Pokemon National Championship coming June 29

The Pokemon Company (that's actually what they're called), just sent us a press release to announce that the Pokemon world is gearing up for the United States National Championship to be held in Indianapolis this June 29 - July 1.

"This is the first year The Pokémon Company International has opened competition at the U.S. National Championships to all U.S. Pokémon video game players in good standing," reads the press release, with the added stipulation that registrants must have earned 10 Play! Points in the 2012 season in order to qualify to register. "They will be joining video game competitors who earned top finishes at the 2011 Pokémon Autumn Regionals and 2012 Pokémon Spring Regionals."

Winners will earn their way to the Pokemon World Championships in August against the top players from over 25 countries.

If you're interested in making a run for the gold at this year's Nationals, you'll have to register at the Indiana Convention Center for either Pokemon: The Card Game or Pokemon Black/White.

"Pre-registration for all video game divisions will be held on Friday, June 29th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and general registration will be held on Saturday, June 30th between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for Masters Division competitors and from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for competitors in the Junior and Senior Divisions."

Andrew Groen

Andrew is a freelance video game journalist, writing for sites like Wired and GamesRadar. Andrew has also written a book called EMPIRES OF EVE: A History of the Great Wars of EVE Online.