Serving the Pokémon Video Game Community in the SoCal area, we organize fun, family-friendly events that are open to the public and welcome everyone from the youngest trainers to adults (young at heart). Pokémon is enjoyed for its complex strategies, entertaining characters, and atmosphere of friendly competition. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every participant has fun. It is this attitude, The Spirit of the Game, that we wish to emphasize during Pokémon tournaments. Adherence to the Spirit of the Game helps to ensure that all participants, including players, spectators, and event staff at a Pokémon tournament, have an enjoyable experience.

The Spirit of the Game is composed of the following tenets:

• Fun: Pokémon is a game, and games are meant to be fun for all parties involved. When a game ceases to be fun, players find other things to do.
• Fairness: Games cease to be fun when players break the rules to achieve victory. A player should prefer to lose a game than to win by cheating.
• Honesty: Players of any game should strive to act honestly while playing that game. If a player inadvertently breaks a rule during a game and becomes aware of the error before his or her opponent or a judge, that player should make the opponent and the judge aware of the misplay.
• Respect: Players, spectators, and staff should be treated with the same respect that players would expect for themselves. Distracting an opponent or a judge to gain advantage shows disrespect to everyone involved in a Pokémon tournament.
• Sportsmanship: Winning or losing with grace is vital to the enjoyment of a game. The desire to continue playing a game can be soured by players who berate their opponents after winning or losing a match. Likewise, a player who plays the clock, rather than the game, shows poor sportsmanship and should be discouraged from doing so whenever possible.
• Learning: Players should strive to help each other increase their Pokémon play skills. It is not a player’s responsibility to make his or her opponent’s plays for that opponent. However, discussing strategies, offering tips, or constructively critiquing game play decisions after the match has been completed helps both participants to become better players.

Not only do we hold participants to this standard, but we also strive to surpass it ouselves as staff and to be role-models for those in the community.

Do you have a question? Want to know more about our events? Know of a new fun, friendly venue for tournaments? Well then, get in touch with us!

Send us an email at events@pokemonlabs.com and we’ll get in touch with as soon as possible.

When do you host event?
We host events approximately 2-3 times a month at Psycho Turtle Play. From time to time we may also host special events, such as a Pokémon Day Tournament or BBQ event at a park. Check out our events listings for dates, time, and locations. (Note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, event dates, times, and locations are subject to change without notice. We will try to post changes with enough advanced notice as possible. But please check event listings regularly for the most up-to-date information)

Who can play at events?
Events are open to the public and everyone is welcome to participate, from young children to adults. In general, if you have an understanding of the basic rules of the game, you can play in an event. If you’re trying to learn how to play and get a taste of competitive play, our League Challenge events are a great place to do so.

How much is entry into an event?
League Challenges are typically $10 and League Cups are typically $15. But do check the event info page as other circumstances, like additional venue fees, could change the price of entry.

Is there online registration for events?
Yes, we do provide online registration. We highly recommend that you signup online to save your spot for the tournament. While League Challenge typically have plenty of space for in-person registration, League Cups tend to fill all our available space. When you signup online, you guarantee your spot at the event.

What time does an event end?
The run time of an event will be dependent on the number or players participating per age division and how quickly all players can complete a round. Typically each tournament can be anywhere from 4-6 Swiss Rounds plus Top 8 Single Elimination Rounds.

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, ApplePay, AndroidPay, and SamsungPay at all of our events. We basically accept all the pays.