2011 Pokemon Video Game Championships Details Accounced

On the heels of the record-breaking and critically acclaimed release of Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version video games for systems in the Nintendo DS family, The Pokemon Company International today announced additional details about the highly anticipated 2011 Pokemon Video Game Championship Series featuring the blockbuster new titles. Pokemon Trainers will descend on Pokemon Video Game Championship Series’ locations across Europe from June 4th and the United States from May 14th to battle in intense head-to-head competition with one goal in mind—securing a place to at the 2011 Pokemon World Championships August 12th–14th in San Diego, California.

The 2011 Pokemon Video Game National Championships kicks off in Europe on June 4 in Birmingham, UK before heading to Italy for the first time ever, Spain, France and finally Germany. The top eight finalists in each division from each of the five European locations will earn guaranteed competitor slots at the 2011 Pokemon World Championships. In addition to invitations to the World Championships in San Diego, top finishers in Europe and in the U.S. will receive travel allowances, special medals and Pokemon prizes.

The 2011 Pokemon Video Game Championship Series kicks off in the U.S. on May 14th in Seattle, Washington, before making five more stops in major cities across the country. At each location, the top 16 players from each division will earn invitations to compete at the 2011 Pokemon U.S. National Championships July 8th-10th in Indianapolis, Indiana. Players at the National Championships will battle to secure a top eight finish over the weekend, and in return, receive a guaranteed competitor slot at the 2011 Pokemon World Championships.

“We’re looking forward to a fun, competitive Pokemon Video Game Championships Series this year,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokemon Company International. “The excitement generated from the recent launch of the Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version video games will make for a memorable and intriguing tournament season.”

For Europe, 2011 brings an increase in the overall number of competitor slots, along with a new age division and revised age brackets. The divisions now separate into three age categories: Junior (players born in 2000 or later), Senior (players born in 1996, 1997, 1998, or 1999), and Masters (players born in 1995 or earlier). Competitor slots have been increased this year to 256 for the Junior division, 256 for the Senior division, and 512 for the Masters division. All are based on a first come, first served basis. Players competing in Europe will need to play the European versions of Pokemon Black Version or Pokemon White Version video games, and can only use Pokemon from the Unova Pokédex to battle (from No. 001–148, and No.151).

2011 Pokemon Video Game National Championships: European Dates and Locations:
June 4th, Birmingham, United Kingdom— National Exhibition Centre, Hall 8
June 11th, Rome, Italy— Fiera Roma, Hall 12, Ingresso Nord
June 18th, Madrid, Spain— IFEMA, Hall 1, Feria de Madrid
June 25th, Paris, France— Espace Grande Arche, Parvis de La Défense
July 2 nd , Cologne, Germany— EXPO XXI Köln GmbH, Gladbacher Wall 5

At all European National locations, Junior and Senior Division lines open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 8:30 a.m. The Masters Division line opens at 12:30 p.m. and closes at 1:00 p.m .

2011 Pokemon Video Game Championship Series: U.S. Dates and Locations:
May 14th, Seattle, WA— Washington State Convention Center, Hall 4B
May 21st, San Jose, CA — San Jose Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 2
May 28th, Dallas, TX— Arlington Convention Center, Grand Hall
June 4th, Atlanta, GA— Gwinnett Center, Hall A and B
June 11th, Washington, D.C.— Dulles Expo Center, South Hall
June 18th, Newark, NJ— Meadowlands Exposition Center

2011 Pokemon World Championships:
August 12th–14th, San Diego, CA*— Hilton San Diego Bayfront
*Last Chance Qualifier for the 2011 Pokemon World Championships will be held August 12th at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

For more information about the Pokemon Video Game Championship Series, including rules, tournament locations, dates and times, prizes, and more please visit: http://www.pokemonvgc.com/uk