After slowly drip feeding details out about the 2015 Pokémon Video Game Championships, Nintendo Australia has finally released everything you need to know to compete. The full schedule is now available, the rules by which you’ll do battle and the spoils that could be coming your way.
You’ll be battling in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire this year and you’ll want to doing your best for the Regionals, Nationals and even a new tier called the Premier Challenge for home grown battles. It’s mixing things up this year for sure;
In previous years in Australia and New Zealand, players competed at Regional Championship events and top finishers were awarded travel awards to the National Championships, where they could compete for qualification and travel awards to the Pokémon Video Game World Championships. In the 2015 season, players will be able to compete in more events than ever as the series expands with the introduction of Championship Points and Premier Challenge tournaments.
With Championship Points, players can compete throughout the season at Regional, National and now Premier Challenge events to earn these points that build toward coveted World Championships invitations. Premier Challenges allow specially approved Tournament Organisers to run video game events that provide a good opportunity for players to enjoy playing Pokémon with other fans and gain valuable experience and Championship Points at smaller events in the lead up to the Regional and National Championships.
These are some big changes, so instead of stuffing it up for you here’s what Nintendo has to say;
With the introduction of Championship Points in 2015, players in Australia and New Zealand will compete in the Asia-Pacific Rating Zone, with the top placed players in each age division qualifying for invitation to the Pokémon Video Game World Championships based on their Championship Points standing at the end of the season:
- Masters Division: Born in 1999 or earlier – Top 18
- Senior Division: Born in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 – Top 18
- Junior Division: Born in 2004 or later – Top 10
In addition to their qualification, the top two placed players in each age division from the Asia-Pacific Rating Zone will receive a travel award to the World Championships!
For more information on the Pokémon Video Game World Championships and qualification, please visit here.To be eligible for Championship Points, players must have a registered Player ID attached to their Pokémon Trainer Club account and must opt in to the Play! Pokémon Program. Limited services will be available on event days so all players are encouraged to register in advance and be familiar with their Player ID prior to attending an event.
AdvertisementIn the lead up to the 2015 Pokémon Video Game Australian National Championships, fans will have the chance to learn from and test their skills against some of the best players across Australia and New Zealand at the Pokémon Video Game Regional Championships to be held in the following cities:
- Brisbane: Saturday 11th April
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
South Bank- Sydney: Saturday 18th April
Paddington Town Hall
Paddington- Perth: Sunday 26th April
Perth Arena
Perth- Melbourne: Sunday 3rd May
Collingwood Town Hall
Collingwood- Auckland (NZ): Saturday 9th May
Aotea Centre
Auckland- Adelaide: Saturday 16th May
The Ellington
Hackney
If you’re good enough to place, the top two players in the top 2 in each age division at each Regional event will receive flights and accommodation to the 2015 Pokémon Video Game Australian National Championships.
Will you be battling this year, it certainly seems Nintendo’s taking it up a notch!
See how much you did, or didn't play things.