Title Events, TCG Leagues, and Championships Scheduled

BELLEVUE, Wash.-October 16, 2006-Pokémon USA, Inc., a worldwide leader in the trading card game industry, today announced the beginning of the 2006-2007 Pokémon Organized Play (POP) Season. The Pokémon Championship series events begin in November 2006 with City Championships, followed by State Championships, Regional Championships, Battle Road tournaments, and National Championships, leading up to the 2007 Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) World Championships in August.

POP programs, events, tournaments, and leagues allow thousands of players across America and all around the world to compete in a fun environment while strengthening their Pokémon TCG strategies, math skills, and reading ability. POP leagues, events, and programs are held in more than 35 countries, giving players the opportunity to build social skills by fostering friendships with international peers and those in their own hometown leagues. By participating in select POP events, players can earn Pokémon trading cards and merchandise, as well as scholarships ranging from $500 to $7,500. Prizes vary from country to country.

To receive an invite to the Pokémon TCG World Championships event, players can compete and win in their National Championships, become a top player via their premier rating, or qualify through the Last-Chance Qualifier tournament.

Along with competitive tournaments, the ongoing Pokémon TCG league season spotlights the Kanto Region, featured in the Pokémon Game Boy Advance games. Pokémon TCG leagues are a great way for players of all ages to get together in a casual setting and perfect their playing skills while earning prizes. Players earn Organized Play exclusive promo cards, badges, and mini-posters.

2006-2007 Pokémon Events Schedule:

Prereleases: Prereleases are held quarterly with more than 400 total events planned for the 2006-2007 POP season.

City Championships: November 2006-January 2007 City Championships will take place in hundreds of cities across North America beginning November 18th.

State Championships: March 2007

State Championships will be held in many states, provinces, and territories. Winners in some markets receive a Travel Allowance to their National Championships.

Regional Championships: April 2007

Regionals will take place in 15 regions across the U. S. and Canada only. Winners will receive scholarships worth up to $2,000 and a Travel Award to the 2007 National Championships.

Battle Road tournaments: May 2007

Battle Road tournaments give players another opportunity to work on their premier ratings, potentially earning an invite and trip to Worlds. Hundreds of these special events begin in May.

National Championships: Spring through July 2007 The National Championships is the first Worlds qualifier. Winners receive scholarships worth up to $5,000 and an invite and Travel Award to the 2007 World Championships.

World Championships: August 2007

The Pokémon TCG World Championships is the premier Organized Play event of the year. The event will host top players from around the world competing for the title of Pokémon TCG World Champion and for scholarships worth up to $7,500.