This weekend, the Pokémon World Championship is taking place in Hawaii. MeinMMO author Max Handwerk takes another look back at the past WM 2023.
The Pokémon World Championships 2023 in Yokohama was a true home game for Pokémon: The headquarters of the Pokémon Company is located just about a 45-minute drive away in Tokyo. And upon arriving in Yokohama, it was clear that this tournament extended beyond the boundaries of the convention center.
The first signs that the area around the World Championship would turn into a true Pokémon paradise could be seen from afar. Huge inflatable Pikachu figures lined the way to the tournament hall. Small “Easter Eggs,” such as mailboxes designed in the style of Eevee and Pikachu, could also be found.
And in the shopping center next door, countless Pokémon cards shaped its appearance – on the floor as stickers, set up in oversized displays, or as gigantic artworks in the center of the mall. In addition, photo spots were set up, screens were prepared to broadcast the championship matches over the weekend, and various locations in Yokohama featured Pokémon street art on the walls.
In short: the decoration was already on point. But that was just the beginning.
Pokémon Take Over the City
The WM started in the convention center with an impressive opening ceremony. People from all over the world had come to participate in the tournament – or just to be a part of it. One player I spoke with emphasized: “I didn’t qualify, but I’m still here. I didn’t want to miss it.”
It seemed that many fans who traveled to Yokohama that weekend felt the same way – whether from the nearby area or from thousands of kilometers away. Day by day, more people appeared on the tournament grounds and around, playing Pokémon GO, trading cards, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Countless Pikachu or Eevee hats could be counted, the lines in front of the photo spots grew longer and longer. Notably: the mood. Fans gathered from everywhere to have a good time together. On the last day of the tournament, a Community Day in Pokémon GO took place and I rarely saw so many players simultaneously occupying gyms. Overall, the game was quite active there.
Meanwhile, in the tournament hall, games were being played at hundreds of tables. The Pokémon main games, the card game, Pokémon Unite, and Pokémon GO were looking for their world champions this weekend.
The final matches then took place on the big stage, which was designed almost like a “real” Pokémon arena. Large screens displayed the duels, and with every important action, a murmur spread through the hall, just as if one were at a final in a football stadium.
For Pokémon fans, there was also plenty to see otherwise. Various attractions could be visited: Such as the Pokémon cruise ship including a treasure hunt, or the park next door, where various games could be played or a small Pokémon festival was celebrated. In the evening, a Pokémon stage show took place, drones created gigantic monsters in the night sky, the local Ferris wheel lit up in Pokéball or Pikachu designs, and of course, there was also a Pikachu parade.
No matter where you looked: The entire place had transformed into a small Pokémon world.
Even in Tokyo, the effects of the WM were quickly noticeable – especially at the PokéCenters, i.e., shops. Here, people were already lining up in the morning to secure cards or other fan merchandise. If you came later, you went home empty-handed again, at least when it came to buying card sets. I had only seen such a hype before, when the PS4 was released and similar scenes unfolded in front of the Saturn around the corner.
Of course, the surroundings were special, but it was mainly the people on site who turned the weekend into something extraordinary. Whether tournament players or fans who just wanted to be part of it: Together, they created an atmosphere that one would not forget quickly.
The mood at the closing ceremony also matched this. The tournament winners were crowned and cheered, and every further announcement was met with murmurs. Even the announcement that the next World Championship would take place in Hawaii.
This new WM will start now – on Friday, August 16, 2024. Once again, the best trainers in the world will compete for the titles. And for sure, this time it will again be an event ultimately shaped by a large community, where many people bring the same passion for the subject.
In Pokémon GO, you can also take advantage of the WM without being on-site. Here, a global event around bonuses for various PvP Pokémon will take place, which can be secured until next Tuesday, August 20, 2024. If you want to know how to make the most of the event, check here: Make the most of 3 things at the Pokémon GO World Championship event.
MeinMMO was present as a press representative at the Pokémon World Championships 2023. The costs for admission, travel, and accommodation were covered by the organizers.
