The official Pokémon website has announced new details about the 2016 Pokémon World Championships. Players from all over the globe will head to San Francisco on August 19th to 21st, 2016, to try to become the next Pokémon TCG or Video Game World Champion! The three-day event will take place at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel. The Pokémon World Championships is an invitation-only competition for players who have qualified throughout the 2016 Championship Series season, but there will be fun side events and other opportunities for everyone who attends!


Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/worlds/2016/about/

From November 7th, 2015 until December 6th, 2015, all Pokémon Center, Pokémon Stores and the Hokuriku Oyabe Pokémon Store Outlet will be distributing an alternate-colored Bangiras that matches the one that Kotone Yasue used to become the Junior Division Pokémon World Champion. It will be distributed to players of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.


According to the official Pokémon website, Kotone Yasue's Bangiras knew the Moves: Crunch, Rock Slide, Low Kick and Protect. Its Nature was Adamant, it was holding a Life Orb and its Ability was Sand Stream.

Sources: http://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/worlds/2015/teams/juniors/#team-kotone-yasue-japan-world-champion and http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2015/10/151030_p01.html

The World Finals for the TCG and Video Games championships were held on August 23rd, 2015 in Boston, MA, United States. Players from around the world competed at the tournament.

2015 Pokémon World Champions

Masters TCG Champion: Jacob Van Wagner (USA)
Senior TCG Champion: Patrick Martinez (USA)
Junior TCG Champion: Rowan Stavenow (Canada)


Masters VG Champion: Shoma Honami (Japan)
Senior VG Champion: Mark McQuillan (Great Britain)
Junior VG Champion: Kotone Yasue (Japan)

Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/meet-the-2015-pokemon-world-champions/

Boston Police Department Thwarts Two Armed Suspects

The Boston Police Department arrested 2 suspects, 18 year old Kevin Norton and 27 year old James Stumbo from Iowa, United States for unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and other firearm related offenses. The FBI is assisting the police department with the investigation of this matter.

The Pokemon Company said they were made aware of the threats which were posted on social media.

"Prior to the event this weekend, our community of players made us aware of a security issue. We gathered information and gave it as soon as possible to the authorities at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center who acted swiftly and spearheaded communication with the Boston Police Department. Due to quick action, the potential threat was resolved. The Pokémon Company International takes the safety of our fans seriously and will continue to ensure proper security measures are a priority."

Source: http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/29860467/2-men-arrested-with-several-guns-near-pokemon-world-championship

Update September 1st, 2015:

The two men will be held without bail for at least four months as they await trial.

2016 Pokémon World Championships - San Francisco

During the closing ceremonies, it was announced that the 2016 Pokémon World Championships will be held in San Francisco, CA, United States.


Source: https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/635540662088171520

At the Opening Ceremonies of the 2015 Pokémon World Championships, it was announced that Pokkén Tournament would be released on the Nintendo Wii U in the Spring of 2016.

Pokkén Tournament Battles Its Way onto Wii U

Arcade Hit Comes to Nintendo’s Wii U in Spring 2016 - The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo today announced the upcoming release of Pokkén Tournament for Nintendo’s Wii U. Currently an arcade game available only in Japan, Pokkén Tournament for Wii U will be released worldwide in spring 2016.

Developed in collaboration with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., producers of TEKKEN®, one of the most successful fighting-game franchises in history, Pokkén Tournament brings Pokémon to life in a way never before seen, where Pokémon in battle move in direct response to the player’s actions. The intuitive controls make this fighting game accessible to players of all skill levels, and the stunning visuals emphasise the size and power of each Pokémon.

“Pokkén Tournament combines the best elements of a traditional fighting game with an authentic Pokémon experience,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “Fans will be thrilled to see their favourite Pokémon battle in a whole new way.”

YouTube Trailer

The Pokémon Company International announced some finalized details for the 2015 Pokémon World Championships including a Sharpedo distribution for players of Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

Pikachu Welcomes Players to Boston for the 2015 Pokémon World Championships!

All the Action Will Be Live Streamed via Twitch and Pokemon.com August 11, 2015— Boston is hosting the 2015 Pokémon World Championships! From August 21–23, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center will be home to hundreds of the world’s best Pokémon Trading Card Game and video game players from more than 30 countries, all competing for the title of Pokémon World Champion.

The final Championship Point totals have been counted for the 2015 Play! Pokémon season and the fields for the 2015 Pokémon TCG and Video Game World Championships have been set.

Click the links below to see who has earned an invitation to the 2015 Pokémon World Championships.
http://www.pokemon.co.uk/play-pokemon/worlds/2015/info/tcg-invitees
http://www.pokemon.co.uk/play-pokemon/worlds/2015/info/vg-invitees

We invite everyone to watch the action via live stream at www.Pokemon.com/Worlds or www.Twitch.tv/Pokemon . Beginning Friday, August 21, at 14:00 BST, those tuning in will catch the Pokémon World Championships Opening Ceremony and a full day of world-class Pokémon video game and Pokémon TCG matches. On Sunday, August 23, the TCG Championships final matches will begin at 14:00 BST, immediately followed by the Video Game Championships finals.

Players will be vying for a share of more than half a million dollars in scholarship awards, more than four times the amount awarded in 2014. Each Pokémon Video Game World Champion will win a $10,000 scholarship, and each Pokémon TCG World Champion will win a $25,000 scholarship.

Get Sharpedo at Worlds!

An awesome Sharpedo holding its Mega Stone will be available for attendees of the 2015 Pokémon World Championships!

Players attending the 2015 Pokémon World Championships can receive a special Sharpedo as a gift! Be sure to bring your Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire game to the 2015 Pokémon World Championships so you can get an awesome Sharpedo! This Lv. 50 Sharpedo comes holding the Sharpedonite Mega Stone, allowing it to Mega Evolve during battle. When it does, Mega Sharpedo’s Ability becomes Strong Jaw, boosting the power of bite moves such as Crunch and Ice Fang—two moves this Pokémon already knows! Mega-Evolved Pokémon are sure to be the talk of the Pokémon Video Game World Championships, so don’t miss your chance to add Mega Sharpedo to your collection.

Look for signs at the Pokémon World Championships for distribution times and instructions.

Sharpedo
Level: 50
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Speed Boost / Strong Jaw
Item: Sharpedonite
Moves: Aqua Jet; Crunch; Ice Fang; Destiny Bond
Poké Ball: Cherish Ball
Ribbon: Event Ribbon

Source: http://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/worlds/2015/sharpedo/

The official Pokémon website has announced a new huge side event that takes place from August 21st, 2015 until August 23rd, 2015 alongside the 2015 Pokémon World Championships festivities. The World Championships streaming has also been announced. Full details are below.

Press Release - Compete in the Boston Open!

Lots of Championship Points are at stake in the Boston Open during World Championships Weekend!

Come play in the Boston Open, a huge side event for Pokémon TCG and video game players starting Saturday, August 22, alongside the 2015 Pokémon World Championships! A lot is on the line, with top players earning Championship Points toward an invitation to the 2016 Pokémon World Championships. Top finishers will also earn Pokémon TCG booster packs.

The competition is played with the Standard format for both Pokémon TCG and video game players. Note that the Pokémon TCG competition will use the 2015 Play! Pokémon season rotation. Competitors will be grouped into four flights, each with up to 128 Masters, 64 Senior, and 64 Junior Division players. Top players from each flight will combine to play in single-elimination rounds on Sunday morning. The Championship Points distribution will be the same as a Regional Championships event, and will count toward the Regionals Best Finish Limit.

Anyone can play in the Boston Open, but demand will be high and space is limited. Players must register on site to participate in the competition. Registration will be available from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Saturday for the video game event, and 7–8 p.m. Friday and 8:30–9 a.m. Saturday for the TCG event.

Live Streaming Schedule

Friday, August 21st, 2015
9:00 a.m. EDT - Opening Ceremony
9:30 a.m. EDT - 3:00 p.m. EDT - Pokémon Video Game Streaming
3:00 p.m. EDT - Finish - Pokémon TCG Streaming

Saturday, August 22nd, 2015
9:00 a.m. EDT - 12:00 p.m. EDT - Pokémon TCG Streaming
12:00 p.m. EDT - 6:00 p.m. EDT - Pokémon Video Game Streaming
6:00 p.m. EDT - Finish - Pokémon TCG Streaming

Sunday, August 23rd, 2015
9:00 a.m. EDT - 3:00 p.m. EDT - Pokémon TCG Finals (Junior, Senior, and Masters Division)

Sources: http://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/worlds/2015/boston-open/ and http://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/worlds/2015/live-streaming-schedule/

The official Japanese website has announced that the Pokémon World Championships Japan Representative Decision Tournament (ポケモンワールドチャンピオンシップス 日本代表決定大会) will be broadcast live on NicoNico on June 14th, 2015 from 12:50 until 16:30 JST. Winners will represent Japan at the Pokémon World Championships which take place in Boston, Massachusetts on August 21st, 2015 until August 23rd, 2015.

Broadcast Times

Junior Finals: 13:00 until 13:15 JST
Seniors Finals: 15:20 until 15:35 JST
Masters Finals: 15:50 until 16:05 JST
Awards Ceremony: 16:10 until 16:25 JST

Sources: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2015/06/150605_gm01.html and http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv223482680

A new online tournament for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire has been announced. Details have been added to our 6th Generation online tournament page.

2015 International Challenge June (2015 インターナショナルチャレンジ June)

Information
Region: International Registration Period: Thursday, June 18, 2015, at 00:00 UTC through Thursday, June 25, 2015, at 23:59 UTC Tournament Period: Friday, June 26, 2015, at 00:00 UTC through Sunday, June 28, 2015, at 23:59 UTC Max number of participants: 50 000 Ranking Results Announcement: Mid July 2015 Player divisions: Junior/Senior Division: Born 2000 or later Masters Division: Born 1999 or earlier Compatible Games: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Battle Type: Double Battle Banned Pokémon: Players could use Pokémon with National Pokédex numbers 1 through 719, except for: Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, and Diancie. Players could only use Pokémon found, caught, hatched from an Egg, or received through a special promotion in Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon X, or Pokémon Y. Pokémon brought over from Pokémon Black, Pokémon White, Pokémon Black 2, or Pokémon White 2 via Poké Transporter could not participate in this competition. Extra Rules:Players could not register two or more of the same Pokémon. Players could not have two or more of the same item. The item Soul Dew was not allowed. Entry Gift: The top 256 players in each age division received Championship Points.
Description
The 2015 International Challenge June Online Competition featured Trainers from around the world competing in Double Battles using nearly every known Pokémon. Pokémon acquired in Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire were permitted in the competition and the top players in each age division (based on Play! Pokémon regulations) received Championship Points, which contribute toward the chances of earning an invitation to the Pokémon World Championships. Players must have opted into the Play! Pokémon program and had a Player ID at the time the competition to be eligible for Championship Points. The competition used the Double Battle format and players could register 4 to 6 of their level 1–100 Pokémon to their Battle Box. Pokémon automatically became Level 50 during battles. A 15-minute time limit for each match was automatically enforced in-game, beginning at the start of each battle. If the outcome had not been determined when the time limit expired, the game automatically applied tiebreakers to determine a winner. At the beginning of each battle, players had 90 seconds to select their Pokémon to battle with. At the beginning of each turn, players had 45 seconds to select a move or change Pokémon in battle. If a player had not made his or her selections at the end of this period, the game automatically made selections for the player. Players could battle up to 10 games per day of the competition. Any unplayed games would carry over to the following day.

Source: http://3ds.pokemon-gl.com/information/29a1fc10-8de2-441a-8f48-1c4c32d9428f

As a preliminary competition for the Pokémon World Championships 2015 being held Friday, August 21, through Sunday, August 23, 2015, at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts, the Japan Cup 2015 (ジャパンカップ2015) will be held for ORAS players in Japan. The top 32 players from the Junior/Senior and the top 31 in the Masters categories get a berth in the Pokémon World Championships Japan Representative Decision Tournament (ポケモンワールドチャンピオンシップス 日本代表決定大会) to be held on Sunday June 14th, 2015. 1 extra Masters slot is available but is being saved for another tournament which will be announced at a later time. Details of this tournament have been added to our 6th Generation Online Competition page.

Japan Cup 2015 (ジャパンカップ2015)

Information
Region: Japan Registration Period: April 17th, 2015 at 14:00 until May 1st, 2015 at 8:59 Tournament Period: May 1st, 2015 at 9:00 until May 5th, 2015 at 22：59 Max number of participants: 50 000 Player divisions: Junior Division: Born in 2004 or later Senior Division: Born in 2000 to 2003 Masters Division: Born in 1999 or earlier. Compatible Games: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Battle Type: Double Battle Banned Pokémon: All Pokémon not caught or hatched in XY or ORAS, as well as Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, and Diancie. Entry Gift: None
Description
The competition used the Double Battle format and players could register 4 to 6 of their level 1–100 Pokémon to their Battle Box. Pokémon automatically became Level 50 during battles. A 15-minute time limit for each match was automatically enforced in-game, beginning at the start of each battle. If the outcome had not been determined when the time limit expired, the game automatically applied tiebreakers to determine a winner. At the beginning of each battle, players had 90 seconds to select their Pokémon to battle with. At the beginning of each turn, players had 45 seconds to select a move or change Pokémon in battle. If a player had not made his or her selections at the end of this period, the game automatically made selections for the player. Players could only play 10 rounds per day.

Source: http://3ds.pokemon-gl.com/information/a1729b5a-630e-44b4-a3f4-1ae2196ba335

Players of the Korean versions of Pocket Monsters X and Y will be able to receive Se Jun Park's Pachirisu which he used to help him claim the title as the 2014 Pokémon Video Game World Champion. It will be distributed on Saturday November 15th, 2014 and Sunday, November 16th, 2014 from 10:00 to 18:00 both days at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Seoul, South Korea (서울 동대문 디자인 플라자 알림2관). The Pachirisu will be level 50, have the OT Se Jun Park (박세준), will know the moves Nuzzle, Super Fang, Follow Me and Protect, have the Volt Absorb Ability and will be holding a Sitrus Berry.


The distribution is part of the Pokémon Champions Day festivities which is highlighted with appearances by Junichi Masuda and Shigeru Ohmori on November 16th, 2014.


Sources: http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/?inc=news-news_view&IDX=10294, http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/?inc=news-news_view&IDX=10295 and http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/?inc=popup-pachiris