My First Regionals and Thoughts on the Pokémon Community
Scott Charboneau January 22, 2013My First Regionals and Thoughts on the Pokémon Community,
Last weekend, the Pokémon Regional Championships were held in St. Louis, Missouri. Over the course of two days, 545 trainers competed in both the TCG and VGC, trying to grab a spot at Nationals, and gathering up those all-important Play! Points.
This was my first experience at a Regional event (or any competition, for that matter), so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had an idea, a preconceived notion some would say, but I definitely wasn’t expecting what I got: unanimous hospitality.
There were people of all ages, people of all races, and people from all walks of life. People with children, people with tattoos, people with eczema. With this amount of player diversity, I expected there to be at least a little hostility going around (there always is at events like this), but I saw none of that.
Veterans, rookies, jokesters, and true competitors filled the St. Charles Convention Center’s main ballroom, and the spirit of friendly competition filled the air. The periodic announcements of winners over the PA system were met with congratulatory applause. Each match started and ended with a friendly handshake and a “good luck”. Even during the matches, the phrases “nice move!” and “oh, I thought you had me there!” were abundant. It was a good time, even if you were losing.
I knew there would be friendly people, and I knew almost everyone would be a good sport, but I honestly expected to come across at least a couple arrogant hot-heads, who took the game way too seriously.
They spelled my name wrong.
There was none of that. Maybe I was just lucky. Maybe I didn’t rank high enough to face these uber-serious players, but you know what – I don’t care. I had a blast playing against the people I did, and I hope to play against trainers just as considerate and cordial the next time.
The generosity and friendliness of the Pokémon community never ceases to amaze me, and I am proud to say I am part of that community.
Now, tell me your stories about Regionals, or any other competition, in the comments below! Did you meet all kinds of friendly people, or did you stumble upon a gang of jerks?!
Written by Scott
@scottcharboneau
Proofed by Jorbey
@jaredtheunseen
Comments (2)
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I’m just super jealous. I’ve been reading up on Regionals, as most people’s articles and warstories have been a slow trickle, and it only makes me even more sad that I can’t go to these events.
I’m glad you had a great time though! Still super Jellicent!
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