I had written Kierin Chase with Wizards of the Coast about the Pokemon 
Showdown battle being only for tots, and this is what she sent back 
to me: - Bill @ The PoJo


Hey Bill,

We have given an official response.  Here it is and feel free to post it
if you'd like.

"Hi folks, I wanted to address a few of the questions regarding the Pokémon
Trainer Showdown Battle scheduled for June 26 and the 27th.

As you are aware, this event is restricted to players who are 12 years of
age and under. The reason these events were created was to mirror our
Japanese partner's (Media Factory) efforts in Japan. Media Factory had
planned an event for Japanese players in late summer (the Tropical Mega
Battle in Hawaii). This event was planned to invite 18 Japanese Pokémon fans
ages 12 and under.  Wizards of the Coast and Media Factory decided it would
be fun to have both American and Japanese players participate in this
exhibition event. Wizards of the Coast is using the same format to choose
the invitees as Media Factory is using in Japan.

The purpose of this tournament structure is simply an exhibition to promote
Pokémon play among the 12 and under age bracket. This is not a championship
(or "Nationals") in any way and should not be regarded as such.

In the future, there may be some form of championship in North America, or
there may not be. This is for Wizards of the Coast to decide, depending on
how we wish the Pokémon brand to evolve. Pokémon is an incredibly enjoyable
game, and it is easy to understand why people are anxious to find out what
future competitive style events may be held. The answer is simple; we are
exploring every possibility. Keep in mind that anyone can apply to hold a
DCI sanctioned tournament for Pokémon (and any other DCI supported game). If
you are as excited about Pokémon as I am and wish to see some local
sanctioned tournaments in your area, please encourage your local organizer
to contact the DCI Sanctioning Coordinator (Linda Roberts) by emailing
lindar@wizards.com. Better yet, contact Linda and offer to run some
tournaments yourself, it's a great way to encourage Pokémon events in your
area.

For the folks attending the Houston Pokémon Trainer Showdown Battle, I'll
see you there!

Happy Pokémon playing!

Jeff Donais
Assistant Brand Manager - Organized Play
Wizards of the Coast
Jdonais@wizards.com"


Hope this helps,

Kierin Chase
Retail Based Activities Manager
Wizards of the Coast


PS:  I'll see you in Chicago.  That's the one I'm going to so feel free to
find me and ask any questions you might have.  Remember I might not be able
to answer all of them.  :)