2023 Pokémon World Championships: Yokohama set to become a thrilling Pokémon Arena next month

If you’ve only just decided that you’ve “grown out” of the Pokémon craze, then perhaps you should rethink throwing away that folder of Pokémon trading cards - or at least, reconsider selling them on eBay for the moment. Unless you have double-ups to get rid of, then by all means you might have something worthwhile like one Magic: The Gathering collector has.

The 2023 Pokémon World Championships is set to take place in Yokohama next month from the 8 to the 14 of August, bringing together the best Pokémon players from around the world, vying for over a half-million dollars in prizes, the coveted title of Pokémon World Champion, and a chance to secure invitations for the following year's championship to defend the mantle.

The competition isn’t solely for those who collect the trading card game either; Players in both the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and Video Game Championship (VGC) will qualify for the Worlds by earning Championship Points at various events throughout the Championship Series season. The number of Championship Points required for an invitation varies based on geographical rating zones and age divisions. 

The most exceptional players will automatically advance to Day Two, and some may even receive travel awards to attend the event. Additionally, top-performing Pokémon GO players at their qualifier events will earn automatic invites.

The 2023 Pokémon World Championships will return to being a three-day event, commencing on Friday with players who have qualified for the first day's play. Invitations will be awarded to all Pokémon TCG players in good standing who have earned a minimum number of Championship Points based on their respective rating zones and divisions.

How are players divided up to compete in the championships?

The rating zones and divisions in the Pokémon World Championships are established to ensure fair and competitive gameplay while accommodating players of different skill levels and age groups.

The world is divided into different geographical regions or rating zones and each zone may include multiple countries or continents with a similar competitive player base. The specific zones may vary based on factors like player population and competitive interest in different regions.

Pokémon players are also grouped into different age divisions to level the playing field and provide age-appropriate competition. The common age divisions are:

• Junior Division: Usually for players born in a certain year range, typically younger children.

• Senior Division: For players of a slightly older age range, typically teenagers.

• Masters Division: Open to adult players, providing the highest level of competition.

To qualify for the Pokémon World Championships, players need to earn a certain number of Championship Points (CP) throughout the Championship Series season; the CP requirement varies based on the geographical rating zone and age division. Players accumulate CP by participating in official Pokémon TCG and Video Game events and achieving good results.

Who is the current Pokémon world champion?

That answer all depends on the age group and the style of the Pokémon game being played; however, the current champions from the 2016 Pokémon World Championship are as follows.

Video Game Championships

Junior Division: Cory Connor (USA)

Senior Division: Carson Confer (USA)

Masters Division: Wolfe Glick (USA)

Junior Division: Shunto Sadahiro (Japan)

Senior Division: Jesper Eriksen (Denmark)

Masters Division: Shintaro Ito (Japan)