In order to be recognized as the best "Pokémon" player in the world, one must undergo a series of tournaments held by the creators of "Pokémon." Before the Pokémon World Championships, there will be International Championships in North America, Europe, Australia and Latin America. These will be held separately and winners will move forward to the Pokémon World Championships in Anaheim, California this August.
The Pokémon Company has now opened registration for the North American International Championships. This three-day event will be the last of all the International Championships for this year. It will take place at the Indiana Convention Center Halls H and I in Indianapolis from June 30 to July 2.
The competition has two separate divisions, one of them deals with trading card games and the other video games. Those with the highest points in either division have the chance to win prizes worth over $200,000 and a ticket to the Pokémon World Championships.
For those who are interested in competing, registration is only available online. It is open for all ages for a price of $45 for those under the age of 16 and $60 for those aged 16 and over. The fee is only payable with a credit or debit card and it is non-refundable. For the fee competitors have paid, they will receive a badge, lanyard, player pin, deck box, set of card sleeves, and either a playmat for trading card gamers or a hat for video gamers. These goods will be distributed on the day of the event.
For those who do not want to compete, spectator badges are also available. Spectators who are 16 and over will pay a $15 fee, while those who are under 16 will pay a $10 fee. Registration to be a spectator is solely available online and has limited slots.
Registration for competitors is only until June 28, while spectators may register until the last day of the event, which is July 2. Although, space is limited, so registration may close prior to those dates.
