Three cities will host the 2016 Pokémon Trading Card Game and Video Game European National Championships:

·         14–15 May: Liverpool, UK (Exhibition Centre Liverpool)
·         21–22 May: Kassel, Germany (Kongress Palais Kassel)
·         11–12 June: Milan, Italy (Mediolanum Forum, Assago MI)

As the most vibrant, diverse and committed fans travel from all parts of Europe to battle their way to become the very best, an all-new category has been added for 2016. Pokkén Tournament will be featured in the championships for the first time, giving challengers an extra chance to gain entry to the 2016 Pokémon World Championships.

The top Pokémon Trainers from Europe will be invited to play at the World Championships in San Francisco, California, on 19–21 August. The very best European competitors will also earn Travel Awards to cover the cost of flights and accommodations.

The Pokkén Tournament Championship Series will include events across Europe, and the top players will earn an invitation to the Pokkén Tournament World Championships, part of the Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco.

Players entering the Pokkén Tournament Championship Series at the UK National Championships will compete in two age divisions.

Pokkén Tournament Championship Series trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nQKSk9HyDE

Players in France will also have the chance to compete in a Pokémon TCG National Championships tournament that will take place 14–15 May in Verberie, France.

For rules on the new Pokémon video game tournament format, age divisions and more, please visit:www.pokemon.com/uk/play-pokemon/about/tournaments-rules-and-resources/ .

For the full list of finalised Nationals events, check www.pokemon.com/uk/play-pokemon/

For more information on all the activity that will be happening in relation to the Pokémon 20th celebration, please visit: www.pokemon.co.uk/20 .

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About Pokémon

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit  Pokemon.co.uk.