The competitive season for Pokémon in 2025 has unveiled several updates aimed at players aspiring to qualify for the World Championship. The 2025 Pokémon Championship Series is scheduled to take place from July 2024 to May 2025, featuring modifications to the Champion Points and the qualification framework.
Pokémon World Championships Qualification Update
As forecasted by the competitive community, the qualification process for the World Championships will be revised for the upcoming season. In 2025, a designated number of players from each rating zone, age division, and game will be granted invitations according to their rankings on the Championship Points leaderboard, instead of relying on a predetermined Championship Points threshold.
In addition, individuals who rank at the top of prominent events will automatically be invited to the World Championships. Invitations will also be awarded to the winners of Regional events and Special Champions, along with the top four participants from International Championships.
For the 2025 season, the qualification system for the Pokémon World Championships will be revised. In this new format, a designated number of players from each rating zone, age division, and game will be granted invitations to the World Championships based on their positions in the Championship Points leaderboard. This adjustment pertains to participants in Pokémon TCG, Pokémon video game, and Pokémon GO. Historically, invitations were contingent upon reaching a fixed Championship Points threshold.
Pokémon TCG Championship Invitations: Masters
- US and Canada: 125
- Europe: 125
- Latin America: 100
- Oceania: 20
- Middle East & South Africa: 10
Pokémon VGC and GO Championship Invitations: Masters
- US and Canada: 75
- Europe: 75
- Latin America: 50
- Oceania: 50
Pokémon TCG Championship Points: BFL
- League Challenge: 4
- League Cup: 4
- VGC Global Challenge: 3
- Regional: 6
- Special: 6
- International: 6
Swiss Tournament Format and Top Cut
The Pokémon Trading Card Game and Video Game Championships at Special Championships, Regional Championships, International Championships, and the World Championships will follow a standard Swiss round structure, including one extra round, rather than the altered Swiss format that has been employed in recent seasons.
Regional Championships and Special Championships Schedule
The complete schedule for the 2025 season has not yet been disclosed; however, there are circulating rumors regarding the locations of various events. Nonetheless, the following details have been confirmed thus far.
| Batimore Convention Center | Sept. 13–15, 2024 |
| Westfalenhallen, Germany | Sept. 28-29, 2024 |
| Convention and Exhibition Center Expoville, Brazil | Sept. 28-29, 2024 |
| Centro de Convenciones de la Camara de Comercio de Lima, Peru | Oct. 5-6, 2024 |
| Kentucky International Convention Center | Oct. 11-13, 2024 |
| Lille Grand Palais, France | Oct. 19-20, 2024 |
| Amberexpo, Poland | Nov. 2-3, 2024 |
| Centro Vasco – Salon Basaldua, Argentina | Nov. 9-10, 2024 |
| SAFE Convention Center, Sacramento | Nov. 22-24, 2024 |
| Messe Stuttgart, Germany | Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2024 |
| Radisson Bogota Metrotel, Columbia | Dec. 7-8, 2024 |
| Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Canada | Dec. 13-15, 2024 |
International Championships Date & Location
| Championships | Date | Venue |
| Latin American International Championships | Nov. 15, 17 2024 | Expo Center Norte, Sao Paulo |
| Europe International Championships | Feb. 21-23, 2025 | ExCeL Center London, UK |
| North America International Championships | June 13-15, 2025 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans |
FAQs about the Pokémon World Championships and the VGC (Video Game Championships)
Ans. To qualify for the Pokémon World Championships, players typically need to earn Championship Points by participating in sanctioned events throughout the season. Specific eligibility requirements may vary by year, so it’s important to check the official Pokémon website for the latest information.
Ans. As of my last update, the winner of the 2024 Pokémon World Championship has not been announced. For the most current winner, please refer to official Pokémon news sources or the Pokémon website.
Ans. The best finish limit or criteria for the 2025 Pokémon World Championships will be determined by the official rules and format set by The Pokémon Company for that year. Check their announcements for specific details.
Ans. To qualify for the Pokémon VGC World Championships, players must compete in VGC events throughout the season and earn Championship Points. Players must also meet any age and residency requirements set by the Pokémon Company.
Ans. Invitations to the Pokémon World Championships can be earned through strong performances in sanctioned tournaments, by accumulating Championship Points, or by receiving a special invitation based on prior achievements or contributions to the community.
Ans. The stipend amount for Pokémon VGC competitors can vary based on the event and the player’s qualifications. Players who secure positions from 5th to 8th in the Pokémon Video Game Championships (VGC) will receive a Travel Stipend of $1,000.
Ans. To join a VGC tournament, you can register through the official Pokémon website, local game stores, or community events. Many online platforms also host VGC tournaments, so look for announcements on Pokémon forums and social media.
Ans. In the Pokémon VGC, the Masters division is typically for players aged 16 and older. However, the age divisions can vary slightly based on regional regulations, so it’s best to check the specific rules for the event you’re interested in.