Pokémon World Championships 2023: Fans and players gather in Tokyo

Some of the greatest Pokémon players in the world are in Japan for the Pokémon World Championships.

It's the biggest and most important Pokémon tournament around attracting some of the very best trainers who compete for the title of world champion.

Thousands of Pokémon fans too have gathered for the event, which takes place from 11 August to 13 August in Yokohama, near Tokyo.

And this year, Newsround will be there. We'll be bringing you all the latest news from the tournament, so keep an eye out for some special reports and lots of Pokémon action.

Why is this World Championships such a big deal?

Competitors face each other in person across small tables in a hall

This year's World Championships is the first time it's being held in Japan, where the game was created.

The 2023 event is being held at the Pacifico Yokohama convention centre.

There is public viewing areas for fans to watch the Championships, as well as festivals and parades taking place to celebrate all things Pokémon around Yokohama.

Last year more than eight million people watched the competition online. It was held in London, the first event to be held in Europe and only the second time it's ever been held outside of the USA.

What happens at the Pokémon World Championships?

Last year the Championships took place in London

There are both Trading Card Game tournaments and video game competitions.

Players from across the world will battle in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE.

In both the Trading Card Games and the Video Game Championships, players compete in their own age category - Junior (age 12 or under), Senior (12-16) and Masters (16 up).

The World Championships is the only event in the Championship Series that requires an invitation.

Only the best players who have picked up top points in championships throughout the year are invited to take part for a chance to win thousands of pounds in prizes.

For regular players and fans, there's also side tournaments, special events and activities over the four days.

Are you a Pokemon fan? Let us know in the comments.