The International Pokémon Showdown

Are you the best Pokémon trainer in the entire world? Are you willing to admit that? Pokémon USA has just announced the first ever Video Game Showdown, which will pit the very best the United States has to offer against the top Pokémon Diamond and Pearl players in Japan to determine once and for all which country has more free time. Tournaments will be taking place in New York and Los Angeles on July 19th and 12th respectively, with 256 players in each city vying for sixteen paid trips to Orlando to battle against the Japanese players, who incidentally get a much better trip.

"Pokémon strives to create fun products and events for players of all skill levels and interests," said J.C. Smith, director of marketing for Pokémon USA, Inc. "The Pokémon Video Game Showdown provides the most skilled Pokémon players an opportunity to determine who is truly the best."

To qualify for the Qualifiers, players can head to http://showdown.pokemon.com and complete an online quiz. Do it for your country, people. The U.S. has been behind in the Pokémon warfare race for far too long. More »