FAQ Links

Pokémon Video Game Championships FAQ

General Questions

  • Why can’t I use a game card from a different region?

    The equipment used to communicate tournament regulations is region-specific. If the equipment at the event cannot communicate with your game card, you cannot be entered into the event.


  • Do I have to use a Nintendo DS™ for the tournament, or can it be a Nintendo DSi™?

    Any system in the Nintendo DS family of systems can be used during the competition. This includes the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite™, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi XL™, and the Nintendo 3DS™.


  • How does auto-leveling affect my Pokémon?

    During the tournament, all Pokémon of Level 51 and higher will be set to Level 50 during battle. Their stats are adjusted accordingly. All other aspects of the Pokémon remain the same, including moves known and evolution.

    For example, during a battle, a Level 100 Hydreigon that learned Outrage at Level 79 would be reduced to Level 50, and its stats would be adjusted to what they would be at Level 50. Though this puts Hydreigon below the level at which it evolved from Zweilous, as well as below the level at which it learned Outrage, it remains a Hydreigon that knows Outrage. After the battle ends, Hydreigon is returned to Level 100, and its stats return to normal.

    A Pokémon below Level 50 will not have its level or stats adjusted up. For example, during a battle, a Level 45 Emboar would remain Level 45, and its stats would not be adjusted.


  • How will you verify that my Pokémon have not been modified by an external device?

    We are not able to discuss the extent of verification that will be used during the Video Game Championship series. Additionally, we cannot provide you with any information about checking your own Pokémon by yourself.

    As a player you are advised to use only Pokémon that you have raised yourself and items that you have received through normal game play.


  • Why am I only allowed to use Pokémon from the Unova Pokédex?

    With the release of the new Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games, we want to give players a chance to try their hands at a tournament environment without the Pokémon they’ve grown accustomed to battling. We’re excited to see what interesting strategies players can come up with!


  • Can I take notes during my match?

    Players are not permitted to take notes during the match. Recording your matches with the Vs. Recorder is permitted.


  • Can I use electronic devices other than my Nintendo DS during my match?

    With the exception of a Nintendo DS, electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, or text-messaging devices, are not to be used during a match. In some special instances, an electronic device may be allowed with the advance permission of the event staff.


  • Why can’t I share a game card or Nintendo DS with another player?

    Both players may be required to compete at the same time, making it impossible to share a game card or Nintendo DS.

    In addition, as players are eliminated from the tournament, they will be required to exit the Battle Competition, removing their ability to continue to compete. The tournament regulations that are sent to each player’s game card during registration can only be downloaded to each game card once. Should players attempt to share a game card, then the second player to register will find that he or she is unable to do so, preventing him or her from competing.


  • Do I have to be a resident to participate in these events?

    These events are open to all players, regardless of country of residency. The only stipulation is that the player must use a legitimate Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version game card. Players attending U.S. events must use a North American version. Players attending European events must use a European version.


  • How much does it cost to attend?

    All Pokémon Video Game Championships events are free of charge for both competitors and spectators!


U.S. Regional Championships

  • How can I play in the Pokémon Video Game Regional Championships?

    Players can participate in any of six Pokémon Video Game Regional Championships during May and June 2011. Players wishing to enter a tournament should arrive at the tournament’s location during the times specified for their age division’s registration to attempt to receive a competitor slot. Registration is first come, first served.


  • Do I have to be a resident to participate in these events?

    These events are open to all players, regardless of country of residency. The only stipulation is that the player must use a legitimate, North American Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version game card.


  • What is the tournament structure?

    The tournaments will be run using the Single-Elimination tournament format. When a player loses a match, that player is eliminated from the tournament.


  • Can I participate in more than one Regional Championships tournament?

    Players may participate in more than one Regional Championships provided they have not already earned a travel award to the Pokémon Video Game National Championships by placing 1st at a previous Regional Championships in the 2011 tournament season.

    Players may earn multiple travel allowances. Travel allowances must be collected by the winner on record.


U.S. National Championships and Last Chance Qualifier

  • How can I play in the Pokémon Video Game U.S. National Championships?

    The Pokémon Video Game National Championships is an invite-only event, open to a limited number of participants. A total of 112 invitations are available in each age division, which are distributed in the following manner:

    • The top 16 players at the Northwest Regional Championships
    • The top 16 players at the West Regional Championships
    • The top 16 players at the South Regional Championships
    • The top 16 players at the Southeast Regional Championships
    • The top 16 players at the East Regional Championships
    • The top 16 players at the Northeast Regional Championships
    • The top 16 players at the U.S. National Championships Last Chance Qualifier

    Players with invitations will be required to check in at the VGC tournament area Friday, July 8th, between 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M


  • How can I play in the Last Chance Qualifier?

    The Last Chance Qualifier is open to all players who do not already have an invitation to participate in the U.S. National Championships. Players wishing to enter the tournament should arrive on site during the times specified for their division’s registration for the Last Chance Qualifier to attempt to receive a competitor slot. Registration is first come, first served.


  • What is the tournament structure for the National Championships?

    The National Championships is a Swiss plus Single-Elimination event. Each Swiss match will consist of a single game. Single-Elimination matches will use a best-of-three format, with the first player to win two games winning the match. The total number of rounds will be determined by the total attendance in each age division. Each player will participate in every Swiss round. After the final Swiss round, the top 16 players in each division will face off in Single-Elimination play to determine who will claim the title of Pokémon Video Game U.S. National Champion.


  • What is the tournament structure for the Last Chance Qualifier?

    The Last Chance Qualifier will be run using Single-Elimination tournament format. When a player loses a match, that player is eliminated from the tournament. Game play will end when there are 16 undefeated players remaining in each age division.


  • When can I pick up the Travel Stipend that I won at my Regional Championships?

    Travel Stipends will be available for pickup Friday, July 8th and Saturday, July 9th between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the information desk in the tournament hall.


World Championships and Last Chance Qualifier

  • How can I play in the Pokémon Video Game World Championships?

    The Pokémon Video Game World Championships is an invite-only event, open to a limited number of participants. A total of 74 invitations are available in each age division, which are distributed in the following manner:

    • The 1st and 2nd place finishers from the 2010 World Championships
    • The top 8 players at the U.S. National Championships
    • The top 8 players at the UK National Championships
    • The top 8 players at the German National Championships
    • The top 8 players at the French National Championships
    • The top 8 players at the Italian National Championships
    • The top 8 players at the Spanish National Championships
    • The top player at each of 14 Japanese Regional Championships
    • The top player at each of 2 Korean Regional Championships
    • The top 8 players at the World Championships Last Chance Qualifier


  • How can I play in the Last Chance Qualifier?

    The Last Chance Qualifier is open to all players who do not already have an invitation to participate in either the Pokémon TCG or Pokémon VGC World Championships. Players wishing to enter the tournament should arrive on site during the times specified for their division’s registration for the Last Chance Qualifier to attempt to receive a competitor slot.


  • What is the tournament structure for the World Championships?

    The World Championships is a Swiss plus Single-Elimination event. Each Swiss and Single-Elimination match will use a best-of-three format, with the first player to win two games winning the match. The total number of rounds will be determined by the total attendance in each age division. Each player will participate in every Swiss round. After the final Swiss round, the top 8 players in each division will face off in Single-Elimination play to determine who will claim the title of Pokémon Video Game World Champion.


  • What is the tournament structure for the Last Chance Qualifier?

    The Last Chance Qualifier will be run using Single-Elimination tournament format. When a player loses a match, that player is eliminated from the tournament. Game play will end when there are 8 undefeated players remaining in each age division.