- Ed Sheeran and a Squirtle plushie greeted fans in a video kicking off the Pokémon World Championships on Thursday.
- The event is being held in London, marking the first time it’s being held outside of North America and a return from a two-year pandemic hiatus.
- The championships bring together competitive players skilled in the Pokémon trading card games, main series videogames and “Pokémon Unite.”
- A special top hat Pikachu and Roserade were designed to commemorate the event.
- Pokemon’s next main series games, “Pokemon: Scarlet and Violet” come out on Nov. 18.
The Pokémon World Championships kicked off on Thursday with a welcome video from star singer Ed Sheeran and his trusty Squirtle.
In the video, Sheeran acknowledges that trainers from around the world “have traveled very very far and wide” for the event and wishes them luck. He says Squirtle wishes them luck too, and wraps up with “Trainer Ed, out.”
London is ready. The players are ready! 💪
We have a special message from @edsheeran to those participating in the 2022 Pokémon World Championships this weekend! #PokemonWorlds pic.twitter.com/c3Hwpky0A6
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) August 18, 2022
Sheeran is a well-documented Pokémon fan, having once tweeted out his love for “Pokémon: Black.” He also collaborated with “Pokémon Go” last year with a special in-app concert performance, along with a special sunglasses-wearing Squirtle.
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Pokémon World Championships have returned in person at the ExCel London exhibition center this year from Aug. 18-21. This is the first time the event is being held outside of North America. It summons the best players in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, main series video games and “Pokémon Unite” for competitive play.
We’re getting ready for #PokemonWorlds to start tomorrow at ExCeL London! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/TD8VpP90IY
— Pokémon UK (@PokemonNewsUK) August 17, 2022
A special top hat-wearing Pikachu was designed for the event, and London is also represented by a top hat-garbed Roserade. Pikachu mascots were out in the wild on the Thames River too. Even the cable cars have been decked out in Pokémon.
Welcome back, Trainers! Day 1 of the 2022 Pokémon World Championships is OFFICIALLY underway. 🎉🎉🎉
What are you most excited for over the big four-day event? pic.twitter.com/zpe633r5Jo
— Pokémon TCG UK (@PokemonTCGUK) August 18, 2022
The Pokémon Center Pop-Up Store is coming to the Pokémon World Championships at ExCeL London from August 17–21! 👀
The store features exclusive merch, photo opportunities, themed areas, advance timeslot reservations and a virtual queuing system for walk-ups. pic.twitter.com/2jSyWnkSub
— Pokémon UK (@PokemonNewsUK) July 27, 2022
Pikachu are taking over London! ⚡️#PokemonWorlds pic.twitter.com/o9KO74EAsB
— Pokémon UK (@PokemonNewsUK) August 17, 2022
It’s a Pokémon takeover over on the @TfL cable cars this week in celebration of #PokemonWorlds! 🥳🏆
Which Pokémon type cable car will you choose to travel in, Trainer? pic.twitter.com/6ZdviexkvT
— Pokémon UK (@PokemonNewsUK) August 18, 2022
The tournament taking place in London this year is fitting given the most recent main series Pokémon games, “Pokémon: Sword and Shield,” were inspired by the U.K.
In other Pokémon related news, Pokémon cards are back at McDonald’s. The next main series Pokémon games, “Pokemon: Scarlet and Violet,” will be released on Nov. 18.
Feature Image via: The Pokémon Company
