Pokémon European Championships kicking off May 11

The Pokémon European Video Game Championships are starting from May 11 this year in Milan and across other regions throughout summer. Winners will earn a free trip to Vancouver to compete in the world finals in August.

In a note sent to VG247 this morning, The Pokemon Company confirmed three European heats. The first takes place in Milan, Italy on May 11-12, followed by Bochum, Germany on May 26 and finally in Birmingham, UK on June 2.

Events will cover both the Pokemon video games and trading cards. For the first time ever the tournament will not operate on a knock-out basis meaning that even if you're defeated you can still earn enough points to proceed to the final rounds.

Each tournament is bracketed by age:

· Junior Division—born in 2002 or later
· Senior Division—born in 1998, 1999, 2000, or 2001
· Masters Division—born in 1997 or earlier

Entry to the events is on a first-come-first-served basis and you can register over at the official Pokemon site now.

Anyone interested?