This guide is designed to help players prepare for their upcoming Pokémon GO Tournaments.

 

Event Preparation:

Prepare for your tournament before it starts!

 

Before you attend an event, you'll need to register! In order to register for an event, your RK9.gg Player Profile must contain all required information. Please note that different events may have different requirements based on the game. Because of high demand for events, it's important to make sure all this information is complete before registration open. If you're not sure how to create or update your Player Profile, check out our article about editing your profile.

 

Once you've registered for a tournament, you can view event information and deadlines on your Player Tournament Dashboard. This is where you'll find your event confirmation, team list submission deadline, and when your tournament starts! You will use this page throughout your event.

 

To get to the Player Tournament Dashboard, go to your Player Dashboard and select the event you're registered for.

 

 

Next, review your Tournament Milestones for important event information.

 

 

Before submitting your team list, make sure the team you plan on using for the event utilizes the correct tournament format. For more information about tournament regulation formats, review Section 2 - Team Construction found in the Play! Pokémon Pokémon GO Tournament Rules. This document is updated frequently - we recommend loading the document directly from the Rules & Resources page on Pokemon.com.

 

Make sure you submit your list to RK9.gg before the submission deadline (pictured in the Milestones above). For more information about submitting your team list, check out our article on submitting your list. You may submit multiple team lists before the submission deadline; however, the most recently submitted list at the time the window closes will be the list you are required to play.

 

Creating Tags and Tagging your Pokémon

 

As outlined in Section 2.1 (Battle Setup) of the Play! Pokémon Pokémon GO Tournament Rules, you are required to create a dedicated "Tag" for the Pokémon you intend to use during the event. This helps both you and event staff quickly identify your team. If you are unfamiliar with how to create Tags, please refer to the instructions below. Note: All examples provided use an iPhone, as this is the device type normally utilized at Regional, International, and World Championships.

 

1. Log in to your Pokémon GO account and select the Poké Ball Main Menu button at the bottom of your screen.

 

 

2. While in the Main Menu, select "POKÉMON" in the bottom left side of your screen to access your Pokémon.

 

 

3. While on the Pokémon screen, you will see three tabs located at the very top - Tags, Pokémon, and Eggs. Swipe your screen to the right or tap the Tags tab at the top to access the Tags menu.

 

 

4. On the Tags screen, you'll see a + (plus) button on the bottom left side. Pressing that button allows you to create a new Tag!

 

 

5. Next, label your Tag by giving it a name and a color. We recommend creating a unique Tag name for the event so that it can easily be identified.

 

 

6. Once you create the name of your Tag and choose your color, confirm your selections and press "DONE" at the bottom of the screen.

 

 

7. Next, you’ll need to select the Pokémon you listed on your team list. There are two ways to do this—just follow the instructions below and choose the method that works best for you.

 

Option 1

 

1. Go to the tag you created in your TAGS screen. Once you're on the tag's page, tap the "Pikachu +" button in the bottom-left corner. This will take you to the selection screen.

 

 

2. After pressing the button, you'll be taken to your full list of Pokémon. From there, you can select all the Pokémon you plan to use for the tournament at once.

 

 

3. After you've selected all the Pokémon you listed on your team list, press the SELECT button at the bottom of the screen. Finally, confirm you have all the required Pokémon labeled.

 

Please note: This method is faster for tagging your Pokémon, but it does come with some risk. You’ll only be able to see each Pokémon's CP and not their full stats. If you have multiple Pokémon with the same CP, you might accidentally select the wrong one. Using the incorrect Pokémon can result in a tournament penalty, so please use this method with caution and double-check your selections.

 

Option 2

 

Go to the Pokémon screen where all your Pokémon are located and select the Pokémon you wish to add to the Tag.

 

Once on that Pokémon's screen, verify its stats to make sure it matches the one listed on your team list. Once confirmed, tap the pop-up menu in the bottom right corner.

 

After pressing the pop-up menu, select TAG.

 

After selecting TAG, a new screen will appear on the Pokémon you selected at the top and the Tag options below it. Select the Tag you wish to give that Pokémon.

 

After deleting the Tag you want to assign, confirm it's correct by checking for the green checkmark next to it. If the correct Tag is selected, tap the DONE button at the bottom of the screen.

 

To confirm you've tagged the correct Pokémon for the event, return to the Tags screen and select the Tag you created. You should see all the Pokémon you've selected for the event listed there. To verify individual stats, simply tap on any Pokémon you wish to view. 

 

And finally, there are some things you should familiarize yourself with before the event:

 

1. Because Pokémon GO Regionals use the Challonge online tournament software for match reporting and pairings, we encourage you to take some time to familiarize yourself with the platform in advance. Doing so will make it much easier to find your pairings and track your results during the event.

 

2. Finally, we encourage you to review the Play! Pokémon GO Tournament Rules, which cover all the essential information you'll need for event day, including how to participate in a match. This document is updated regularly and can be found on the Rules & Resources page at Pokemon.com.

 

While at the Event:

Below are tips and resources to better help you prepare for your tournament before it even starts.

 

Be sure to arrive on time for the players meeting on the day of the event. During this meeting, the Event Lead will review key information, including how many double-elimination pods will be competing, when each pod will begin, and which pod you've been assigned to

 

If you're placed in a later pod, you're not required to remain in the tournament hall until your pod begins. However, it's your responsibility to return on time as instructed by the Event Lead. Failure to report at the appropriate time may result in penalties or removal from the event.

 

Event attendees will receive a link to access Challonge from their mobile device. We recommend checking this link frequently, as matches may progress quickly. When it's time for your match, make sure to confirm you're seated with the correct opponent before beginning play, because verifying your opponent helps prevent accidental pairings with the wrong player.

 

After being seated, you will be given your official "opponent view" team sheet. Take a moment to review it carefully. If you notice any errors, notify a judge immediately so they can assist you.

 

You are responsible for keeping this sheet with you throughout the event. It must be shown to your opponent at the start of every round. If, during a match, you see your opponent using a Pokémon or any in-game element that does not appear on the version of their team sheet you were shown, call a judge immediately.

 

Please do not lose your sheet. Failing to present it to your opponent may result in a penalty. If your sheet is missing at any point, notify a judge right away.

 

After being seated, you will be provided with your official opponent view team sheet. You should check that the information on your team sheet is correct. If there are any errors, contact a judge to assist you. Hold on to your team sheet! It's required that you show this to your opponent at the start of each tournament round.

 

Tip: If you notice that during your game, your opponent is playing with a Pokémon or an in-game aspect that was not provided on their opponent view team sheet that you viewed, call for a judge immediately.

 

If you have any questions or concerns during the event, let event staff know so they can help you!