Conroe’s Jesse Perkins triumphs at the 2013 Pokémon State Championships

CONROE, Texas -- After a full day of head-to-head Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) battles, Jesse Perkins earned the coveted title of Pokémon State Champion while competing at the 2013 Pokémon TCG State Championships held in Addison on March 16th. Jesse prevailed in the event which brought together hundreds of competitors and triumphed as the only Masters Division player from Texas to hold the title. For his win, the Conroe-native also received a travel stipend to compete at the 2013 Pokémon U.S. National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana this June, as well as Championship Points that count toward a potential invite to the 2013 Pokémon World Championships in Vancouver, Canada this August.

“Earning the title of Pokémon State Champion is a huge honor and moves these elite players one step closer to competing at the 2013 Pokémon World Championships,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “Congratulations to everyone who participated at the Texas Pokémon TCG State Championships.”

Pokémon Organized Play competitors are divided equally into three divisions: Junior Division (born in 2002 or later), Senior Division (born in 1998–2001), and Masters Division (born in 1997 or earlier). Players of all ages and skill levels in good standing are encouraged to participate in premier events that guarantee competitors the opportunity to play in multiple rounds, no matter what their win-loss record is.

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world.

For more information on tournament rules, regulations, and prizes as well as how to get involved in local leagues or participate in future tournaments taking place in Texas and throughout the South Central Region, please visit www.pokemon.com/play. Be sure to Like the official Pokémon Facebook page at Facebook.com/Pokemon and follow Pokémon on Twitter @Pokemon for the latest Pokémon news and fun!