Pokemon 2011 VGC

[rivalsacha]

Alright, with the Pokemon Video Game Championships finally being announced a little while ago, I have some important questions.
I figured this would be the best place to turn.

One of this year's Western Regional events is being held in San Jose, CA. And I have never been allowed to go before.
This year, I can try to compete!
But getting in is on a

Comments

[n]

Honestly? My friends and I went last year and we woke up early to go there, SF isn't too far for us, and SJ is a lot closer. But we arrived at around 7 am-ish.

Yes, the JR divisions go first, but it's always recommended to be there early in case of a big turn-out then you don't get in.
Get there early in the morning, chill with some people, practice some matches and then around noonish i think is when people file in for the Masters Division.

It doesn't look like much in the morning, but my god in the afternoon, the turn-out can amaze you!

[rivalsacha]

I guess that's good. But I'm about... seven hours from San Jose. D|

[n]

..Ach, that's a problem.
In your case I'd say you'd still want to get there early. Make the experience last, y'know?
Maybe not at 7, but at least 8-9.

To each their own, but if you're coming from a ways away, it's best that you show up early. If you can.

[rivalsacha]

Yeah. I'm trying to think of ways to ease the driving pain.

[okapifeathers]

last year when there were only two categories, i went to the seattle VGC maybe 3 hours early. everyone got in.

the amount of people participating have been hugely increased thanks to the new age division and i wouldn't worry about getting there super early. most of the players are in seniors.

the people who get there early are from either smogon or skarmbliss, and i'd say about 50-100 of the players at each stop are from those sites (including me).

just check on the show rate of Seattle, which is this weekend. seattle was like the second busiest qualifier last year i believe.

[rivalsacha]

Well. I hope the San Jose one is like that then. Cause I'm 7 hours away from it. :I

[jonjonxd]

I'll tell you this now...get there stupid early.

I've been to Pokemon Showdown 2008 (and competed in it) and another one in 2009...they are poorly organized. Nintendo is pretty terrible at doing this. Just get there really stupid early and you will be fine.

Though they say first come first serve basis, they will probably change it to accommodate for people coming in late / a big turn out. Seriously, it's dirty. That's how the 2009 tournament was in NJ.

[rivalsacha]

Thanks. I'll take that into account!

[okapifeathers]

just a note that they accepted thousands more players in 2010 and this year than they did in 2008/09.

[jonjonxd]

Well that's good then...glad to see they started organizing it better.