Serving the Pokémon Video Game Community in the SoCal area, we organize fun, family-friendly events that are open to the public and welcome everyone from the youngest trainers to adults (young at heart). Pokémon is enjoyed for its complex strategies, entertaining characters, and atmosphere of friendly competition. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every participant has fun. It is this attitude, The Spirit of the Game, that we wish to emphasize during Pokémon tournaments. Adherence to the Spirit of the Game helps to ensure that all participants, including players, spectators, and event staff at a Pokémon tournament, have an enjoyable experience.

The Spirit of the Game is composed of the following tenets:

• Fun: Pokémon is a game, and games are meant to be fun for all parties involved. When a game ceases to be fun, players find other things to do.
• Fairness: Games cease to be fun when players break the rules to achieve victory. A player should prefer to lose a game than to win by cheating.
• Honesty: Players of any game should strive to act honestly while playing that game. If a player inadvertently breaks a rule during a game and becomes aware of the error before his or her opponent or a judge, that player should make the opponent and the judge aware of the misplay.
• Respect: Players, spectators, and staff should be treated with the same respect that players would expect for themselves. Distracting an opponent or a judge to gain advantage shows disrespect to everyone involved in a Pokémon tournament.
• Sportsmanship: Winning or losing with grace is vital to the enjoyment of a game. The desire to continue playing a game can be soured by players who berate their opponents after winning or losing a match. Likewise, a player who plays the clock, rather than the game, shows poor sportsmanship and should be discouraged from doing so whenever possible.
• Learning: Players should strive to help each other increase their Pokémon play skills. It is not a player’s responsibility to make his or her opponent’s plays for that opponent. However, discussing strategies, offering tips, or constructively critiquing game play decisions after the match has been completed helps both participants to become better players.

Not only do we hold participants to this standard, but we also strive to surpass it ouselves as staff and to be role-models for those in the community.

Do you have a question? Want to know more about our events? Know of a new fun, friendly venue for tournaments? Well then, get in touch with us!

Send us an email at events@pokemonlabs.com and we’ll get in touch with as soon as possible.

When do you host event?
We host Premier Challenges approximately once a month. Midseason Showdowns occur approximately in the middle of each of the three event series. Check the homepage our the events page for dates, time, and locations. (Note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, event dates, times, and locations are subject to change without notice. We will try to post changes with enough advanced notice as possible. But please check event listings regularly for the most up-to-date information)

Who can play at events?
Events are open to the public and everyone is welcome to participate, from young children to adults. In general, if you have an understanding of the basic rules of the game, you can play in an event. If you’re trying to learn how to play and get a taste of competitive play, our Premier Challenge events are a great place to do so.

How much is entry into an event?
Premier Challenges are typically $5 and Midseason Showdowns are typically $10. Our annual BBQ Midseason Showdown is a FREE Potluck Style event. But do check the event info page as other circumstances, like additional venue fees, could change the price of entry.

Is there online registration for events?
If space is extremely limited or the venue requires it, online registration will be provided and will be indicated and listed on the event page except. Otherwise, event registration will take place in person at the venue on day of the event.

What time does an event end?
The run time of an event will be dependent on the number or players participating per age division and how quickly all players can complete a round. There is a 50 minute time limit per round (not including time for players to find their seats and opponent) and typically 5-6 Swiss Rounds plus Top 8 Single Elimination Rounds at events (8-9 rounds total).

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, ApplePay, AndroidPay, and SamsungPay at all of our events. We basically accept all the pays.

Is there an additional fee to use a credit card?
No, there is no additional fees if you use a credit card at any of our events.

Do you accept bulk Pokémon cards for entry?
Not at the moment.

Can I split my event entry fee between cash and credit?
Yes, you can. We will accept any combination of Cash/Credit.

What is your refund/return policy?
All sales and transactions are final and are not subject to refunds. If items (i.e. promotional items) are damaged at the time of purchase at an event, they may be exchanged for the same item at the discrestion of the event organizer and while supplies last.