Championship Series

The 2008-2009 Pokémon Championship Series events begin in September 2008 with Battle Road Autumn, followed by City Championships, State/Province/Territory Championships, Regional Championships, Battle Road Spring and National Championships, all leading up to the 2009 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 TCG 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.

2008-2009 Pokémon Events Schedule:

Prerelease Tournaments

Prereleases are held quarterly with more than 400 total events planned for the 2008–2009 POP season. Players get a sneak peek of the latest expansion before it is released.


Battle Road Autumn

Battle Road Autumn Dates: North America: September-October 2008
           International: September-October 2008
K-Value:4
The Battle Road series is designed to provide players with small, entry-level events on a local scale. These events are a great way to get your feet wet in the world of Premier Events.

City Championships

City Championships Dates: November 2008–January 2009
K-Value: 16
A step up from the Battle Road series, these championship-level events are spread out in different cities around the world. Cool prizes are awarded to the top finishers. City Championships take place in hundreds of cities across North America.

State/Province/Territory Championships

State/Province/Territory Championships Championships Dates: North America: March 14 & 21, 2009
           International: March 2009
K-Value: 32
The first of the big Premier Events, this championship series allows players to test their mettle against the best players in their state, province, or territory. Prizes include trophies, booster packs, and other cool Pokémon-themed items. Winners in some markets receive a Travel Allowance to their National Championships.

Regional Championships

Regional Championships Date: April 18, 2009
K-Value: 32
These events divide up the U.S. and Canada into large regions. Winners will receive scholarships worth up to $1,500 and a Travel Award to their 2009 National Championships.

Special International Premier Events

Pokémon Organized Play Dates: November 2008–April 2009
K-Value: Varies by event
These events allow international Tournament Organizers to add something more to high-level events held throughout the year. Special International Premier Events are recognized by Pokémon Organized Play for the high level of competition at the event by incorporating those events into the Premier Rating system.

Battle Road Spring

Battle Road Spring Dates: North America: May–June 2009            International: April 2009
K-Value: 4
The Battle Road series is designed to provide players with small, entry-level events on a local scale. These events are a great way to get your feet wet in the world of Premier Events.

National Championships

National Championships Dates: North America: June 2009
           International: April–June 2009
K-Value: 32
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 2009 World Championships.

Last Chance Qualifier

Pokémon Organized Play Date: August 13, 2009
K-Value: N/A

This event provides players with a final opportunity to gain an invitation to the 2009 World Championships. Beyond the predetermined number of invitations, additional invites may be added to account for unclaimed invites earned via National Championships or Premier Ratings.

The Last Chance Qualifier will be held at the same location as the 2009 World Championships.

World Championships

World Championships Dates: August 14 & 15, 2009
K-Value: N/A
THE Premier Event of the year! Only players who receive invitations via their National Championships, Premier Rating, or performance at the 2008 World Championships are permitted to play in this event. Additionally, top-ranked players in the Last Chance Qualifier will receive an invitation to participate in the 2009 World Championships. 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.

The Pokémon TCG World Championships will be held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, located at 1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, California 92101.

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