Pokémon regional championship underway in Vancouver

Whether it started with Red and Blue or Scarlett and Violet, Pokémon fans from across the country are bringing their best to Vancouver for the 2023 Regional Championship this weekend.

Players of all ages are competing in the card game, video game and Pokémon Go matches at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Tournament organizer David Nelson says the championships consist of three tournaments using the Pokémon trading card game. There are also additional side events and activities for those just beginning to learn the game.

“A lot of Pokémon fans are excited about the possibility of winning a trip to Japan. But then it’s also a chance- a couple of years we’ve been isolating and it’s great to kind of get back with a group of people and play the games that you love with a bunch of similar-minded people. ”

Nelson says people come together to make friends not only from across the country, but also from all over the world.

“Our last tournament was in San Diego and we had people from like nine different countries registered and I’m anticipating something similar for Vancouver.”

The regional championship also draws serious competitors which Nelson says sparks local interest and drives people to join local leagues. Local card shops in the city also put together tournaments which help drive interest and build community.

Nelson himself got into the game through his son and started running events. He says apart from meeting some wonderful people through the years, the game also teaches you life skills.

“It seems both kind of simple, but it’s also challenging. It’s got a lot of depth to it. I know that my son is a young competitor who’s just starting out his love for the game and for the franchise and having to read and do math, the game really improved his thinking skills, and his basic skills when he was younger and getting started.”

He notes the game helps kids not only appreciate winning but also accept defeat.

“It’s good for social skills, learn to interact with other kids, learning to be able to lose and learn how to win graciously.”

But for those who do claim victory, they have a chance to be invited to the world championship in August that takes place in Yokohama, Japan.

While the event is at capacity for players, Pokémon fans are still invited to come and enjoy other activities that include Pokémon stops and gems.