Pokémon World Champion Banned From Competing After Cutting Merch Line
Kotaku • • technology
Key Points:
- The Pokémon World Championships and Pokémon XP fan convention are taking place in San Francisco this weekend, drawing competitive players for the largest Pokémon tournament of the year.
- Notable players, including former world champion Luca Ceribelli, were banned from the event after allegedly cutting the line at the merchandise booth, resulting in their event passes being confiscated.
- Ceribelli claims the group was told their passes would be reprinted to allow entry, but they were later informed they could not reprint the passes, barring them from competing entirely.
- Ceribelli expressed that the punishment is unjust and emotionally devastating, especially after being unable to attend tournaments for eight months and looking forward to the event.
- The Pokémon Center has been contacted for comment, and the story will be updated if a response is received.
