Pokémon Regional Championships: Traveling with Pokémon TCG in 2024
Nick Matthaiou - 11 August 2023
2023-24 is an exciting season for the Black Flame Collectibles Pokémon Competitive Team. Over the past few months, our team has visited several countries. As BFC, we have participated in the recent Pokémon Regional Championships in Gdansk (Poland), Stuttgart (Germany) and Liverpool (United Kingdom).
And more trips are being planned. The goal, of course, is to be at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in Honolulu, Hawaii!
In other words: We have made Pokemon TCG a way of life! Based on the experience we have gained over the past few years at the regional championships, we decided to write a blog post about it.
In this post, we will share our insights on the events themselves and the competitive scene in Europe, but also answer the following question: How does it feel to be traveling for Pokemon TCG in 2024? Let’s start with some basics:
What is a Pokemon Regional Championship?
A Pokémon Regional Championship is a large-scale, official event where Pokémon Trading Card Game players compete for prizes and recognition. These tournaments are organized and sanctioned by The Pokémon Company and attract players of all skill levels from around the world. Based on our latest experience, let’s get deeper into this type of championship.
Pokemon Regional Championship: Structure
The structure of the Pokemon Regional Championships is similar to the League Cups in which players participated in their regions. However, there are a few differences. First of all, in most cases, hundreds of players participate in a Regional Championship. At the last Regional Championship in Liverpool, for example, the Black Flame team was part of 1518 (!) participants.
For this reason, Regional Championships usually have a second day for players who have collected more than 19 points on day 1 (6/2/1 or better). 5 or 6 more rounds, based on the number of participants, are played on day 2 before the top cut is made.
Pokemon Regional Championship: Prizes
It is clear that it is not easy to do well in such a big tournament. Players who advance to Day 2 will have to play 14 or 15 1v1 matches in two days! As a long and extremely challenging tournament, a Pokemon Regional Championship naturally offers some of the best rewards for the best players.
Reaching the top32 automatically earns you $1000 and a booster box, and the better the position from there, the better the rewards. The winner of the event receives three booster boxes and $10000!
On the Way to the Pokémon World Championship
Even if the rewards analyzed above are more than just a reason to participate in a regional championship, they are not the only ones. In fact, many players from all over the world participate in such events for another reason: championship points.
Regionals are one of the best ways to collect points that will help you qualify for the Pokemon World Championship!
Pokemon Regional Championships transcend being mere tournaments; they are vibrant gatherings of competitive Pokemon enthusiasts. Beyond the main event, attendees engage in vending, trading, and socializing, fostering a sense of community.
These 2-day spectacles include side events, streams, and activities not only around the TCG, but also for Pokemon video games fans and Pokemon Go players. Whether competing or spectating, participants get to experience an electrifying atmosphere, making lasting memories and connections.
MAYBE A PHOTO OR TWO WITH POPULAR PLAYERS
With that said, hearing people who have actually made these trips multiple times is the best way to answer this question. Let’s see what our team members have to say about Pokemon Regional Championships:
Q: Why is a Pokemon Regional Championship more than just an event?
A: Well, I think the reason why Pokemon Regional Championships are more than just an event, is because they overtly provide a place for fans and players to come together and engage in various aspects beyond just the competitive matches. It's a social gathering where individuals with a shared interest in Pokemon can connect, make friends, and build communities. Additionally, it's an opportunity for vendors to showcase and sell Pokemon merchandise, including trading cards, which fosters a marketplace for collectors to buy, sell, and trade cards, contributing to the vibrant trading card game culture within the Pokemon community.
Kostas Tektonidis, BFC Pokemon Competitive Team Member.
George, the inspirer behind the Black Flame Collectibles competitive teams has to add:
You write your part HERE George
It becomes evident that, even if eliminated early, a Regional Championship weekend remains bustling with excitement and opportunities to participate. And that’s not all. What we like best about Pokemon TCG is that we get to do something that inspires us: travel around the world!
Traveling with Pokemon TCG in 2024: Play, Explore, Repeat
Why is a Pokemon Regional Championship More than Just an Event?
MAYBE A PHOTO OR TWO WITH THE VENUES AND THE CITIES WE EXPLORED THIS YEAR (PHOTOS OF THE TEAM)
In the 2023/24 season, the Pokemon team of Black Flame Collectibles has already participated in 3 regional championships. Our goal is to participate in at least two more regional championships and several league cups. And, why not, make it to the World Finals!
During a season, players from around the world have the opportunity to explore cities, mingle with different cultures and ultimately capture the essence of travel for a trading card game!
So, there’s only one question left to be asked: What does it feel like exploring Europe with Pokemon TCG?
Let’s have a look at what our team members believe:
“Ok, let’s see. Exploring Europe for Pokemon TCG feels like an exhilarating experience If you are a fan of the game. You get the opportunity to participate in tournaments and events in various cities and countries, each with its unique gaming culture and community. Traveling through Europe to attend these events allows players to meet new people, exchange cards with others from different regions, and immerse themselves in diverse playing styles and strategies. Overtall, I could say with confidence it's a thrilling adventure that combines the excitement of travel with the passion for Pokemon TCG.”
Kostas Tektonidis, BFC Pokemon Competitive Team Member.
You write the second answer here George
Wrap Up
The 2023-24 season has been a blast for the Black Flame Collectibles Pokémon Competitive Team. From Poland to the UK, we've immersed ourselves in the competitive scene, aiming for the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in Hawaii.
Regional Championships offer not only prizes but also a vibrant community experience, where players connect, trade, and share their love for Pokémon TCG. Our journey has been about more than just competition—it's been a chance to explore new cities, cultures, and playstyles.
Through it all, one thing remains clear: traveling with Pokémon TCG is an adventure that combines the thrill of competition with the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts. As we continue our journey, we look forward to the next chapter of exploration and excitement. STAY TUNED!
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