The Anaheim Convention Center is set to host the biggest Pokémon event in the world, bringing together top trainers and fans from around the globe. The annual Pokémon World Championships is a premier competition for video and card game players, as well as an exhibition and shopping extravaganza for thousands of enthusiasts.
The franchise, which has spanned over 30 years across various media platforms including video games, manga, anime, trading cards, and merchandise, boasts a vast following. The Pokémon Company raked in nearly $11 billion last year in licensing alone, making it one of the most lucrative media franchises ever.
At the event, fans can expect to see thousands of excited people, with attendance expected to reach as high as 25,000 through Sunday. The event also features a Pokémon Play Lab, where attendees can learn how to play card and video games from expert coaches.
Meet Jesus Romero and his son Logan, who have found common ground in the Pokémon franchise. Logan, 14, is one of the top-ranked players in North America for his age group and is competing this weekend. His father also plays alongside him at local tournaments.
Other fans, like Dani Sanchez, a full-time Pokémon content creator, have found their community through the franchise. Sanchez started a YouTube channel to document her growing Pokémon card collection and has since met friends from around the world who share her passion for Pokémon.
The event also highlights the importance of community and shared interests. “Pokémon just brings people together,” said Serena Riccardi, whose fandom spans multiple generations. As the franchise continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beloved platform for fans to connect with one another.
Source: https://laist.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/pokemon-worlds-anaheim-family-generations-weekend