The Pokémon North American International Championships are set to take place in New Orleans from June 13 to June 16, featuring top competitors battling for a prize pool of over $500,000 and the champion title. Carson Confer, a 23-year-old former world champion, is among the contenders.
Confer won the championship at 14 years old and has continued to excel since then. He began coaching other players this year, which has improved his competitive edge. With 10,000 fans expected to attend, the event will feature competitions for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, video games, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE.
Pokémon Co. International’s Nick Salazar emphasizes that the franchise aims to be inclusive, offering various entry points for newcomers. The event includes a “First Steps” program, where staff will teach new players how to play Pokémon TGC. Fans can also explore the pop-up shop before the main event, filled with apparel and accessories.
Competitors like Henry Chao, 24, from Boston, who landed sixth place last year’s championship in the TCG category, will be vying for victory. Chao’s passion for the game was rekindled after the release of Pokémon TCG Live, and he’s been competing since.
Winners will receive an invitation to the 2025 World Championships in Anaheim, California, while spectators can purchase spectator badges starting at $10.
Source: https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/pokemon-championships-new-orleans-2025/article_3a90b955-4fc3-423b-8d55-7659cb75a9b1.html