The city of New Orleans is abuzz with excitement as thousands of Pokémon fans from across the U.S. have descended upon the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to compete in the North America International Championships. With nearly 6,000 competitors expected, the event promises to be a thrilling experience.
The competition kicked off on Friday morning, beginning with a colorful second line procession through the convention center and into the arena. The venue is divided into separate sections for different age groups and divisions, including junior players under 12 and master division players over 16. Both groups are accompanied by Pokémon Professors who serve as referees.
Outside the main event area, fans can engage in various activities such as crafting origami, taking pictures with Pikachu, or browsing the Pokémon Center gift shop. Local business owner Brandon Ladner is thrilled to see New Orleans hosting the championships for the second time, citing it as a boost to the city’s growing Pokémon community.
Regular attendees, like Gerald Trahan, appreciate the convenience of having the event in their hometown, while newcomers like Jason Pruitt and his wife drove 16 hours from Missouri to attend. The championships are not just about competition but also an opportunity for fans to connect with others who share their passion for Pokémon. As Ladner noted, “It’s caused a surge in our growth of community.”
Source: https://www.nola.com/news/pokmon-north-atlantic-international-championships/article_50bd6d88-1d82-4716-8bb7-8bf358ee0192.html