The official Pokémon website has announced the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield 2020 International Challenge May Online Competition. Those that participate can get a Ball Guy T-shirt for your character. Our 8th Generation Online Competitions page has been updated with these details.

2020 International Challenge May Online Competition

Information
Region: International Registration Period: Wednesday, May 13th, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. PDT until Thursday, May 21st, 2020, at 4:59 p.m. PDT Tournament Period: Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. PDT until Sunday, May 24, 2020, at 4:59 p.m. PDT/. Ranking Results Announcement: June 2020 Compatible Games: Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Battle Type: Official Double Battle Format Banned Pokémon: Only Pokémon obtained in the Galar region will be eligible to compete Entry Gift: In-game Trainer clothing: a Casual Tee (Ultra Ball Guy)

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield 2020 International Challenge May Online Competition

Put your skills to the test and earn an in-game item by taking on players from all over the world using the official battle format.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield players can challenge Trainers from around the world in the 2020 International Challenge May. This competition, which runs from Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. PDT until Sunday, May 24, 2020, at 4:59 p.m. PDT, will use the same rules and regulations as the current Championship Series format.

By completing at least one battle in the 2020 International Challenge May, you will earn a cool piece of in-game Trainer clothing: a Casual Tee (Ultra Ball Guy). Yes indeed, you can deck your Trainer out in a shirt depicting everyone's favorite distributor of Poké Balls!

Additionally, the top Masters Division players in each rating zone during this competition will qualify for the Pokémon Players Cup.

The sign-up period will last from Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. PDT until Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 4:59 p.m. PDT. Remember that entry into the competition is not allowed once the competition has started, so be sure to sign up before the event begins.

To register for the competition, just follow these steps:

1. Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Enter the VS menu.
3. Select Battle Stadium.
4. Select Online Competitions.
5. Select Search Official Competitions.

You will be able to redeem your in-game gift once rankings are announced. To claim your in-game gift, remember to complete at least one battle in the 2020 International Challenge May, then follow these steps:

1. Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Select Mystery Gift.
3. Select Get Battle Stadium Rewards.

Like in all Video Game Championships tournaments, battles in the International Challenge May will use the Double Battle format. However, only Pokémon obtained in the Galar region will be eligible to compete.

Please be aware that unlike live competitions, there are only two divisions in this online competition: Juniors and Masters. Players born January 1, 2005, or later are in the Juniors division while players born December 31, 2004, or earlier are in the Masters division.

Also, players may receive penalties and be restricted from participating in future online events if there are a significantly large number of disconnects during battle, starting from when your opponent has been decided until match results have been fully sent to the server. Please ensure a stable connection environment when connecting to the internet.

Make sure to try your luck in this Online Competition and see how you stack up internationally. Good luck, Trainers!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield-2020-international-challenge-may-online-competition/