VGC

VGC stands for Video Game Championships, the official competitive circuit for Pokémon video games. Organized by The Pokémon Company International, the VGC encompasses regional tournaments and the annual Pokémon World Championships, where top players from around the world compete for titles and Championship Points.

Match format and play are standardized across generations to ensure fair competition. Most official events use the doubles format, with two active Pokémon per side (four Pokémon in play at a time). Players build a team of up to six Pokémon and select four to bring into each match, facing an opponent’s team under a fixed ruleset that changes with the season.

Qualification and divisions: Players accumulate Championship Points by performing well at regional events and online tournaments. The highest-scoring players, subject to age division requirements, are invited to the Pokémon World Championships, which typically include Masters, Seniors, and Juniors divisions.

History and context: The VGC began in the early 2010s as the official competitive circuit for Pokémon video games and has grown into a global series that runs alongside new game releases. It emphasizes standardized formats, fairness, and international participation, and it has influenced Pokémon competitive play and fan communities worldwide.