The tournament is very similar to previous years – it’s free to enter, and the only requirement is that you have a copy of either HeartGold or SoulSilver.
However, there are a number of changes that will make this year’s tournament much more versatile than in previous years - like those pesky Legendaries that have been nagging at competitors with every party-planning decision they make.
While not all Legendary Pokémon are playable, the following are allowable: Dialga, Giratina, Groudon, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Lugia, Mewtwo, Palkia, and Rayquaza. This knocks Arceus, Celebi, Darkrai, Deoxys, Jirachi, Manaphy, Mew, Phione, and Shaymin out of the competition.
The other exciting rule change comes with a brand new auto-leveling feature designed by Nintendo, which allows Pokémon above level 50 to enter the tournament. Of course, when the tournament begins, the Pokémon will be leveled down to 50 again, but this means that powerful Pokémon who evolve after level 50 (like Dragonite or Tyranitar) are now eligible.
The tournament will start on May 8 in Seattle, Washington and will hit up cities in the U.S., Europe, and Japan before coming to a close at the World Championship on August 13 in Kona, Hawaii.
Playing Pok̩mon under the Hawaiian sun Рcould there ever be a better life?
Surely the prize that participants will get most excited about is the chance to win a Shiny Eevee – a Pokémon of a different color than the one in the game, and one that can only be nabbed at Tournaments. Wait ’till you see what happens when it evolves!
Extensive info, including dates, locations and rules, can be found online at the tournament website – and if you’re hard at work on a never say die championship strategy, let us know how it’s going in the comments!
