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Pokémon League

For over a decade, the Otafest Pokémon League has been a safe space for Pokémon fans, offering the chance to battle fellow enthusiasts, challenge the League for real-life badges, and compete for the title of Champion. Beyond the battles, you can also enjoy Pokémon-related panels, mini-games, various events, and a welcoming community!

Friday 10am - 6pm | Saturday 10am - 6pm | Sunday 10am - 5pm

Marriott - Kensington Room

Think you have what it takes to be the very best? Live out your Pokémon journey. Assemble your ultimate team in Pokémon Scarlet or Violet and step into our arena.

You’ll face off against our unique Gym Leaders, each one guarding a custom-designed, physical badge you can take home. Collect eight, and you’ll earn the right to take on our toughest trainers: the Elite Four. Only by defeating them can you earn a shot at the ultimate title and face the reigning Otafest Champion.

This is the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and spirit. Your legend is waiting to be written. Are you ready?

The championship challenge

At the core of the League is the Championship Challenge. Does your team have what it takes to reach the top?

The League is not a tournament. It’s meant to use the video games to provide the experience of being in the Pokémon world and trying to become a Pokémon Master.

Two cosplayers in matching blue and gold outfits posing on stage with their arms raised

Singles 3v3

1. Gym Leaders

Fight each of our eight Gym Leaders to earn custom designed badges made by the expertly talented folks at Chinook Crafts.

Two cosplayers in matching blue and gold outfits posing on stage with their arms raised

Singles 4v4

2. Elite Four

Once you’ve conquered all of the Gyms, you can ramp up the challenge and take on the Elite Four. Only when you manage to best each of them will you have a shot at taking on our Champion.

Two cosplayers in matching blue and gold outfits posing on stage with their arms raised

Singles 6v6

3. Champion

Will you be part of the rare but powerful few who succeed against our Champion?

In the unlikely event that you defeat them, you’ll receive glory, fame, and a chance to be chosen as next year’s Pokémon League Champion!

You will need

  • Otafest admissionYou will require admission to Otafest to access the League!
  • Your own console & gamePlease bring your own Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 and copy of Pokémon Scarlet or Violet.
  • A team of 6 PokémonTrain up your team, give them each an item and make sure they are ready to go!
  • A trainer cardYou will be provided with a trainer card and number when you register in the room. Make sure to keep it with you!
  • The will to win and have fun!Remember, this is all about making memories and having a fun experience!

Team building rules

The following rules apply to all teams (including yours, Gym Leaders, Elite Four, and Champion):

  • No Legendary Pokémon, this includes mythical Pokémon.
  • No Paradox Pokémon. This includes Walking Wake, Iron Leaves, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Iron Crown, and Iron Boulder.
  • No duplicate Pokémon. Regional variants count as different Pokémon.
  • No duplicate items. Different berries count as different items.
  • No choice scarf, choice specs, or choice band.
  • No use of the move: Last Respects.
  • No use of external devices, cheats, or exploits to modify or create items or Pokémon.
  • Have fun and be creative!

Competition rules

Gym leader battles are intended to be a fun, casual experience for all players whereas the Elite 4 and Champion gauntlet is intended to be a competitive challenge. These rules are in place to ensure that everyone has a chance to face the opponents they’d like, has a fun experience, and has an opportunity to win badges.

  • Sporting behavior is expected at all times.Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in your removal from the room and potential removal from Otafest.
  • Receiving outside assistance is not permitted.This includes but is not limited to, a friend coaching you, use of damage calculators, or use of websites to look up the opponent Pokémon's stats/moves/abilities.
  • Stalling tactics are not permitted.Stalling is defined as unnecessarily prolonging the battle (e.g. Toxic stalling).
  • Victory requires knockouts.In order to win a battle, you must knock out all of your opponent's Pokémon. It will not count as a victory if your battle timer reaches zero.
  • Inform Registration of any team changes.Any changes to your team must go through our Registration desk and be approved before continuing in the league.
  • Reruns require re-registration.You are free to rerun the league with a different team, but you must register with a new trainer card at our Registration desk for each team.
  • Duplicate Sunday.On Otafest Sunday only, you may create a new team to re-challenge the league, in this team you may have one duplicate Pokemon on your team. Please note this new team will require a new trainer card and to be registered in the system before it can be used.

Did you know?

You can challenge Gym Leaders as many times as you like to earn tickets. However, for the Elite Four and Champion, once your current team has used the challenges listed on your trainer card, please stop challenging them so other trainers get a turn.

The Fairy-type Gym Leader waiting for challengersA contestant tossing a Magikarp plushie up in the air

Mini-games & special events

These events are presented over the course of the festival, please check the schedule (once published) for specific times and locations.

Charity Gym

Our specially themed trainers and their teams are ready to battle. Not only can you help us raise funds for Otafest’s selected charity, but once you defeat this gym you will also be able to receive a special badge. While donations are encouraged, they are not mandatory in order to participate in this gym.

Ekans Hoops Hurl

Test your aim and agility! Compete for points by throwing coiled Ekans plushies onto Digletts in the distance. If you’re lucky you can score double with the gold Diglett!

Magikarp Splash

You have just 60 seconds to throw the Magikarp in the air more times than your opponent. If you’re lucky, you can get your name on the leaderboard and have others compete to beat your score!

Rental Battles

Battle with a variety of teams crafted by our rental battle techs, each team is unique and fun to play with. This is perfect for folks who want to battle without concerning themselves with the intricacies of team building!

Team Building Workshop

If you’re into team building but need a extra little push, ask one of our expert Pokémon trainers to help you craft a team or even work with your current team to help defeat our league!

Stuffie Stitching

Many Pokémon trainers go through the hassle of going out to catch their partners, but why not make your partner instead? Join your friends and fellow Pokémon fans as you select a pattern of your favourite Pokémon and stitch them together by hand! All ages and skill levels are welcome as volunteers will demonstrate and assist with the sewing techniques needed to make your very own partner for you to take home!

Stuffie Stitching

Spaces are limited, so pre-registration is required. Pre-register at the Otafest Pokémon League room, starting at 9:00am! Spots are first-come-first-served and we run out quickly.