Get started in the world of competitive Pokémon at League Challenge and League Cup tournaments.* These events are smaller, local events at recognized Play! Pokémon Stores that feature Pokémon TCG, Pokémon video game (VGC), and Pokémon GO competitions. League Challenges are entry-level competitions suitable for players of all experience levels. League Cup competitions are a step up from League Challenges—players can expect tougher competitors vying for higher rewards.
In Pokémon League Challenge and League Cup tournaments, players can earn season-long rewards, as well as Championship Points that go toward earning an invitation to the World Championships!
League Challenge and League Cup events are open to all players. Some of these events may have special promotions and may require entry fees at the Tournament Organizer’s discretion. See the tournament listings for details on promotions and entry fees.
Use the Event Locator to find times and locations for Pokémon League Challenge and League Cup events in your area.
While we frequently update our event schedule, we recommend that you contact the local Tournament Organizer to confirm event schedule information.
*Pokémon VGC players, please note: the Premier Challenge is now known as the Video Game League Challenge and the Midseason Showdown is now called the Video Game League Cup. This aligns the names more closely to equivalent Pokémon TCG and Pokémon GO events.
Attending League Challenge and League Cup Events
2025 League Challenge events will typically be held once per month at select Pokémon League locations. Pokémon TCG tournaments use the Standard format, while Pokémon video game tournaments use the format detailed in the latest regulations. Pokémon GO tournaments will use Great League format battles.
Pokémon TCG players need to bring their own 60-card deck. Pokémon video game players need to bring their own Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game and their own Nintendo Switch system. Pokémon GO players need to bring their own mobile device.
Players must have a Pokémon Trainer Club account with a Player ID attached, and they must have opted in to the Play! Pokémon program in order to earn Championship Points and prizes. All participants will receive 1 Play! Point just for playing, and additional prizes may be awarded at the Tournament Organizer’s discretion.
Championship Point awards have the same values for Pokémon TCG, Pokémon video game, and Pokémon GO competitions. The Best Finish Limit (BFL) for both League Challenges and League Cups is 4 each—they do not share a Best Finish Limit allotment. Note that Championship Points are not shared from game to game—CP earned in Pokémon TCG qualifications do not apply to Pokémon GO, for example.
2025 Championship Points: League Challenge and League Cup
|
Placement |
Kicker (# of players) |
League Challenge |
League Cup |
|
1 |
0 |
15 |
50 |
|
2 |
4 |
12 |
40 |
|
3–4 |
8 |
10 |
32 |
|
5–8 |
17 |
8 |
25 |
|
9–16 |
33 |
6 |
20 |
|
17–32 |
65 |
4 |
16 |
|
33–64 |
129 |
13 |
Championship Point values are subject to change.
Pokémon Challenges and Cups
At some larger events, Pokémon Challenges and Cups may take place. A Pokémon Challenge or Cup will have the same Championship Point awards as a League Challenge or League Cup and will contribute to the same Best Finish Limit (BFL), but promo cards or other prizes typically awarded at events held at a League location will not be distributed. Pokémon Challenges and Cups may be organized and hosted only at the exclusive invitation of Play! Pokémon.
