Pokemon announces Players Cup Invitational for 25th anniversary

Steven Rondina Published 07/07/2021

Pokemon is going to commemorate the series’ 25th anniversary in an interesting way.

The Pokemon Company has announced a special event, the Pokemon Players Cup 25th Anniversary Invitational. The competition will bring together a select group of both TCG and VGC players from past and present for a special tournament to commemorate the franchise’s silver anniversary.

“Continuing the celebration of 25 years of Pokemon, an exciting event is on the way spotlighting some of the best competitive Pokemon players ever. The Pokemon Players Cup 25th Anniversary Invitational will feature eight top Pokemon TCG players and eight top video game players from around the world in exciting head-to-head matches,” The Pokemon Company said in a statement.

The Pokemon Players Cup 25th Anniversary Invitational will run from August 13 to 15. The event format will be a straightforward one, with the TCG and VGC events including eight players each. They will compete in a standard double-elimination bracket. Notably, it is unclear what format TCG players will be using. 

There were no details given in regards to who will participate in the event, leaving fans to wonder who might participate. There are two and a half decades’ worth of talent to choose from though, so The Pokemon Company will likely be spoiled for choice. The event will be broadcasted live on the official Pokemon Twitch channel.

What Pokemon are legal in VGC?

In 2021, The Pokemon VGC ruleset allows for almost all Pokemon to be used with the exception of mythicals such as Mew, Jirachi, and Genesect. The only other caveat is that players can only have one “restricted” legendary on their party for a battle. Restricted legendaries include the likes of Mewtwo, Kyurem, and Solgaleo.

What does Pokemon VGC stand for?

In Pokemon, VGC typically refers to the Pokemon Video Game Championships. However, in the context of trading card games VGC can mean “very good condition” for card sellers. In the Pokemon TCG, you’ll see “mint” and “near mint” used more often for cards in good condition. 

Steven Rondina

About Steven Rondina

Steven Rondina is a true lifelong gamer. His earliest memories are of playing video games, and he has continued playing them throughout his life with no plans to stop any time soon. Steven’s favorite franchises in gaming include Pokemon, Dark Souls, and Counter-Strike. He has previously published with Bleacher Report and other gaming outlets.

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