The Pokémon TCG World Championships is an invitation-only event, meaning that only those players who qualify will be able to compete for the title of Pokémon World Champion.

All of the participants in the Pokémon World Championships have worked hard to get here. Take a look at how they've earned invitations to the Pokémon World Championships.

Route 1: World Champions (TCG and Video Game)

The most direct (and hardest) path to qualify for the Pokémon World Championships is to finish at the top of the standings in the previous year's World Championships. In each age division, the top four Pokémon TCG and video game finishers earn an automatic invitation to the following year's competition.

Route 2: National Championships (TCG and Video Game)

Players who win a Pokémon qualifying event are awarded a well-earned seat at the World Championships. Challengers from across the globe compete in their home countries for the opportunity to make it to this ultimate test of TCG and video game skills. Throughout the world, National Championships determine the representatives for the Pokémon TCG and Video Game World Championships.

Route 3: Championship Points

Pokémon players competing in Play! Pokémon Premier Events earn points based on their performance over the course of the tournament season. TCG players in each Rating Zone who hit their Championship Points target earn an invite to Worlds, while video game players must rank among the top spots in their Rating Zone. Only the best of the best rise to the top!

Route 4: Last Chance Qualifier (TCG and Video Game)

The Last Chance Qualifier gives Pokémon players one final opportunity to make the cut. This tournament takes place the day before the World Championships. In each age division, the top four Pokémon TCG finishers and the top four video game finishers will participate in the main event.