POKÉMON KICKS OFF THE 2007–2008 ORGANIZED PLAY SEASON

 

Title Events, TCG Leagues, and Championship Tournaments Provide Opportunity for Hundreds of Pokémon Fans to Compete for the World Title

 

BELLEVUE, Wash.—October 31, 2007—Pokémon USA, Inc., a worldwide leader in the trading card game industry, today announced the beginning of the 2007–2008 Pokémon Organized Play (POP) Season.  The Pokémon Championship series events begin in November 2007 with City Championships, followed by State/Province/Territory Championships, Regional Championships, and National Championships, all leading up to the 2008 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 25 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 Sinnoh Region, featured in the Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl Nintendo DS 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 Pokémon Organized Play exclusive promo cards, badges, and foil Energy cards.

 

2007–2008 Pokémon Events Schedule

 

Prereleases:  Prereleases are held quarterly with more than 400 total events planned for the 2007–2008 POP season. Players get a sneak peek of the latest expansion before it is released.

 

City Championships:  November 2007–January 2008

City Championships will take place in hundreds of cities across North America beginning November 23^rd.

 

State/Territory/Province Championships:  March 2008

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 12, 2008

These events divide up the U.S. and Canada into large regions. Winners will receive scholarships worth up to $2,000 and a Travel Award to the 2008 National Championships.

 

Battle Road Tournaments:  Autumn (September–October 2008)

        Spring (May–June 2008)

Battle Road tournaments give players another opportunity to work on their premier ratings, potentially earning an invite and trip to Worlds.

 

National Championships:  North America—June 2008

      International—April–June 2008

The National Championships is the first Worlds qualifier event. Winners receive scholarships worth up to $5,000 and an invite and Travel Award to the 2008 World Championships.

 

World Championships:  August 2008

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.

 

For more information about Pokémon Organized Play or to locate an event near you, please visit www.go-pokemon.com.