The Tournament Scene

[Anavel_Gato]

Hope I'm posting this in the right place...

Hey all. I've recently gotten back into Pokemon. I stopped playing not long after Neo Genesis came out- around the time I was about 12. Now, my wife and I have both decided to play, perhaps in tournaments, but we're a bit unsure as to what we can expect. I'm 23 years old now, and my wife is only a bit younger. Are there a lot of people our age playing this game competitively, or would we be seen as weirdos? I understand that most tournaments have different age brackets. My wife and I could only play in the Masters bracket, I think, but I can't help but marvel at the fact that it's for those born in '96 or earlier. I was born in '88! It makes me feel old and somewhat awkward! Should I feel this way?

I guess I'm just looking to get a feel for what I can expect at tournaments. I know things will vary from area to area, of course, but I'm very much interested in this game and both my wife and I would love to meet and battle other players.

[baby mario]

There are lots of people your age and older who play the game.

You wouldn't be any weirder than any other Pokemon player ;)

[honchvire]

I'm 26 and got back into the game at age 22 after a 10year hiatus or so. There are quite a few people our age. In fact, some of the best players in the game are in their early to mid 20s.
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[K2theAblaM]

You're going to fit right in. Don't even think twice about it. There will be people at the tournement 3 times your age.

Pokemon tcg isn't a kid's game... it's a people's game. Everyone's invited.

[Anavel_Gato]

Originally Posted by K2theAblaM

Pokemon tcg isn't a kid's game... it's a people's game.

And that's just the thing; people don't seem to get it. There's a stigma surrounding the game. People think that it's only for children, or that it's some sort of infantile game, when in fact it's got more depth and history to it than the majority of games out there. Thanks for the reassuring comments everyone!

[Allenby]

Hi there! This is Anavel's wife. I'm pretty relieved myself that we wouldn't stick out at a tournament. Thank you for the reassurance!

[cpeterik]

As someone mentioned- it is the players in their mid 20's that are defining the game, with the best players in the world (Ness, Pooka, Pram, Ross, Jayson Harry, Fulop, etc..) all under 30 (I believe). I was skeptical at first too, coming back to pokemon on my 20th birthday 2 years ago, but it was the best decision I've ever made. Welcome!!!
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[espy87]

do it.

i was on and off with the game too. i'm 24 now but i played back in 03-04 and i loved it, i played everyday.
about a year and a half ago i told my girlfriend that i use to play and i told her "i kinda miss it".
then she said she would like to learn how to play and now we go to tournaments all the time.

there might be some weird people there but you will meet people to talk to. my girlfriend and mostly talk to another couple that goes to the tournaments. we met them when we started playing and actually drove out to nationals with them this year(which was a 9 hour car ride lol). its a good time. we love the traveling aspect of the game.

As for the age, I think you guys fit right in. Most of the players in my area are 20-25.
they are all the good players too. i believe that it's the age group that really grew up with the game and knows what they are doing.

[Nintendan]

Yeah. There's absolutely no reason not to. I know a few adults who play in tournaments at my league and I've seen LOADS of adults play at Nationals and stuff.
A teacher at school told me that Pokémon cards are for 10 year olds.
Funny thing is Masters is the biggest division of all XD
There's nothing stopping you and besides, you can bet the Pokémon community wouldn't laugh at someone playing it just because of their age.
Go for it.

[Chompy]

There are a bunch of middle aged adults (30+) that play the game and even make it to the top cuts. My aunt plays the game and she's 59 years old and still enjoys it. It would be one thing if the average age group would be under 20, but the fact that players that are 30+ that play the game still will make you want to the play the game even more.

At first when I got into the game back when I was 12 or 13 back (when Neo Revelation came out), I felt embarrassed that I was actually into the Pokemon game. Then I look at all the people that play the game and there's a wide range of people of all different ages that played the game at the time as well. Now I'm 23 and I still enjoy playing this game to this day. Once your into something, there's pretty no way of losing interest when your devoting your time and love for the game.

[Politoed666]

Masters is the largest division. As others have said, you wouldn't stick out at all.

[Alazor]

A lot of people are now in the Masters division in pokemon. Umm.. but be sure to keep your priorities straight.

[Phazon Elite]

Yeah the 15+ age division is generally the largest, and a large portion of that division is in the 18+ crowd. I like that I can discuss adult subject matter in the same venue that I use to throw imaginary critters at people, and I'm sure you guys will have that same experience.

Really the only worry is your non-PKMN friends making fun of you. lol. But if you can get past that you're cool beans!

: )

[JenTJs]

Don't worry! There are plenty of new Pokemon friends to make that will be right around your age! I'm 30 and enjoy both the TCG and the video games. Most of my tournament time is spent on staff, and I'm always happy to have new faces to meet!

Welcome back!

[MildCat]

Pokemon, like board games, poker, chess can be enjoyed by all ages! It is not a game for the pre-schooler but great for most others!