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The Pokemon Company International has announced additional details about the 2011 Pokemon Video Game Championship Series.
Pokemon Trainers will descend on Pokemon Video Game Championship Series’ locations across Europe from June 4 and the United States from May 14 to battle in head-to-head competition with one goal in mind – securing a place to at the 2011 Pokemon World Championships August 12-14 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 US will receive travel allowances, special medals and Pokemon prizes.
“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)
– 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 games, and can only use Pokemon from the Unova Pokedex to battle (from No. 001-148, and No.151).
2011 Pokemon Video Game National Championships: European Dates and Locations:
June 4, Birmingham, United Kingdom – National Exhibition Centre, Hall 8
June 11, Rome, Italy – Fiera Roma, Hall 12, Ingresso Nord
June 18, Madrid, Spain – IFEMA, Hall 1, Feria de Madrid
June 25, Paris, France – Espace Grande Arche, Parvis de La Defense
July 2, Cologne, Germany – EXPO XXI Köln GmbH, Gladbacher Wall 5
More information can be found on the Pokemon website.
