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Let the Games Begin!

Pokémon National Championships

Record-setting attendance marks the beginning of the 2008 U.S. National Championships.


The U.S. National Championships are on the line, and Pokémon Trainers from across the country have settled in for a two-day battle at the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, Ohio. With close to 1,000 competitors in attendance, the 2008 Pokémon TCG U.S. National Championships is officially the largest Pokémon tournament ever held.

Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Pikachu overlooks a massive crowd at the 2008 Pokémon TCG U.S. National Championships.
The tournament is broken down into three age divisions:

Junior Division: Born in 1997 or later
Senior Division: Born in 1993, 1994, 1995, or 1996
Masters Division: Born in 1992 or earlier

Competitors will battle throughout the day on Saturday until the field is narrowed to only 32 Trainers in each division. These finalists will return on Sunday for another full day of competition, putting their best cards to the test until three new U.S. National Champions are crowned. A treasure trove of prizes awaits the top finishers, including more than $40,000 in scholarships and invitations to the 2008 Pokémon TCG World Championships in Orlando, Florida.

For a Pokémon fan, there is no better place to be. If you're not lucky enough to visit the U.S. National Championships for yourself, check out the photo gallery below for a taste of the action. Stay tuned to Go-Pokemon.com for more information, including a full report on the 2008 U.S. National Championships winners.

Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Master Trainers Brian Garcia, Christian Ortiz, and Brian Jessing all aim for the title of U.S. National Champion.
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Senior Trainers check the initial pairings before the battles begin.
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Brothers Steven and Michael Natto show off their favorite Pokémon cards.
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Master Trainers Ian Brander and Adrian Montoya arrive at the tournament in style.
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Tables are full of Pokémon Trainers in the Junior division area.
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Junior Trainer Cole Flott is ready to battle!
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Head judge Richard Walkoski directs the competitors from center stage at Event Headquarters.
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Matthew Sweet has a hat full of Pokémon pins, and a Pokémon TCG deck ready for action.
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
Junior division competition.
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
The scene at a Senior table.
Pokémon U.S. National Championships
An Empoleon good luck charm overlooks the competition at a Masters table.