Pokémon TCG matches for the Pokémon Players Cup will take place via the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online. Eligible Masters Division players will compete through several tournament phases.
In the first phase, players will compete to reach the top of their rating zone’s leaderboard in the Standard format for the month of June. The top players in each rating zone—based on Tournament Rep after removing players that are not eligible—will advance and will be able to register for the Pokémon Players Cup Regional Online Qualifiers. There is no charge to register.
Players Advancing from the June Leaderboard
North America rating zone (US and Canada): 256 players
Europe rating zone (Europe): 256 players
Latin America rating zone (Latin America and Caribbean): 256 players
Oceania rating zone (Oceania): 128 players
The Oceania rating zone comprises only Australia and New Zealand.
In July, these players will then compete in Online Qualifiers within their region (based on rating zone, excluding South Africa and Russia). Each Regional Online Qualifier will be a separate double-elimination bracket taking place over three weekends, so play times can be optimized by rating zone and the time commitment to play at home will be only a few hours per session. Players will be required to register their deck list online before the qualification date and will need an account with both Discord and Battlefy to participate.
Matches will be best-of-three and will use the Standard format. Specific details on rules and report times will be available at a later date.
Pokémon Players Cup Regional Online Qualifier Schedule
July 11: Bracket play until 64 players remain in each region
July 18: Bracket play continues until 16 players remain in each region
July 25: Bracket play continues until the specified number of players remain in each region:
North America: 4 players
Europe: 4 players
Latin America: 4 players
Oceania: 3 players
Pokémon Players Cup Finals
The finals will include 16 players—15 will advance from the Regional Online Qualifiers and one from the Pokémon Players Cup Kickoff Invitational. The finals will be a new double-elimination bracket, and players will be able to submit a new deck list. Check back for more details on the finals.
Pokémon Players Cup Kickoff Invitational
Before the Pokémon Players Cup Regional Online Qualifiers begin, a special invitational tournament will be held. This tournament will take place May 30–31 and be broadcast June 13–14 (check out the Pokémon Players Cup Stream Information page for more). This invitational will feature eight players, ranging from current top players to former champions, in an exciting set of matches to start the Players Cup. The winner of the Kickoff Invitational will earn a spot in the Pokémon Players Cup Finals in August.
Player List
Andrew Mahone (USA)
Henry Brand (Australia)
Michael Pramawat (USA)
Nathália Fernandes (Brazil)
Pablo Meza (Mexico)
Rahul Reddy (USA)
Ross Cawthon (USA)
Tord Reklev (Norway)
Eligibility
The following players will not be eligible to participate in the Regional Online Qualifiers:
Players who were born in 2005 or later (Junior and Senior Divisions based on 2020 season)
Players who reside outside countries supported by the following Play! Pokémon rating zones: North America (US & Canada), Europe, Latin America, and Oceania
Players who have not opted in to the Play! Pokémon Terms of Use
Additional eligibility rules may apply.
*All details, including rules, dates, and eligibility, are subject to change