Pokémon World Championships Prioritizes Community & Friendship Over Competition
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The annual Pokémon World Championships are evolving beyond a showcase of elite gameplay, with organizers increasingly focused on fostering a sense of community and creating opportunities for lasting friendships among players. This emphasis on social connection, according to a senior official at The Pokémon Company, is now considered the biggest challenge – and the biggest opportunity – for the future of the event.
The Pokémon World Championships have experienced significant growth in recent years, fueled by a dedicated fanbase and substantial investment from The Pokémon Company. What sets the event apart is its unique ability to unite players from across three distinct game communities – the trading card game, video game, and Pokémon GO – despite their inherent differences. But the ultimate goal, according to those involved, isn’t simply to host a competition; it’s to build connections.
As part of ongoing coverage of the Pokémon World Championships 2025, time.news spoke with Chris Brown, global director of eSports and events at The Pokémon Company, about the complexities of managing a large-scale competitive scene across multiple games. While maintaining player engagement, building a global competitive network, and organizing large events are all significant hurdles, Brown revealed a surprising priority.
“The biggest challenge is to ensure that there are enough opportunities to create friendships,” Brown explained. “Something that I have always liked about our event is the Swiss format. If you participate in the collectible cards scene, it is a great opportunity to meet many people: in different rounds you can share the table with different players. That experience is unique.”
This emphasis on social interaction extends beyond the tournament format itself. Organizers are actively designing spaces and activities that encourage players to connect with one another. The 2025 edition of the championships, for example, featured a pin exchange rally, dedicated card trading areas, and exclusive Pokémon GO activities.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
Brown contrasted the Pokémon World Championships with other competitive events where attendees are often left standing with limited opportunities for interaction. “There are other shows where you are standing all the time, there is no place to sit and interact with others,” he said. “However, our shows are made waiting for many opportunities for that, to create friendships and thus overcome this challenges.”
The intention is clear: The Pokémon Company is actively working to cultivate an environment where players feel comfortable socializing and building relationships. This approach recognizes that the value of the championships extends far beyond the pursuit of victory.
What do you think? Have you attended a competitive Pokémon event? Do you believe these events are a good way to forge new friendships? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Pokémon World Championships 2025 will take place from August 15 to 17, 2025, in Anaheim, California. For comprehensive coverage of the event, follow this link: [link to coverage].
