Pokémon TCG U.S. National Championships--Day Two

The top 32 players in each age division survive to battle another day in Columbus, Ohio.

After a record-breaking turnout on Saturday, the 2008 Pokémon TCG U.S. National Championships enter day two with 32 players in each age division ready to compete. It's a big accomplishment to just make the top cut, and now these battle-tested Pokémon Trainers will do their best to stay alive in the penultimate Pokémon TCG tournament of the season.

Stay tuned to Go-Pokemon.com to learn who will be crowned the 2008 Pokémon TCG U.S. National Champions. With more than $40,000 in scholarships and invitations to the Pokémon TCG World Championships on the line, every last Pokémon Trainer will be giving it his or her all. Check out the photo gallery below for the latest images from the competition.

Pokémon Professors gather early in the morning to get ready for the big day.

Pokémon staff members make sure that everything runs smoothly, and that everyone has FUN!

A superstar line-up poses for the camera. Pokémon are not technically allowed to participate in the tournament.

At 9:00 AM, the top 32 Pokémon Trainers in each age division kick off the final day of competition.

Defending 2007 U.S. Masters National Champion Chris Fulop competes in the top cut.

Alex Frezza concentrates in the first round of day two competition.

Defending 2007 U.S. Junior National Champion Tristan Robinson hopes for a repeat.

Matthew Lyons finishes the day with a fistful of booster pack prizes.

Did someone say battle?

Chimchar strikes a pose in the Pokémon booth.

Empoleon decks are extremely popular at the National Championships. Piplup must be proud ...