2016 Pokémon World Championships Closed to General Public

Published: August 11, 2016 10:17 PM /

By:


2016 Pokémon World Championships

For many of those who play in the competitive Pokémon scene, the interest lies not only in proving your superiority in competition, but also in attending the multitude of Pokémon events held across the country. Many players make plans months in advance to meet up and see their friends before and after competitions - the World Championship, the highest level of competition for players, is no exception.

Unfortunately, despite 2016 being the beloved franchises twentieth anniversary, The Pokémon Company released this announcement today, stating that the 2016 Pokémon World Championships will not be open to the general public. Players under the age of eighteen will be given a guest pass for their guardian or family member to accompany them throughout the Championship; further guest passes for other spectators will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Pokémon Company's reasoning for closing the event to the general public is that this year's venue has a limited capacity, and that the demand of players who want to attend is "overwhelming". This news comes to us one week before the start of the World Championships, angering many who had already bought plane tickets and reserved hotel rooms in San Fransisco, where the three day event will be held.

https://twitter.com/Marriland/status/763830755503902720

https://twitter.com/Daerth1/status/763834943851986944

The Pokémon Company will be hosting live coverage of the 2016 Pokémon World Championships on their site starting August 19, 2016.

Stay tuned to TechRaptor for further news and coverage on all things Pokémon.


Quick Take

While I understand that safety regulations may limit the number of spectators who are able to attend the event, I certainly don't understand why the event organizers waited so late to inform the general public of this fact - especially when interest in the franchise is at an all-time high this year. Many people are expressing anger that they've spent money on reservations and requested time off from their jobs to be able to attend, and now likely won't be able to, and as someone who's attended similar events in the past I sympathize tremendously.

What are your thoughts on this decision by The Pokémon Company? Do you think a week was enough time to inform spectators that they won't be allowed into the venue? Let us know in the comment section below.

Have a tip, or want to point out something we missed? Leave a Comment or e-mail us at tips@techraptor.net


TechRaptor Default Logo
| Former Staff Writer

Brandon is a former TechRaptor Staff Writer, who primarily covered news and Tabletop - especially Magic the Gathering.