Photo: Pokémon World Championships
Pokémon Trading Card Game, video game, and mobile game players from anywhere and everywhere will gather to compete in the Pokémon Regional Championships at the Vancouver Convention Centre from March 22 to 24.
Participants will be facing off to win cash prizes, scholarships, gift cards, the coveted title of Pokémon Regional Champion, and valuable Championship Points that count toward a potential invite to the 2024 Pokémon World Championships.
Pokémon Competition
Photo: Pokémon World Championships
You can compete in one of three categories: the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon video game, and Pokémon Go mobile game. There are no qualifications or residency restrictions for tournament entry, so anyone can compete.
The family-friendly competition will pack the convention hall full of Pokémon fans eager to watch or compete in intense head-to-head battles surrounded by energetic crowds of family and supporters cheering the competitors on.
The Champion in each age division play will earn a guaranteed invitation to the upcoming World Championships, regardless of their Championship Point total at the end of the season. Additional prizes, including prize money and Championship Points, will be awarded to the top players in each age division (under 18 and 18+).
Pokémon Stops
Photo: Pokémon World Championships
Before heading to the Regionals, explore the city while also making a few Pokémon Go stops along the way. Prime Pokémon sightings close to the venue include Canada Place (a Dratini spawn point), Olympic Village (always crawling with Pokémon), and Chinatown, which is particularly rich with creatures, especially near Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain Station.
The Olympic Torch at Jack Poole Plaza is also a known Bulbasaur spawn point, while False Creek is both a Charmander and Haunter spawn point. Find good lures near Pacific Centre, Granville Station, SFU Harbour Centre, and Waterfront Centre.
Training Activities
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Photo: Rick Chung/YVArcade
While you’re on your way to the event in search of Pokémon to catch in Chinatown, drop by the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Chinatown Storytelling Centre, or Chinese Canadian Museum to learn more about local Asian culture and history. Also in the neighbourhood, get some delicious eats at Chinatown BBQ, Between 2 Buns, Fat Mao Noodles, Juke Fried Chicken, or Phnom Penh.
If you’re looking for more gaming-related activities, pop into Rain City Games to browse their game selection or check out Play N Trade for vintage video games. Golden Age Collectibles also has a nice selection of manga to read and collectibles to buy. For anime-friendly dining spots that embrace Japanese pop culture, try Guu Izakaya and Ki Cafe for some tasty food and cool decor.
Photo: Pokémon World Championships
The Convention Centre hosts well over a hundred different events every year with its top-notch location overlooking Vancouver’s Waterfront. There’s always something to get excited about. For example, the week after the Pokémon event, gamers will be flocking to the Battle of BC 6 competition (Mar. 29-31).
To register to play or purchase spectator passes, visit the Pokémon Events’ website.
