Groudon, Kyogre, Xerneas & Yveltal... Oh My!
Since The Pokemon Company International (TPCi) introduced the trading card game's championship series in 2005, many tournament organizers began to request receiving the same level of commitment for the main line of the video games. In 2014, competitive players of the video games finally received the opportunity to participate in earning championship points which could be accrued to earn the means to participate in the world championships.
When the Pokemon Video Game Championship (VGC) series launched with its local level Premier Challenge Kickoff season during the spring of 2014, the usable Pokemon were limited to those in the Pokemon X & Y Pokedex, just short of any mythical or legendary Pokemon. Pokemon X & Y also brought with it a new game play mechanic known as mega evolution. When teams could comprise of up to four Pokemon capable of mega evolution and mega evolution being limited to once per match, no one could entirely anticipate match outcomes.
Shortly before the 2015 VGC series began, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire was announced as the only games that would be used and that most Pokemon in the national Pokedex could be on a player's team. Again, mythical and legendary Pokemon were not permitted. However, it had become clear that some Pokemon would be staples on many competitive teams, including Kangaskhan and Gengar.
The 2016 VGC series continues the use of the national Pokedex found in Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire as well as allowing up to two of 15 legendary Pokemon permitted on a player's team. The mythical Pokemon are still not permitted. Barely a few weeks into the new season and almost every competitive team has either Groudon or Xerneas and Kyogre or Yveltal. Sure, Mewtwo pops up from time to time, but not as often as you would probably think.
In case you were curious, the permitted legendary Pokemon are Mewtwo, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal and Zygarde. The non-permitted mythical Pokemon are Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa and Volcanion. At least for the time being, the change does require the use of Normal Battle Rules in matches, rather than the typical Flat Battle Rules.
For the first time, the VGC will see its own state level championship known as the Midseason Showdown. These championships will occur during March and April 2016, and will most likely occur along side some of the trading card game's state championships. If you are serious about competition with the video game, try your luck at the Midseason Showdown. The championship points that can be earned are up to three times that of local level Premier Challenges.
Championship Points: http://www.pokemon.com/us/play-poke...emon-tournaments/earn-championship-points-vg/