For a chance to win a seat at the Pokémon Video Game Showdown on August 16, Pokémon players of all ages were encouraged to test their skills by completing an online challenge for a chance to compete in the upcoming Qualifier Tournaments on July 12, in Los Angeles and July 19, in New York City. Each regional qualifying event will put players' skills to the test in a 2-on-2 Battle format tournament playing Nintendo's Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl video games until only eight players in each age group (Junior and Senior Divisions) remain. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each of the two age divisions at both Qualifier Tournaments that will include a paid trip to Orlando to compete in the Pokémon Video Game Showdown! In addition, the top finisher in each age division will win a Nintendo Wii prize package with a shot at the grand prize that includes a 6 day vacation package for four to either New York, Honolulu, or Tokyo, Japan! Even Pikachu and friends will be on hand to meet the players.

Online registration is now closed, but additional players may be randomly selected from those in attendance at the events. Attendance at the Qualifier Tournaments is not a guarantee to participate, as space is limited. Players are asked to bring their North American copy of Pokémon Diamond or Pokémon Pearl in case they are selected to participate. Official rules and regulations can be found online at showdown.pokemon.com/qualifiers.

Qualifier Tournament Event Details
July 12, 2008-Los Angeles, California July 19, 2008-New York, New York
California Science Center The Altman Building
Exposition Park 135 West 18th Street
39th Street & Figueroa Street New York, NY 10011
Los Angeles, CA 90037 8am Start time
8am Start time

Junior Division (Born in 1996 or later)**
* Tickets/wristbands distributed for alternate selection: 8:45 A.M.
* Registration and Check-in: 9:00 A.M.-9:45 A.M.
* Alternates randomly selected: 9:45 A.M. (up to 128 players will compete)
* Play: 10:00 A.M.- 12:30 P.M.

Senior Division (Born in 1995 or earlier)**
* Tickets/wristbands distributed for alternate selection: 8:45 A.M.
* Registration and Check-in: 10:00 A.M.-10:45 A.M.
* Alternates randomly selected: 10:45 A.M. (up to 128 players will compete)
* Play: 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.