Pokémon World Championships 2024 – it's that time of year again (Credits: Eric Thayer) The world championships for the Pokémon video games and trading cards is over for another year, as the venues for 2025 are announced. For the first time since 2007, the Pokémon World Championships returned to Honolulu, as the world's best trainers and players came together to play the mainline video games, Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Go, and the free-to-play Pokémon Unite. It was a long way to travel, even for players from mainland United States, let alone players from Europe, but the community showed up in force and with the vibrant backdrop of Honolulu's beaches, and the cultural richness of Hawaii, this year's championships brought a sense of nostalgia, celebration, competition, and a bit of controversy.
Honolulu proved to be an exceptional host, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and intensity, that mirrored the dual nature of the competition itself. The Hawaiian spirit of aloha was evident throughout the event, with a stunning opening ceremony giving praise to the Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanos, Pele. There was beautiful, beach-themed merchandise and even a special Pokémon Go in-game event, that allowed players to catch exclusive Pokémon in the region and 'Scubacu' Pikachu kitted out in Suba gear and a cute waddle.
The venue, the Hawai'i Convention Center, was buzzing with excitement, with thousands of fans and players coming together to witness the pinnacle .