2025 Pokémon Video Game Latin America International Championships Competitor Information
Tournament Format and Structure
All video game championship (VGC) events will use Regulation Set H.
The number of Swiss rounds will be determined by attendance, with Masters Division play split between a maximum of two days. Information about the number of expected rounds can be found here on pages 26–27 of the Tournament Rules Handbook.
Each round you will be paired against another competitor to play your match. You will be able to find your table number through your RK9 Player Tournament Dashboard. Ensure you get to your table on time. Being late to a match can result in penalties.
After Day 1, all competitors with the necessary amount of match points will advance to day two of play.
After all Swiss rounds are completed, the top 8 competitors and all competitors with the same number of match points as 8th place will advance to an asymmetrical single-elimination bracket to determine the winner of each event.
Junior and Senior Division competitors will have one meal break per day. Exact timing for each event’s meal break will be announced on-site for each event. There is no scheduled meal break for competitors in the Masters Division.
What to Bring
When you show up at a Pokémon video game tournament, there are some things you must have with you:
- A Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game (physical or digital) updated to the most recent software version
- A fully charged console from the Nintendo Switch family of systems (Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model, or Nintendo Switch Lite) with a working USB-C port and the latest system updates installed
- You should set your Nintendo Switch wired internet settings to automatic
- Make sure you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership for the duration of the event
- A team of tournament-legal Pokémon for the current format at the time of the event (see the Tournament Rules and check back regularly before the event for updates)
Competitors are strongly encouraged to bring a charger for their systems. It is the competitor’s responsibility that their console remains operational throughout the tournament.
Proof of age may be requested, and failure to provide proof of age may result in the competitor being denied participation in the tournament (at the organizer’s discretion)
Team List Submission
Team lists will be submitted online via RK9.gg. All team lists must be submitted by 8:00 a.m. BRT on the first day of the event for each age division. You can resubmit your team list as many times as you want prior to the submission deadline; however, you must play the final team you submit.
Any lists not submitted on time may result in a loss for Round 1. For information on how to submit your list for the event, see RK9’s support article for Pokémon video game team lists.
Your birth date is required to make sure you play in the correct age division for the event you are attempting to register for. Without the ability to confirm your birth date, you cannot register online for any event.
Connecting to a Battle
At the beginning of the tournament, you will be seated for the competitor meeting or Round 1 pairings, depending upon the event. After being seated, you will be provided with your official “opponent view” team sheet. Be sure to keep a close eye on your sheet, as you are required to show it to your opponent at the start of each tournament round. You should check that the information on your team sheet is correct. If there are any errors, contact a Judge immediately to assist you.
Each round, you will connect your Nintendo Switch to a dock at the table number you are assigned to. Your system should be set to Airplane Mode when playing tournament matches.
Battles will be held using the Union Circle via Poké Portal.
- Competitor 1 will form a group using the Union Circle and share the unique code with competitor 2 so that they can join.
- Once connected, both competitors will select Link Battle to match up.
- Competitor must select Double Battle and Official Rules 1 for their match.
- Each competitor should confirm that they are paired with the correct opponent in-game prior to beginning their match.
- After confirming their opponent and after the Preparations Complete! message appears in-game, competitors will exchange official opponent view team sheets.
- After completing their match, competitors must keep their Nintendo Switch consoles docked until they’ve disbanded or exited the Union Circle.
Please change the nickname setting in-game to Don’t Show, and all system friend notifications must be turned off. Make sure your Date and Time settings are set to sync with the internet.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to the top competitors in each of the three age divisions. Competitors must have a Pokémon Trainer Club account with a Player ID attached and must have opted in to the Play! Pokémon program to earn points and awards. The final Championship Point payout will be determined by the number of competitors per age division.
Championship Points
Championship Point values subject to change.
Prize Award Information
The method of distribution for prizes will differ based on the age of the recipient. Prizes for the 2025 Play! Pokémon Championship Series season are listed below.
18 years of age and older:
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Awards of $5,000 or more: choice of scholarship or cash
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Awards under $5,000: cash
Under 18 years of age:
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Awards of $5,000 or more: choice of scholarship or Pokémon Visa® prepaid card
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Awards under $5,000: Pokémon Visa® prepaid card
Prizes are based on attendance per age division. Unless otherwise specified, all prizes are paid in US dollars and subject to applicable tax withholding. Prize winners should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their tax obligations.
Award Values
Booster Pack Prizing
Prizes and prize distribution may be subject to change.
