The road to becoming a Pokémon champion now runs through Columbus.
On Friday, June 30-Sunday, July 2, Columbus will be home to one of the biggest gaming events in the world: the 2023 Pokémon North America International Championships . The event is at the Greater Columbus Convention Center where nearly 1,000 competitors will be on hand playing for cash and other prizes.
Here are a few fast facts we think you need to know:
- Competitors will play the Trading Card Game, the latest video game, and Pokémon GO.
- Spectator tickets are still available, but selling fast.
- Collectibles can be found throughout the weekend, including a rare downloadable Pokémon exclusive to this event.
- The event will be live streamed on Twitch and YouTube all weekend.
Pick up plushies, cards, and rare in-game items at this three-day event. | Photo via Canva
This marks yet another achievement for Columbus as it continues to be a hub for gamers. So, let’s plug into our trending gaming industry:
Multiplayer friendly
The city is becoming a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to gaming, and this adds fuel to the fire. Columbus can offer high tech arenas for local teams, such as the Belong Gaming Center , or host international tournaments like this one at the Columbus Convention Center .
Gaming as a gig
It’s possible to make a career through video games, and Columbus has pathways to help aspiring e-athletes do so. The Ohio State University offers multiple e-sport teams, and the Columbus Crew has an eMLS club. Plus, Esports Engine is a local business that helps gamers get started with their streaming careers, or find a job within the industry.
Downloading updates
Glytch , a 2,000-seat gaming arena, is planned for Columbus in the future. A construction date hasn’t been disclosed, but once its built, it will be the largest e-sports venue in the state at 100,000 sqft.