Play! Pokémon: Pokémon GO Tournaments Guide – 2023

 

Going nuts looking for one, simple spot for information about the upcoming Play! Pokémon GO tournaments throughout 2022-2023? Look no further. Here we'll provide a place for all information on Play! Pokémon Regional, Special, International, and Worlds Events. We'll include not just lists of the events, but maps, FAQ, and paint a picture of what you can expect as you attend the Play! Pokémon Regional Tournament events throughout 2023!

 

This is a living page that will be updated with news as it comes, so please check back here for updates!

 

 

 

Table of Contents:

Jump to section

 

 

Pokémon GO Championships Events List

Pokémon GO Regionals and Special Events

*Denotes special event

Jump to section

 

Date Location Country Registration
Sept. 16–18, 2022 Baltimore, MD United States See Results
Sept. 17–18, 2022 Bilbao* Spain See Results
Sept. 17–18, 2022 Porto Alegre Brazil See Results
Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, 2022 Peoria, IL United States See Results
Oct. 14–16, 2022 Salt Lake City, UT United States See Results
Oct. 22–23, 2022 Lille France See Results
Nov. 12–13, 2022 Warsaw Poland See Results
Dec. 2–4, 2022 Toronto, ON Canada See Results
Dec. 3–4, 2022 Stuttgart Germany See Results
Dec. 3–4, 2022 Brisbane, QLD Australia See Results
Dec. 16–18, 2022 Arlington, TX United States See Results
Jan. 6–8, 2023 San Diego, CA United States See Results
Jan. 21–22, 2023 Liverpool United Kingdom See Results
Feb. 3–5, 2023 Orlando, FL United States See Results
Feb. 24–26, 2023 Knoxville, TN United States See Results
Feb. 25–26, 2023 Bochum Germany See Results
Mar. 4–5, 2023 Perth, WA Australia See Results
Mar. 10–12, 2023 Vancouver, BC Canada See Results
Mar. 11–12, 2023 Natal Brazil See Results
Mar. 18–19, 2023 Utrecht* Netherlands See Results
Mar. 24–26, 2023 Charlotte, NC United States See Results
Mar. 31 – Apr 2, 2023 Fort Wayne, IN United States See Results
April 1–2, 2023 Sydney, NSW Australia See Results
May 5–7, 2023 Portland, OR United States See Results
May 6–7, 2023 São Paulo Brazil See Results
May 19–21, 2023 Hartford, CT United States Open now!
May 20–21, 2023 Malmö Sweden Open now!
June 2–4, 2023 Milwaukee, WI United States Open now!
June 3–4, 2023 Torino* Italy Open now!
June 3–4, 2023 Santiago Chile Open now!
June 10–11, 2023 Fresno, CA United States Open now!

 

Pokémon GO International Championship Events

 

Date Region Location Registration
Nov. 25–27, 2022 Latin America São Paulo, Brazil See Results
Feb. 17–19, 2023 Oceania Melbourne, VIC, Australia See Results
Apr. 14–16, 2023 Europe London, United Kingdom See Results
June 30–July 2, 2023 North America Columbus, Ohio Open now!

 

Pokémon Go Tournament Map Play! Pokémon Championships 2023 - World Map

 

Introduction to Pokémon GO Tournaments

 

In order to participate, players must have a Pokémon Trainer Club account; be in good standing with the Play! Pokémon program; and comply with current COVID-19 requirements for large Pokémon events. Registration for these events is handled by the Tournament Organizer, and an entry fee may be charged at their discretion.

 

Pokémon GO tournament players can earn their chance to participate in Worlds by placing highly in the tournament, and not by earning Championship Points like VGC and TCG players do.

 

Regional Championships events take place all around the world. After the Pokémon International Championships, the Pokémon Regional Championships are the largest events in terms of both attendance and prize money.

 

The International Championships draw Pokémon GO players from all around the globe during the Championship Series season. These amazing events feature more Worlds invitations and a larger prize pool.

 

In addition to the regular events in the Championship Series schedule, Pokémon Special Events give players more chances to earn Worlds invites.

 

Pokémon GO Tournament Rules

 

Pokémon GO events all take place in the Open Great League. Additionally, Pokémon GO players must have a legal Pokémon team on their GO account.

 

In order to participate, players must have a Pokémon Trainer Club account; be in good standing with the Play! Pokémon program; and comply with current COVID-19 requirements for large Pokémon events.

 

See the official Pokémon GO Tournament Handbook here.

 

Other sources:

North American Pokémon GO Tournaments

 

North American Regionals Events Map:

 

Pokémon Go Tournament Map Play! Pokémon Championships 2023 - North America

 

North American Regional Events

 

Hartford, CT: May 19–21, 2023

Milwaukee, WI: June 2–4, 2023

  • Registration - OPEN NOW!
  • Day 2 Events
  • Landing Page
  • Location
  • Refund Policy
    • Refunds must be requested by 11:59 pm CDT on Friday, May 26, 2023.
    • All refunds will be less a 30% processing fee.
    • Refunds will not be honored after the deadline, no exceptions.
    • Registrations are non-transferable between players and/or tournaments.
    • Spectator pass orders and VIP packages are non-refundable and non-transferable between players and/or tournaments.
    • To request a refund, please email [email protected] with your full name, player ID, and the tournament name.
    • Spectator pass orders are non-refundable and are not transferable. The person who ordered the spectator passes will be required to check in with valid documentation in order to pick up the spectator pass order.

Fresno, CA: June 10–11, 2023

  • Registration – OPEN NOW!
  • Team Northwest
  • Location
  • Refund Policy
    • All requests for refunds must be made by June 10, 2023. A $10 service fee applies to all refunds. Refunds will not be processed until June 12, 2023. To request a refund, email [email protected] with your full name and player ID.
    • Spectator pass orders are non-refundable and are not transferable. The person who ordered the spectator passes will be required to check in with valid documentation in order to pick up the spectator pass order.

 

North American Tournament Organizations:

Follow these accounts on Twittter!

 

RK9 Labs

Handles registration and other logistics for most events

Twitter | Website

 

Play Pokémon

Twitter | Website

 

Overload Events

Twitter | Website

 

Team Northwest

Twitter | Website

 

Day 2 Events

Twitter | Website

 

Special Events

 

There are no special events in North America at this time. Please check back here for updates.

 

North American International Championships (NAIC)

 

Columbus, Ohio, USA: June 30–July 2, 2023

 

More information to come soon!

 

Convention Center Map:

Pokemon Go NAIC Columbus Convention Center Map

 

European Pokémon GO Tournaments

 

European Events Map:

 

Pokémon Go Tournament Map Play! Pokémon Championships 2023 - Europe

 

European Regional Events

 

Malmö, Sweden: May 20–21, 2023

  • Registration – OPEN NOW!
    • Spectator's Pass
      • Spectator pass orders are not transferable. The person who ordered the spectator passes will be required to check in with valid documentation in order to pick up the spectator pass order.
  • Tournament Center
  • Location
  • Refund policy:
    • By registering for this event you agree to the following:
      • Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable, and may not be offered for resale.
      • The name on your registration must be the name of the player who will play in the event. Parents registering their child must ensure that all player information is their child's, and not their own.
      • Tickets are not transferrable between formats and tournaments. (For example: if you register for Masters TCG, you can only play in the Masters TCG event.)
      • By completing your registration, you agree to these terms and conditions.

 

European Special Events

 

In addition to the regular events in the Pokémon GO Championship Series schedule such as Regional and International Championships, Pokémon Special Events give Pokémon GO players more chances to qualify for the World Championships. Prizes are often awarded as well, at the discretion of the Tournament Organizer.

 

Torino, Italy: June 3–4, 2023

 

European International Championships (EUIC)

 

EUIC has concluded. See the results here.

 

Watch the stream on demand:

Day 1

Day 2

 

European Tournament Organizations:

 

Play Pokémon

Twitter | Website

 
Tournament Center

Twitter | Website

 

2022 Tournaments

Twitter | Website

 

RK9 Labs

Handles registration and other logistics for most events

Twitter | Website

 

Oceania Pokémon GO Tournaments

 

Oceania Events Map:

 

Pokémon Go Tournament Map Play! Pokémon Championships 2023 - Oceania

 

Oceania Regional Events

 

See completed Events

 

Oceania International Championships (OCIC)

 

OCIC has concluded. See the results here.

 

Oceania Tournament Organizations:

 

RK9 Labs

Handles registration and other logistics for most events.

Twitter | Website

 

Play Pokémon

Twitter | Website

 

ESL Australia

Website | Twitter | Support

 

Latin American Pokémon GO Tournaments

 

Latin American Events Map:

 

Pokémon Go Tournament Map Play! Pokémon Championships 2023 - Latin America

 

Latin American Regional Events

 

Santiago, Chile: June 3–4, 2023

 

Latin American Tournament Organizations:

 

RK9 Labs

Handles registration and other logistics for most events.

Twitter | Website

 

Play Pokémon

Twitter | Website

 

COPAG

Twitter | Website

 

BigBang

Facebook | Website | Support

 

Pokémon World Championships 2023 – Yokohama

 

The Pokémon GO World Championships will take place August 11-13 in Yokohama, Japan!

 

Top Pokémon GO players will win an invite to compete at the 2023 Pokémon World Championships, but anyone is welcome to come witness the excitement of the most competitve event in the Pokémon GO Championship Series.

 

Additionally, the top players will even earn an Invite to Worlds. See Prizes for how invited to World Championships are distributed.

See which trainers are qualified for Worlds here.

 

If you plan to attend Worlds in Yokohama, please plan for international travel appropriately. While this isn't a travel guide, we recommend researching visa requirements, basic language skills, cultural ettiquettes, and laws. Be sure to check on any medications you take, particularly mental health drugs, cannabis, or other substances that may otherwise be legal in the US, but not in Japan – even with a prescription from a doctor these substances are still illegal.

 

 

Pokémon GO Tournament Registration

 

To compete in Regionals, Nationals, or Worlds Play! Pokémon GO competitions, you must register for each individual event. There is a fee, which is usually around $60.00 USD, but may slightly vary from event to event.

 

Once registered, at the event, you’ll want to check in on the Friday before the event starts. You can sometimes check in early (roughly between 7–8 am) on the Saturday the event begins, but not always. We recommend you double check with the tournament organizer to confirm this won’t cause you a penalty or an inability to compete in the tournament.

 

If registering through RK9, you will also need to make an account on their site in addition to a Trainer Club account.

When it's time to register, have your account logged into RK9, and your Pokémon Trainer Club ID Number on hand – you'll need it to be able to complete your registration. You'll also need it when you check-in in person.

 

Be sure to follow all of these accounts on Twitter – AND set notifications! These sources will Tweet any last-minute, important updates you may need to know about.

 

Once checked in, a Pokémon GO tournament volunteer or employee will tape a colored wristband around your wrist. At larger events such as Internationals or Worlds, this may be a badge on a lanyard instead. Try not to lose your wristband or badge and keep it for the full weekend! If it’s lost, you may show proof of registration at the front tables and try to get a replacement. The wristbands/badges are important for going in and out of the tournament halls, and the workers are strict about seeing them upon entry. Don't worry – the wristbands are waterproof and safe to keep on while taking a shower.

 

Pokémon Go Tournaments Registration Guide

 

See the full guide here.

 

Pokémon Trainer Club Account and ID

 

With a Pokémon Trainer Club account, you can manage your pokemon.com profile, play the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online, and much more!

 

*When making an account, it does not matter if you register under “Video Game” or “Trading Card Game;” Pokémon GO tournaments simply do not have an option on the website yet. It only matters when you register for the event that you register for the Pokémon GO format.

 

What you absolutely need to register for events is a Trainer ID. Making the Trainer Club account can help you create one. Go to “Play! Pokémon Settings” and follow the directions to create a 7-digit ID number from there.

 

Here is a step-by-step guide.

 

See our guide by Mikeiff and Pokémon GO caster AlphaFeeb here.

 

Spectator's Passes

 

If you’d like to attend the event, but not compete in the Pokémon GO tournament, you may register for a spectator’s registration pass. You do not need an additional spectators pass if you plan to compete. A Spectator's Pass will grant you access into the event hall during all days and times. Do not wait on these, as they can run out and be in limited supply. Any accompanying children (over the age of 5), friends, family, or guardians who are not competing will need to obtain a spectator’s pass to enter the tournament hall.

 

Children under the age of five do not require a spectator's pass and should be able to enter the venue. However, we recommend checking with both RK9 and your event's organizer to be sure, as it could vary among events.

 

In some cases spectators will be able to check-in on the Saturday of the event if they are not able to make it by Friday. Please check with the tournament organizer to confirm for your particular event.

 

Prize Information

 

Subject to change:

 

Placement 1-24 Players 25-100 Players 101-200 Players 201+ Players
1 $500 $1,000 $2,000 $3,000
2 $250 $500 $1,000 $2,000
3 $– $250 $500 $1,000
4 $– $150 $350 $750
T-5 $– $– $250 $500
T-7 $– $– $150 $350
T-9 $– $– $– $250
T-13 $– $– $– $150

 

 

Additionally, in eligible markets, the top 16 Pokémon GO tournament players will receive Pokémon TCG booster packs, regardless of attendance.

  • 1st–2nd place: 72 booster packs
  • 3rd–4th place: 36 booster packs
  • 5th–8th place: 18 booster packs
  • 9th–16th place: 9 booster packs

 

Travel Awards

 

Additionally, the top players will even earn an invite to the Pokémon World Championships. Worlds invites will be distributed at each qualifier as follows:

 

Placement Regional Championships & Special Events International Championships
1 Worlds Invite + Travel Award Worlds Invite + Travel Award
2 Worlds Invite Worlds Invite + Travel Award
3–4 Worlds Invite

 

 

Pokémon GO players can qualify for travel awards to the Worlds Championships by qualifying for top two in Regional tournaments, and top four of International Tournaments.

 

Players who qualify will receive a flat Travel Award amount prior to the event. Players are fully responsible for booking their own hotel and travel. The amount is based on the age of the recipient, their region of residence, and the region of the event.

 

How to redeem Pokémon GO Tournament travel awards

For travel award and invitation rules specific to the Pokémon GO World Championships or any International Challenge event, please review those specific documents that are linked from the event specific FAQ documents posted at www.pokemon.com.

See Travel Awards rules and how to redeem them here.

 

Pokémon GO International Championships Awards:

 

In order to participate, players must have a Pokémon Trainer Club account; be in good standing with the Play! Pokémon program; and comply with current COVID-19 requirements for large Pokémon events.

 

Travel Awards to the International Championships will be available to TCG and VGC players based on Championship Point performance in their home rating zone—see below for details.

 

Placement 1-100 Players 101-200 Players 201+ Players
1 $1,500 $2,500 $5,000
2 $1,000 $1,500 $2,500
3 $750 $1,000 $1,500
4 $600 $900 $1,250
T-5 $500 $750 $1,000
T-7 $400 $600 $900
T-9 $500 $750
T-13 $400 $600
T-17 $500
T-25 $400

 

 

Additionally, in eligible markets, the top 16 Pokémon GO players will receive Pokémon TCG booster packs, regardless of attendance.

  • 1st–4th place: 72 booster packs
  • 5th–8th place: 36 booster packs
  • 9th–16th place: 18 booster packs

 

International Championships require online registration and usually charge an entry fee, and events may sell out. Please check the Event Locator for details about each event, including information regarding registration.

 

Commonly Asked Questions / FAQ

 

What items should I (not) bring to the conference center?

Food, water bottle, masks, etc. are all allowed into the conference center. However, food and beverages may vary from center to center. We also recommend bringing a jacket, a pen and paper, medications, a phone charger and cord – anything you might need to be out and about all day!

 

When is the deadline to register?

The deadline to register for an event is typically when spots run out. Otherwise, it is usually on the Thursday or Friday before the event starts. Please read the event schedule carefully, as the registration deadline may vary among events.

 

How do I submit my Pokémon GO team?

This is done through the event organization’s registration site. For most events, this will be done through the RK9 website. Make sure to submit your team on time* (Thursday or Friday before the event – *Double check with your Pokémon GO tournament organizer), otherwise you may face a penalty.

 

How long does the event last?

On Saturday the event lasts roughly from 8am–5pm* depending on how long you are able to stay qualified in the competition (*check for specific times on your tournament organizer's schedule page). If you make it to day 2 on Sunday, plan to be in the tournament hall from 8am until about 2–3pm. Again, this always varies on the match lengths, technical issues, logistics, players, etc.

 

What is the difference between a Regional vs. International vs. Special Championship event?

For Pokémon GO, the difference is solely in prizing, and overall pomp and circumstance of the event.

International Championships give more significant prizing and gives Worlds Invites to the top four trainers versus the top two at Regional or Special event, as well as Travel Awards to the top two trainers rather than just the Regional champion, respectively.

All types of Pokémon GO tournaments are currently run under the same two-loss elimation, Open Great League format.

 
Is there a lunch break?

There is no designated time for a lunch break. Depending on the amount of registered players, group pairings may get pauses or not be required to play until the afternoon. Howeverif you are late to your match you will face a penalty or game loss. Our best advice is to eat a big breakfast, and pack some snacks. Chances are, you won't have time to run out and grab lunch. If you have a companion who isn't competing, see if they can help!

 

Can I play on my own phone?

Absolutely not! There will be Android phones provided to play on at designated stations at the conference center. You will be required to login and logout of your account each time you use one of the tournament phones. The judges will show you how to do it before the event begins, and will also be around to assist should any issue arise.

At local Pokémon GO tournament events, this may be allowed though! Check here to find an event near you.

 

Am I allowed to bring headphones or noise blocking headphones during battles? The extra noise makes it hard for me to concentrate!

Yes... kinda. Wireless headphones are not permitted. Headphones that plug directly into the audio jack of the phone used to battle (so not your personal phone) are permitted.

If you need to block noise, old fashioned ear plugs are allowed.

 

Is there a dress code?

Not really! Just dress how you normally would. Some people like to dress up in costumes or take the opportunity to sport their favorite Pokémon gear.

If you want to snag a free, official Play! Pokémon T-shirt, try wearing a shirt with branding, like a sports logo or any unofficial Pokémon clothing. If you get the opportunity to be on stage on the live stream, they will give you one! This is because they legally can't show the brands or unbranded items. Just a fun tip!

 

Why should I compete in a Pokémon GO tournament?

It’s fun!!!! Meet people. See a cool new place. Learn a new experience. Have a BLAST. Hang out with people who get your weird, niche hobby. Help build a new community! Represent your demographic!

 

Who can compete in a Pokémon GO tournament?

Anyone who wasn’t born yesterday and has a GO account!

 

What happens in the venue on Friday if there is no competition?

Most importantly is checking in for registration. Not only may Saturday morning check-in be difficult or at a very early time in the morning, it may not be an option at all. Keep this in mind when booking travel plans.

Additionally, sometimes there may be small side events you can enter to win fun prizes! Check your event's schedule page for specifics.

 

Do I need a Spectator's Pass if I'm competing? As in, do I need to purchase both a Spectator's Pass and a registration to compete?

No, you only need one or the other to be able to enter the venue for both days (even if you don't qualify for day 2 as a competitor). You do not need an additional spectators pass if you plan to compete. Any accompanying children (over the age of 5), friends, family, or guardians who are not competing will need to obtain a spectator’s pass to enter the tournament hall. Competitors under the age of 18 will have a Specatator's pass included with their registration.

 

How do I obtain a refund for my competitor's and/or spectator's pass(es)?

Refund poilicies, and who to contact about them, all vary from event to event. Check your specific Pokémon GO tournament's organizer's website for details, and who to contact for assistance. For some events, refunds are not possible, whereas other events may offer full or partial refunds.

 

Where do I find my Pokémon Trainer Club ID Number?

You can find your PTC ID Number by logging into your PTC account here. Then click "My Play! Pokémon Page" from the menu on the left-hand side. Your Trainer ID will be displayed under your name.

 

Pokémon Trainer Club ID Number Location Screenshot

 

TIP: Print your Player ID Card!

1) Print your card in the small size

2) Cut it out

3) Find a Pokemon TCG card sleeve

4) Insert random Pokemon card, or a cool one!

...Now you have a nice way to carry your Pokemon Trainer ID to tournaments! You'll need it when you check-in.

 

Play! Pokémon Trainer Club ID Card Sleeve Example

 

Completed Pokémon GO Tournaments

 

Knoxville, TN: February 24–26, 2023

  • Day 2 Events
  • Landing Page
  • Location
  • Refund Policy:
    • Refunds must be requested by 11:59 pm CST on Friday Febuary 17, 2023.
    • All refunds will be less a 30% processing fee.
    • Refunds will not be honored after the deadline, no exceptions.
    • Spectator pass orders and VIP packages are non-refundable and non-transferable between players and/or Pokémon GO tournaments.
    • To request a refund, please file a support ticket with your full information at support.rk9labs.com

Bochum, Germany: February 25–26, 2023

Perth, Australia: March 4–5, 2023

Vancouver, Canada: March 10–12, 2023

Natal, Brazil: March 11–12, 2023

  • COPAG
  • Landing Page
  • Location
  • Refund Policy:
    • All non-COVID-19 related refund requests must be received by 23:59 UTC-3 on March 10, 2023. After March 10th, only COVID-19 related refund requests will be honored. If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to the Pokémon GO tournament and are unable to enter the venue, please send an email to [email protected] along with your medical report to obtain a refund.

Utrecht, Netherlands: March 18–19, 2023

Charlotte, NC: March 24–26, 2023

Fort Wayne, IN: March 31–April 2, 2023

Sydney, Australia: April 1–2, 2023

London, United Kingdom: April 14–16, 2023

Portland, OR: May 5–7, 2023

  • Registration
    • Spectator's pass
      • Spectator pass orders are non-refundable and are not transferable. The person who ordered the spectator passes will be required to check in with valid documentation in order to pick up the spectator pass order.
  • Team Northwest
  • Landing Page
  • Location
  • Refund Policy
    • All requests for refunds must be made by March 11, 2023. A $5 service fee applies to all refunds. Refunds will not be processed until March 13, 2023. To request a refund, email [email protected] with your full name and player ID.

São Paulo, Brazil: May 6–7, 2023

  • Registration
  • COPAG
  • Location
  • Refund policy
    • English: All non-COVID-19 related refund requests must be received by 23:59 UTC-3 on May 5, 2023. After May 5, only COVID-19 related refund requests will be honored. If you tested positive for COVID-19 in the 14 days prior to the tournament and are unable to enter the venue, please send an email to [email protected] along with your medical report to obtain a refund.
    • Portugese: Todas as solicitações de reembolso não relacionadas ao COVID-19 devem ser recebidas até às 23h59 UTC-3 de 5 de maio de 2023. Após o dia 5 de maio, só serão atendidos pedidos de reembolso relacionados a COVID-19. Se você testou positivo para COVID-19 nos 14 dias anteriores ao torneio e não puder entrar no local, envie um e-mail para [email protected] junto com o laudo médico para obter um reembolso.