HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Pokémon World Championships began Friday morning at the Hawaii Convention Center.
For some, Pokémon is more than just a game. It is a way of life.
Attendees traveled from as far as England, Italy, and Japan for the Pokémon World Championships, which drew over 3,000 competitors from a total of 53 countries.
“Spectators” and public audiences also turned out at the convention center.
“I feel like Pokémon is created for me,” attendee Gurtarsad Thimz said. You know like I’ve been Pokémon Fama entire life, so I really wanted to come here. It’s my first time ever here and honestly, I’m having the time of my life. I’m loving it,”
Established in 1996, Pokémon quickly picked up to the point where it has become one of the largest media conglomerates in the world.
“It’s about four different types of games, trading card game or video game Pokémon go and Pokémon united,” Sara Neilson of Pokémon International said.
These championships are the pinnacle of Pokémon play.
“I played when I was younger. I had a great time with it made a lot of friends in the community,” Joseph Hagger from North Carolina said. “My son got into it. We started playing together. My son got into it. It’s a great thing to do. We got into the community always been really big to us.”
This is the fourth time the Pokémon World Championship have come to Hawaii, but it’s the first time on Oahu.
“It’s just the gathering of everybody with a common interest the chance to make friends make connections, but we grow up in our childhood. Everybody’s loves Pokémon some degree.” Pokémon trainer Chrystle said.
Despite Pokémon’s widespread popularity, not anyone can compete in the world championships.
“To get involved in any competitive play involved your local hobby shop car shops to go to League of Legends championship points and the championship points that you acquire qualify for the regional championship, the national championship, and eventually appear the world championships someday,” Neilson said.
For some, it is only a dream to be there. It is also for Thimz, who saved up thousands just to be at the convention.
“And blowing it all in Hawaii. There’s just one item that I’m trying to get. It’s really hard,” he said. “It’s the Pikachu Ukulele. I’ve been trying. Pray for you, guys. Pray for me that I try to pray for me that I try to get the Ukulele.”