Ryan Harris of The Woodlands wins Pokémon State Championship

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- After a full day of head-to-head Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) battles, Ryan Harris earned the coveted title of Pokémon State Champion while competing at the 2014 Pokémon TCG State Championships held in Dallas on March 15th. Ryan competed in the Senior Division and triumphed in a tournament that brought together hundreds of players from throughout Texas and the region.

For his win, the Woodlands-native also received Championship Points that will count toward a potential invite to the 2014 Pokémon World Championships in Washington D.C. this August. Players that achieve a top Championship Points ranking after the Spring Regional Championships will earn Travel Awards to compete at the 2014 Pokémon U.S. National Championships in Indianapolis this summer.

Ryan continues his winning streak with the state championship. Last April he won the Pokémon Spring Regional Champion title at the 2013 Pokémon Spring Regional Championships. (Read The Woodland’s Pokémon game player triumphs at 2013 Spring Regional Championships.

“The State competitors were an exceptional group this year and we look forward to watching as they continue to compete on the path to the 2014 Pokémon World Championships,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s 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.

Players of all ages and skills are encouraged to participate in Organized Play events. For more information on future tournaments including dates, locations, prizes, and tournament rules and regulations, visit www.pokemon.com/play

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.