionThe TruthTwinboar
2012: Pesadelo PrismTerraki-MewtwoEeltwoCMT
2013: Anguille Sous RocheAmerican GothicDarkraiUltimate Team Plasma
2014: Plasma PowerTrevgorEmerald KingCrazy Punch
2015: The Flying HammerPunches 'n' BitesHonorStoisePrimal Groudon
2016: Black DragonBebe DeckMagical SymphonyNinja Blitz
2017: Infinite ForceGolisodorIce Path FTWSamurai Sniper
2018: Victory MapDragones y SombrasGarbanetteBuzzroc
2019: Pikarom JudgeFire BoxMind BlownPerfection
2022: ADPThe Shape of MewCheryl AgainIce Rider Palkia
2023: Mew's RevengePsychic EleganceColorless LugiaLost Box Kyogre
2024:
Champions Jason KlaczynskiJun HasebeRay Rizzo