The Pokémon 2022 North America International Championships will host a full schedule of side events open to players and spectators of all ages. Experience the Pokémon TCG, the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games, Pokémon GO, Pokkén Tournament DX, and more in both new and familiar ways throughout the weekend. It’s a great opportunity to play alongside, against, and with players from around the world. Also, look forward to the Gaming Lounge, a new way to play classic Pokémon favorites like Pokémon Puzzle League and Pokémon Snap!
Most side events require an entry fee. Side event registration opens Friday, June 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. EDT and as soon as the hall opens on Saturday and Sunday. The prize wall closes early Sunday afternoon when the 2022 North America International Championships closing ceremony starts. Prizes must be redeemed by that time. See the side events area at the venue for more details.
Many on-demand side events will be held in round robin pods of four to eight players, with larger scheduled events using double-elimination brackets for Pokkén Tournament DX and Swiss structures for most other games. There will be free-of-charge round robin pods of four players available to Junior Division competitors each day. Players will receive prize wall tickets based on their record.
All times are listed in EDT. Event times are subject to change. All prices are listed in USD.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Side Events
Pokémon TCG players looking to travel light and leave the deck at home can jump into Build & Battle tournaments. This is a Prerelease-style format using provided Build & Battle kits. The list of eligible expansions will be posted at the event.
There will also be Booster Battles using the new Ditto Draft format*. Players will all receive a booster pack and build a 10-card deck using the cards from it as well as additional Energy cards. Mutant Evolution rules are in play. Players compete against each other in games for a single Prize card, where being unable to draw a card at the start of your turn is not a losing condition.
Trainers who have a deck to show off can form a group to see if they are able to overcome an oversized boss in the fully cooperative Raid Format. This event can support up to eight players, each with their own deck. The deck format is up to the players, and each player may play a different type of deck (i.e., V Battle decks, Standard format, Unlimited format may all play together).
Those looking for a singular challenge can test their mettle in the Gym Leader Challenge. In this event, each deck can include only one type of Pokemon and only a single copy of any card, other than basic Energy. This will use the Expanded format.
We also invite players to form their own teams and join our Team Format event! Any two players with Standard decks can take part in a Standard format game with a twist.
The game is played in three lanes—that is, each side has three Active Pokémon, three Benches, three pools of Prize cards, etc.
Players take their turns as a team and can access two lanes on their side each: one on the edge, and the center lane.
Each card played and attack performed only affects the lane it is played into, but the standard rules governing number of actions performed and card types played in a turn apply separately to each lane (so, for example, a player can play a Supporter card into their own lane and the center lane in one turn, but if they do so their team-mate cannot also play a Supporter card into the center lane).
The team’s turn ends with them choosing attacks in all three lanes at the same time.
A team wins by drawing nine of their combined 12 Prize cards before the opposing team does.
Trainers travelling in pairs can take part in the 2-vs-2 Team Format, battling against pairs of rivals.
Fans of the tried and true can find pick-up games in Standard format and have the option of trying out in-game achievements to earn tickets towards the fabulous prizes at the Prize Wall.
For more in-depth details and rulings, enquire at the venue!
Pokémon Trading Card Game Side Event Schedule
Friday, June 24
| 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods | $5 |
| 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Booster Battles | $5 |
| 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods—Standard (Juniors) | No Cost |
| 10:00 a.m. | Build & Battle | $20 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Raid Format | $5 |
| 2:00 p.m. | Build & Battle | $20 |
| 3:00 p.m. | Raid Format | $5 |
| 5:00 p.m. | Build & Battle | $20 |
| 6:00 p.m. | Raid Format | $5 |
Saturday, June 25
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods | $5 |
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Booster Battles | $5 |
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods—Standard (Juniors) | No Cost |
| 9:00 a.m. | Raid Format | $5 |
| 10:00 a.m. | Team Format | $10/Player |
| 10:00 a.m. | Build & Battle | $20 |
| 11:00 a.m. | Gym Leader Challenge | $10 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Raid Format | $5 |
| 1:30 p.m. | Build & Battle | $20 |
| 3:00 p.m. | Raid Format | $5 |
| 4:00 p.m. | Team Format | $10/Player |
| 4:00 p.m. | Gym Leader Challenge | $10 |
| 5:00 p.m. | Build & Battle | $20 |
| 6:00 p.m. | Raid Format | $5 |
Sunday, June 26
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods | $5 |
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods—Standard (Juniors) | No Cost |
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Booster Battles | $5 |
| 10:00 a.m. | Gym Leader Challenge | $10 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Team Format | $10/Player |
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Side Events
Players who have their Nintendo Switch system and their Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game on hand can battle against fellow fans in the Series 12 format.
Trainers looking for a different perspective can jump into a Malamar Cup and flip the tournament experience on its head. This event will use the Series 12 rules and will require players to hold their Nintendo Switch systems upside down for the duration of the event. Neither wired nor wireless connected controllers will be allowed.
The Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Catch Cup will give players a time limit and a specific area in which to catch their team before battling it out in a tournament.
Trainers can also throw down Piers-style with Spikemuth Cup Double Battles, in which restricted Pokémon are prohibited and Dynamaxing is not allowed.
Trainers looking to stretch their skillset can take part in the first ever Rotom Bike Time Trials and navigate the Galarian landscape as they race to these who is the fastest. Players will follow a specific route each day, with their time tracked and recorded on a leaderboard. Some sections may require the player to run instead of ride.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Side Event Schedule
Friday, June 24
| 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Time Trials | No Cost |
| 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods—Series 12 | $5 |
| 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods—Series 12 (Juniors) | No Cost |
| 4:00 p.m. | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Catch Cup | $10 |
Saturday, June 25
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Time Trials | No Cost |
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods—Series 12 | $5 |
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods—Series 12 (Juniors) | No Cost |
| 10:00 a.m. | Spikemuth Doubles Tournament | $10 |
| 2:30 p.m. | Malamar Cup | $5 |
Sunday, June 26
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Time Trials | No Cost |
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods—Series 12 | $5 |
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods—Series 12 (Juniors) | No Cost |
| 10:00 a.m. | Malamar Cup | $5 |
| 10:30 a.m. | Spikemuth Doubles Tournament | $10 |
| 12:30 p.m. | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Catch Cup | $10 |
Pokkén Tournament DX Side Events
Pokkén Tournament DX side event pods will be in the Team Battle format, but we’re taking this to the next level with a pair of Crew Battle events. Sign up in groups of three—with each player controlling one Pokémon on their team—and face off against rival groups. When a Pokémon faints, the next teammate takes over the controller.
Pickup Pods in the Team Battle format, in which eight players participate in a single-elimination bracket, will be available all weekend.
Those who wish to stand out as one of the strongest players in the event hall should test their skills in our King of the Hill events on Saturday and Sunday. Two players battle, and the winner of the battle remains seated to face their next challenger. Points are earned for each win, and there’s even a bonus for those who manage to reach the maximum win streak.
Players are not required to bring their own Pokkén Tournament DX game or Nintendo Switch system to participate in any of these Pokkén Tournament DX side events.
Pokkén Tournament DX Side Event Schedule
Friday, June 24
| 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods | $5 |
Saturday, June 25
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods | $5 |
| 12:00 p.m. | King of the Hill | $5 |
| 3:00 p.m. | Crew Battle | $10/Player |
Sunday, June 26
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Pickup Pods | $5 |
| 10:00 a.m. | King of the Hill | $5 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Crew Battle | $10/Player |
For those who prefer a smaller screen, there will be Pokémon GO events held throughout the weekend. Whether you enjoy battling other players or completing Field Research, we have a variety of chances for you to get involved.
Each GO Battle League event will be played in the Great League. Players will bring a team of six Pokémon from which they’ll choose three to use in each battle. Players may not have two Pokémon with the same Pokédex number on their team.
In addition to battling, there will be setting challenges that players can undertake, such as finding people from all over the world to trade with and catching particular species of Pokémon that have been sighted near the convention center. Keep your eyes peeled for more details at the venue!
Pokémon GO Side Event Schedule
Friday, June 24
| 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Scavenger Hunt | $5 |
| 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Team Challenge | $5 |
| 11:00 a.m. | League | $5 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Trade Time | $5 |
| 4:00 p.m. | Trade Time | $5 |
Saturday, June 25
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Scavenger Hunt | $5 |
| 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Team Challenge | $5 |
| 11:00 a.m. | League | $5 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Trade Time | $5 |
| 2:30 p.m. | Catch Cup | $5 |
| 4:00 p.m. | Trade Time | $5 |
Sunday, June 26
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Scavenger Hunt | $5 |
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Team Challenge | $5 |
| 11:00 a.m. | League | $5 |
| 11:30 a.m. | Catch Cup | $5 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Trade Time | $5 |
Finally, new to side events—but not new to the main event—is the first ever Gaming Lounge competition! The Gaming Lounge is a place to play classic Pokémon games found in our retro console catalogue. Each day, players can compete in select games to make their way to the top of the leaderboards. Pokémon Puzzle League will kick things off, offering a new challenge from an older platform. Look forward to a Pokémon Snap competition, too.
In addition to Pokémon Puzzle League and Pokémon Snap, we will be announcing other games and formats for competitions in the Gaming Lounge. Keep your eyes peeled for the Gaming Lounge and look for more details at the venue!
The Gaming Lounge Schedule
Friday, June 24
| 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Pokémon Puzzle League | No Cost |
Saturday, June 25
| 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Pokémon Puzzle League | No Cost |
| 10:00 a.m. | Pokémon Snap | $5 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Pokémon Snap | $5 |
Sunday, June 26
| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Pokémon Puzzle League | No Cost |
| 10:00 a.m. | Pokémon Snap | $5 |
| 12:00 p.m. | Pokémon Snap | $5 |
Once the first round of the tournament begins, players may not alter the contents of their decks. All standard gameplay rules apply, with the following additional Ditto Draft rule:
Once during your turn, you may place a Ditto Marker on 1 of your Basic Pokémon that doesn’t have a Rule Box. It gains the following Ability:
Ability: Evolutionary Advantage
Once during your turn, you may put any Stage 1 or Stage 2 card from your hand onto this Pokémon to evolve it. You can’t use this Ability during your first turn or the turn this Pokémon was put into play. If you put a Stage 2 card on this Pokémon, your turn ends.
Rules will be available onsite.
