The easiest (and hardest) way to enter the Pokémon World Championships is to be the previous year's World Champion. The top four Pokémon TCG finishers in each age division, and the top two Pokémon video game finishers in each age division, earn an automatic invitation to the following year's competition.

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.

Pokémon TCG players competing in Pokémon Play! Pokémon Premier Events earned points based on their performances over the course of the tournament season. The best players in each Rating Zone earn an invite to Worlds. Only the best of the best rise to the top! Click here for more details about Premier Ratings.

The Last Chance Qualifier gives Pokémon players one final opportunity to the make the cut. This tournament takes place the day before the World Championships. For the Pokémon TCG Championships, the top eight finishers in each age division are guaranteed a chance to compete at the main event. For the video game Last Chance Qualifier, the top four players in each division will participate in the World Championships.