For many children of the ’90s and early 2000s, Pokémon represents a nostalgic throwback to trading cards or watching the animated show on TV.
For a handful of players of all ages, the Pokémon games represent a more competitive endeavor. This weekend, Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center will host the Pokémon Regional Championships, featuring 4,500 competitors from across the country and an estimated 1,500 spectators.
Fans of the game and curious onlookers can watch battles in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and Pokémon GO. At the family-friendly event, players will compete for the title of Pokémon Regional Championship while earning championship points and a portion of over $130,000 in prizes, scholarships and gift cards.
“We’re celebrating 30 years of Pokémon. We’ve got kids competing who are still early on in grade school, all the way to adults still playing. You can see the lasting appeal that it’s had across generations,” said Nick Salazar, a spokesman for The Pokémon Company International. “This event is geared toward our competitive players as well as spectators, loved ones and fans of the game who want to come watch these folks compete.”
The Pokémon Regional Championships are in Orlando April 3-5 at the Orange County Convention Center with thousands of competitors. (Eric Thayer/Courtesy The Pokémon Company International)
Top players will have a chance to attend the Pokémon North America International Championships in June, the final stop before the 2026 World Championships in San Francisco this August. The competitive atmosphere makes for an exciting atmosphere for spectators as well.
“You hear the joy and vigor of the crowd erupt during a big play,” Salazar said.
Non-competitors can participate in side events to rack up points throughout the weekend, which can be traded for tickets and items at the prize wall. The event also features plenty of Pokémon merchandise and vendors.
The Pokémon Regional Championships are in Orlando April 3-5 at the Orange County Convention Center with thousands of competitors. (Eric Thayer/Courtesy The Pokémon Company International)
“There’s always some kid that’s been playing all weekend to get those points, cleaning everybody up in those side events. You always see them dragging around some giant Snorlax or Pikachu plush,” Salazar said. “There’s a lot going on this weekend for all fans of Pokémon, regardless of what you choose to take a look at.”
Those new to the world of playing Pokémon have opportunities to learn how to play the game better.
“If you are interested in learning how to play TCG, you can spend time with one of our ‘professors’ to learn the first steps,” Salazar said. “An expert can sit down with you to teach you the ropes.”
The Pokémon Regional Championships are in Orlando April 3-5 at the Orange County Convention Center with thousands of competitors. (Courtesy The Pokémon Company International)
Three decades into the world of Pokémon, the game has a lasting appeal that has spanned generations.
“I like to see parents who pass down their decks and get their kids into playing or show them the video games,” Salazar said. “We’re really happy to see people are so enamored with it even 30 years later, and it just continues to get bigger.”
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
If you go
The 2026 Pokémon Orlando Regional Championships has doors open from noon-7 p.m. April 3, from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. (estimated) April 4 and from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (estimated) April 5 at 9800 International Drive in Orlando. Spectator passes are $20 each. The competition will also stream on Twitch and YouTube for those who can’t make it in person. More information: championships.pokemon.com