Pokémon TCG
Competitor information for the Pokémon Trading Card Game at LAIC.
Tournament Structure
Match Structure and Rounds
The number of Swiss rounds will be determined by attendance, with Swiss play split between a maximum of two days. Information on the number of expected rounds can be found in the Tournament Rules and Resources.
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 Dashboard. Ensure you get to your table on time. Being late to a match can result in penalties.
Meal Breaks and Divisions
Junior and Senior Division competitors will have one meal break per day. The exact timing for each event’s meal break will be announced on-site. There is no scheduled meal break for competitors in the Masters Division.
Schedule Overview
All competitors will begin competition on Friday, November 21. All age divisions will conclude on Sunday, November 23.
The Tournament Schedule may be subject to change.
Rules and Format
All competitors must comply with the Tournament Rules.
This competition will use the Standard Format. Cards with 'G' regulation marks and onward will be legal to use.
What to Bring
When you show up at a Pokémon TCG tournament, there are some things you must have with you:
Your deck as registered for the tournament.
Damage counters and condition markers.
A coin or coin-flip-legal die.
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).
Any lists not submitted on time may result in a Round 1 loss. For information on how to submit your list for the event, see RK9’s support article for Pokémon TCG deck lists.
- Card sleeves are strongly encouraged. Optional items include a playmat and a blank notepad for taking notes during the event.
Deck List Submission
Deck lists will be submitted online via RK9.gg. All deck lists must be submitted by 6:00 a.m. BRT on the first day of the event for each age division. You can resubmit your deck list as many times as you want prior to the submission deadline; however, you must play the final deck 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 Pokemon trading card game deck lists.
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 four finalists in each age division will earn a direct invitation to the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, regardless of their Championship Point standing at the end of the season.
The Top 8 Trainers in each age division will be eligible to receive a commemorative Medal in Pokémon HOME marking their achievement. To receive this exclusive Medal, attendees must first download Pokémon HOME on their NFC-enabled device and complete the Medal tutorial before they receive their physical prizing for this event.
Players that use the Pokémon HOME Basic Plan can possess up to 30 medals. Those who have enrolled in the Premium Plan (Paid) can have up to 1,000 medals. Please note that this feature is only available on the mobile device version of Pokémon HOME. It must be linked to a Nintendo Account in order to have medals.
Championship Points
For details on Championship Points, please reference the Pokémon Championship Series website.
The format of each prize is dependent on the age of the recipient. Here are the International Championships prizes for the 2026 Play! Pokémon Championship Series season.
18 years of age and older
- - Awards of $5,000 or more: choice of scholarship or cash
- - Awards under $5,000: cash
Under 18 years of age
- - Awards of $5,000 or more: choice of scholarship or Pokémon Visa® prepaid card
- - 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.
| Placement | Junior & Senior Division | Masters Division |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,000 | $25,000 |
| 2 | $5,000 | $15,000 |
| 3–4 | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| 5–8 | $2,000 | $7,000 |
| 9–16 | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| 17–32 | $750 | $3,000 |
| 33-64 | $2,000 |
*Prizes and prize distribution subject to change.
Competitors will receive Pokémon TCG booster packs for competing in Championship Events. The number of booster packs earned is based on individual placement, as well as the number of participants in an event.
| Placement | <33 | 33-64 | 65-128 | 129-256 | 257-512 | 513-1024 | 1025-2048 | 2049+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 |
| 2 | 72 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 |
| 3–4 | 36 | 72 | 72 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 |
| 5–8 | 18 | 36 | 36 | 72 | 108 | 108 | 108 | 108 |
| 9–16 | 9 | 18 | 36 | 36 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 108 |
| 17–32 | 18 | 18 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | ||
| 33–64 | 9 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | |||
| 65–128 | 18 | 18 | 36 | 36 | ||||
| 129–256 | 9 | 18 | 18 | |||||
| 257–512 | 9 |
*Prizes and prize distribution subject to change.
Not Competing?
Spectators with badges can enjoy activities and experiences including side events, shopping, trading, and the livestream.