Calling the greatest Pokemon trainers in the US

For all you pokémaniacs, the 2009 Pokémon Video Game World Championships are set to begin qualifiers next month. Regional qualifiers (apparently the northeastern part of the country doesn't count) will begin in May. Trainers need to bring their own copy of Pokemon Platinum to compete in the "2-on-2 Double Cup" format -- no creature can exceed level 50.

Regional qualification will accept "128 players for each age division (Juniors and Seniors)" at random from those in attendance. All registrants will receive a "level 50 Shiny Milotic."

• May 9 - Seattle, WA
• May 16 - San Francisco, CA
• May 23 - Phoenix, AZ
• May 30 - Dallas, TX
• June 6 - Philadelphia, PA
• June 13 - Nashville, TN
• June 27 - St. Louis, MO

For full details about the regional competitions and the international locations, head on over to www.pokemonvgc.com.