Scalpers quickly cleared out the official merchandise store at the Pokémon World Championships 2025, leaving many fans unable to purchase exclusive items.
Despite The Pokémon Company introducing stricter controls such as purchase limits and a lottery system, reports from attendees indicate that scalpers still managed to acquire large quantities of the most in-demand products.
Exclusive items, including trading card game merchandise and other collectables, began appearing on resale sites such as eBay at heavily inflated prices within hours of the store opening.
Videos shared online captured chaotic scenes inside the venue, with one attendee overheard saying, “It’s a bloodbath in here, holy sh*t,” as people rushed to grab items from the shelves.
In response, organisers moved to address the issue on the second day of the event by introducing a staggered entry system.
This measure reportedly helped manage the flow of attendees, with later footage showing stocked shelves, though it remains unclear whether the most sought-after TCG products were still available.
The annual Championships, held this year in Anaheim from August 15–17, feature competitions across multiple Pokémon titles, including the Trading Card Game, Pokémon Unite, Pokémon Go, and the latest mainline RPGs, Scarlet and Violet.
Competitors are battling for a share of a $2 million prize pool, with winners crowned across each category.
Beyond competitive play, the Championships are also known for offering exclusive merchandise and rewards.
Entrants receive special edition cards that cannot be obtained elsewhere, adding further appeal for collectors and fans of the franchise.
The ongoing issue of scalpers targeting Pokémon merchandise has been a recurring concern for fans, with many calling for stronger preventative measures to ensure fair access in future events.
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