Will Pokémon TCG Pocket become an esport? It’s a question that’s followed the game ever since it exploded in popularity, and now we have a clear answer. According to The Pokémon Company, there are currently no plans to turn Pokémon TCG Pocket into a major competitive title.
The clarification came during the recent Pokémon Europe International Championships in London, where Chris Brown, Director of Global Esports and Events at The Pokémon Company, spoke with media outlets about the game’s future.
Pokémon TCG Pocket Will Not Become An Official Esport
Speaking at EUIC, Brown said that while Pocket “feels great” in its current form, it is designed more as a “casual way for people to meet up” rather than a structured esport. He added that although the team is discussing ways to better support the Pocket community, including encouraging trading at live events, “there are no plans for it to be a main title.”
That effectively settles ongoing speculation about whether the mobile hit would join Pokémon’s official esports circuit.
How Pokémon TCG Pocket Is Used At Tournaments
Pokémon TCG Pocket has still carved out a presence at major events. It regularly appears as a side event at regional and international tournaments, giving players a chance to compete in small, informal brackets.
However, these are not part of an official championship circuit. There are no prize pools, no season-long qualification system, and no pathway to Worlds tied to Pocket.
The game itself also reflects its more accessible design. Decks consist of just 20 cards, the mechanics are streamlined compared to the physical trading card game, and matches are significantly faster. While newer expansions have added layers of strategy, the format remains simpler overall.
Some regionals have experimented with a two-deck format, requiring players to switch to a second unused deck after winning with their first. This rule has been introduced to encourage more card diversity, as the limited card pool can otherwise lead to repeated strategies and familiar Pokémon appearing across matches.
Pokémon’s Focus Remains On Established Competitive Titles
The Pokémon Company currently supports several competitive pillars.
These include the physical Pokémon Trading Card Game, the Video Game Championships format played on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon UNITE, and Pokémon GO.
Brown’s comments indicate that this structure is not changing in the immediate future. Pokémon TCG Pocket is not being added to that lineup, and it is not being prepared for a formal esports circuit.
Interestingly, the VGC format is set to move to the upcoming Pokémon Champions for the World Championships in San Francisco. While no release date has been confirmed for Champions yet, further announcements are expected soon as the franchise approaches its 30th anniversary celebrations.
That context makes it clear that Pokémon’s competitive roadmap is focused elsewhere.
A Competitive Feel Without A Competitive Circuit
It’s worth noting that Pokémon TCG Pocket does offer competitive-style battles. Players can face opponents from around the world, build optimised decks, and test strategies in ranked environments.
But competitive mechanics alone do not equal esports status. Without an official circuit, structured tournaments, or a championship pathway, Pocket remains positioned as a complementary experience rather than a flagship competitive title.
For now, Pokémon TCG Pocket continues to thrive as one of the most successful mobile apps in the franchise’s history. Just don’t expect to see it on the Worlds main stage any time soon.