The 2025 Pokémon World Championships have officially kicked off in Anaheim, California, bringing together the world’s top competitors in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Video Game Championships, and Pokémon GO. With a record prize pool of over $2,000,000, the event represents the pinnacle of competitive Pokémon. Beyond the high-stakes battles, this year’s Worlds also deliver a heartfelt tribute to the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue, reminding fans of the franchise’s roots while showcasing its future.
How to Qualify for Pokémon World Championships 2025
Earning a spot at Worlds requires accumulating Championship Points (CP) during the season. Qualification details include:
- Top CP leaders in each rating zone and age division (Junior, Senior, Masters) secure automatic invitations.
- Performance-based invites also apply: winners of Regional/Special Championships and the Top 4 at International Championships qualify.
- Regional systems differ: Japan, South Korea, mainland China, and Asia-Pacific grant invites through their own esports programs rather than CP.
- For 2025, CP tables were realigned, and updates clarified Best Finish Limits (BFLs), Kickers, and prizing language.
See also: Pokémon GO Mega Pidgeot Raid Battle Guide (Best Counters, CP & Shiny)
Pokémon TCG and VGC Invitation Slots for 2025
Pokémon TCG World Championships Invitations
| Region | Junior | Senior | Masters |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA & Canada | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Europe | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Latin America | 50 | 50 | 100 |
| Oceania | 10 | 10 | 20 |
| Middle East & South Africa | 5 | 5 | 10 |
Pokémon VGC & GO World Championships Invitations
- VGC: USA & Europe (JR 20 / SR 20 / MA 75), Latin America (JR 15 / SR 15 / MA 50), Oceania (JR 10 / SR 10 / MA 20), Middle East & South Africa (JR 5 / SR 5 / MA 5).
- GO: USA (75), Europe (50), Latin America (50), Oceania (10), Middle East & South Africa (5).
Cash Prizes at Pokémon World Championships 2025
Prize money depends on placement and varies across brackets.
| Placement | Bracket 1 | Bracket 2 | Bracket 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $50,000 | $30,000 | $20,000 |
| 2 | $30,000 | $20,000 | $15,000 |
| 3 | — | — | $13,000 |
| 3–4 | $20,000 | $15,000 | — |
| 4 | — | — | $12,000 |
| 5–8 | $15,000 | $10,000 | — |
| T-5 | — | — | $9,000 |
| T-7 | — | — | $5,000 |
| 9–16 | $10,000 | $5,000 | — |
| T-9 | — | — | $2,000 |
| 17–32 | $5,000 | — | — |
| T-13 | — | — | $1,000 |
Quick guide: A Top 8 finish secures at least $10,000–$15,000, while champions claim between $20,000–$50,000. All payouts are in USD and may be subject to tax obligations.
Travel Awards for Pokémon Worlds 2025
Top competitors in each region can also earn Travel Awards.
TCG Travel Awards
| Region | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| USA & Canada | 1–16 | 17–22 |
| Europe | 1–22 | 23–28 |
| Latin America | 1–12 | 13–16 |
| Oceania | 1–4 | 5–8 |
| Middle East & South Africa | 1–2 | — |
VGC Travel Awards
| Region | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| USA & Canada | 1–12 | 13–16 |
| Europe | 1–16 | 17–22 |
| Latin America | 1–8 | 9–12 |
| Oceania | 1–4 | 5–8 |
| Middle East & South Africa | — | — |
GO Travel Awards
| Region | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| USA & Canada | 1–8 | 9–12 |
| Europe | 1–8 | 9–12 |
| Latin America | 1–8 | 9–12 |
| Oceania | 1–2 | 3–4 |
| Middle East & South Africa | — | — |
Quick guide:
- Tier 1 = Full Travel Award (paid before event).
- Tier 2 = $1,000 stipend (paid after the event, requires at least one round of play).
- Not eligible: Residents of Russia & South Africa.
Booster Pack Prizes at Worlds 2025
Events with <33 Players
| Placement | Packs |
|---|---|
| 1 | 108 |
| 2 | 72 |
| 3–4 | 36 |
| 5–8 | 18 |
| 9–16 | 9 |
Events with 33–64 Players
| Placement | Packs |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | 108 |
| 3–4 | 72 |
| 5–8 | 36 |
| 9–16 | 18 |
| 17–32 | 18 |
| 33–64 | 9 |
Events with 65–128 Players
| Placement | Packs |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | 108 |
| 3–4 | 72 |
| 5–8 | 36 |
| 9–16 | 36 |
| 17–32 | 18 |
| 33–64 | 36 |
| 65–128 | 18 |
Events with 129–256 Players
| Placement | Packs |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | 108 |
| 5–8 | 72 |
| 9–16 | 36 |
| 17–32 | 72 |
| 33–64 | 36 |
| 65–128 | 18 |
| 129–256 | 9 |
Events with 257+ Players
| Placement | Packs |
|---|---|
| 1–8 | 108 |
| 9–16 | 72 |
| 17–32 | 72 |
| 33–64 | 36 |
| 65–128 | 36 |
| 129–256 | 18 |
| 257–512 | 9 |
(For events larger than 512 players, thresholds continue scaling proportionally up to 2049+ participants.)
Quick guide: A 200-player event awards 72 packs to Top 8 and 36 packs to Top 16.
Red & Blue Homage at Pokémon Worlds 2025
A highlight of this year’s venue was a life-size display of Nidorino vs. Gengar, recreating the opening animation of Pokémon Red and Blue. The tribute went viral across official channels and became a must-see fan attraction.
See also: Pokémon Fans Furious Over Player’s Rare Shiny Rayquaza Encounter in Emerald
Special Fan Events at Pokémon Worlds 2025
The 2025 Pokémon World Championships also delighted fans with:
- Pokémon GO: In-game event featuring a special Pikachu, a shirt code, and boosted GO Battle League rewards.
- Pokémon TCG: Exclusive promo Pikachu card stamped with the World Championships logo.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A demo: A first look at the upcoming release, returning to Kalos and reviving Mega Evolutions.
The Pokémon World Championships 2025 showcase the perfect mix of elite competitive play and fan celebration. Trainers battle for trophies, cash, and prestige, while attendees enjoy tributes, exclusives, and future game previews. With a record-breaking prize pool and a heartfelt homage to its origins, Pokémon Worlds 2025 proves why it remains the defining event in the franchise calendar.
