Challenge Trainers from around the world in the 2020 International Challenge February. This is the first International Challenge to be played using the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games. Create a team using Pokémon you’ve found in the Galar region and test your battling skills. This competition will use the same rules and regulations as the current Championship Series format, making it a great way to tune up for your next live tournament.
Top competitors can earn Championship Points toward an invitation to the Pokémon World Championships. Before the battle begins, be sure to link your Nintendo Account to your Pokémon Trainer Club account at Pokemon.com to ensure that you are awarded Championship Points correctly.
Sign-Up Period
Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. PST until Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 3:59 p.m. PST
Entry into the competition is not allowed once the competition has started, so be sure to complete sign-up during the sign-up period.
To Register:
- Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game
- Enter the VS menu
- Select Battle Stadium
- Select Online Competitions
- Select Search Official Competitions
Competition Period
Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. PST until Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 3:59 p.m. PST
You can register your Battle Team after the start of the competition.
Divisions
Juniors: Players born January 1, 2005, or later.
Masters: Players born December 31, 2004, or earlier.
Ranking Results
March 2020 (subject to change)
To view your rankings:
- Enter the VS menu
- Select Battle Stadium
- Select Online Competitions
- Select Search Official Competitions
Competition Reward
Top competitors can earn up to 50 Championship Points. Before battling, be sure to link your Nintendo Account to your Pokémon Trainer Club account at Pokemon.com.
Participation Gift
In-game Trainer clothing: Casual Tee (Poké Ball Guy)
You must complete at least one battle resulting in a win or a loss to be eligible.
Gifts can be redeemed once rankings are announced. To redeem your gift, select Mystery Gift, then Get Battle Stadium Rewards.
Competition Format
Double Battles
4-6 Pokémon of Lv. 1–100.
All Pokémon will become Lv. 50 for the duration of each match.
Four Pokémon will be selected for battle.
Eligible Pokémon
Pokémon in the Galar Pokédex No. 001–397 (As of February 1, 2020, this is limited to Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield)
Gigantamax Pokémon: Charizard, Butterfree, Pikachu, Meowth, Eevee, Snorlax, Corviknight, Drednaw, Sandaconda, and Centiskorch may be used.
Only Pokémon caught or hatched from Eggs or received as an official Mystery Gift within Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield are eligible.
Timers
- Player Time: 7 minutes
- Preview Time: 90 seconds
- Turn Time: 45 seconds
Battles per day: 15
Any remaining battles under the daily limit can be carried over to the following day. Each day changes over at 4:00 p.m. PST.
Only one Nintendo Account per each Nintendo Switch™ console may participate.
When using one Nintendo Account to play both Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, you can enter with each game.
Battle data and results will be provided to Nintendo Co. Ltd. and The Pokémon Company (and its subsidiaries).
Players may battle up to 15 times per day. A new day begins at 00:00 UTC. Remaining battles from previous days will be carried over to following days.
