How Pokémon's Euro Championships Sparked Unstoppable Happiness

• Atmosphere of tranquility at global Pokémon event.
• Shared passion for Pokémon creates unique environment.
• Strong sense of community among attendees.
• Positive in-person interactions within Pokémon community highlighted.
• Significant growth of the event over the years.

A Unique Atmosphere of Calm at a World-Class Event

At this global gathering, there were no arguments, no chaos, and an overwhelming sense of tranquility. As someone who usually prefers solitude and was nursing a cold, I found this atmosphere intriguing.

Gengar, the event's main icon, greeted attendees at the Pokémon Center.

Creating a Unique Environment

"I just love Pokémon!" exclaimed a woman dressed as Gothorita, joined by her daughter (dressed as Gothita), and a friend dressed as trainer Caitlin. The trio were spectators, often participating in the trading card game at their local Geek Retreat.

"It’s like my childhood," Gothorita added. This sentiment was echoed by many attendees, with Pokémon's vibrant, kid-friendly franchise overriding more aggressive video game and trading card cultures.

Here, everyone acknowledged their shared passion for Pikachu and his magical friends.

I sat next to two guys who’d just wrapped up a day-one round of "VGC," or battling teams in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The winner, Simon Van der Borght, also known as Shmon, was a frequent commentator and judge for the events.

Shmon, sporting a vibrant Pokémon-themed jacket, was thrilled about the event. He talked about the event's growth and the many friendships he's made. "It really makes me happy!" he declared, "Immediately I fell in love with the atmosphere."

The Power of Community

When asked about their experience, most attendees mentioned "the atmosphere." This hard-to-define element seemed to encapsulate safety, comfort, and positivity. Inside the convention center, everyone was simply enjoying the shared passion for Pokémon.

Three cosplayers, dressed as Gothita, Gothorita, and Caitlin, added to the event's festive atmosphere.

The Community is Wonderful!

I had the opportunity to chat with Joe Merrick, the man behind the popular Pokémon site Serebii, and Ross Gilbert, a long-time Pokémon commentator and YouTuber known as PTCGRadio. Both have attended the EUIC since its inception and have seen it grow from a small gathering to a massive celebration.

Despite the negativity often encountered online, both Merrick and Gilbert emphasized the supportive nature of the in-person Pokémon community. "When you're actually in a room with the actual community, the community is lovely!" they said.

The Event's Growth

The event has seen significant growth over the years. The 2023 EUIC hosted approximately 1,500 players in the TCG Masters event, while this year that number nearly doubled. It's speculated that the increased interest in Pokémon cards, spurred by the global covid lockdowns and high-profile purchases, has boosted interest in the game itself.

There are many reasons to attend the event, even for non-players. With activities, festival stalls, and gaming challenges, the event promises fun for everyone. "It’s going to make people realize, you know what, Pokémon is cool!” Merrick said.

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