Now that Journey Together is officially out, I decided that I wanted to reflect on running my first prerelease as a Pokémon Professor. I had the pleasure of working with my Local Gaming Store as their League Organizer to run their Journey Together Pre-Release.
Planning
Planning for the event was mostly clerical on my end. In addition to making sure to put in the request for the Pre-Release kits with Play Pokémon, I also scheduled the event so that it was ready on Pokémon Play’s Event Locator so that other players could locate the event. Like a lot of stores, we sold out super quickly, and I was happy that a lot of our regular league players were there for the event.
The Day of The Event
With my laptop, Professor Program Cap, and Fuecoco by my side, it was the day of the Pre-Release. With a sold out event, unfamiliar names on the sign in sheet, and the current state of the market, I was a little bit worried attendees were just there for the packs. I had no reason to. Two of our attendees were on a business trip from out of town, and refused to let that stop them from doing the pre-release. I was happy to see my league regulars, and welcomed some new faces who were new to the game. We handed out the kits and it was time to see what pulls were to be had and what decks would be made.
If you don’t know, Ribombee is my favorite Pokémon, so I will say that I was incredibly envious that not one, but two people pulled the Illustration Rare Lillie’s Ribombee. I had to respect their desire to keep it, as I sadly put my trade binder away. The jealousy faded, and I walked away with confidence that I would pull it in my booster box I had pre-ordered. Also, I wasn’t leaving empty handed either. I got my first set of Staff Promos which I now have in my collection binder as a sentimental reminder of my first Pre-Release.
There were two Special Illustration Rares pulled: Volcanion ex and Iono’s Bellibolt ex, and a couple of Full Art Lillie’s Clefairy exs. Everyone left happy with their hits. As for the tournament, there was a clear winner that terrorized every single round:
With 4 Prize Cards (because it’s a Pre-Release) instead of 6, Hop’s Cramorant can attack immediately for a single energy and start sweeping. Anyone with this card in their deck had a powerhouse, and if they could get it on the board quickly enough, it was basically game over for their opponent. Luckily, our Pre-Release players get a pack per round played and not pack per win, so losses were accepted with grace and minimal groaning.
Final Thoughts
It was refreshing to see so many people interested in playing the game in a time where the market has seemed grim with inaccessible product. I really love how everyone is just there for fun and new cards, and there is not a ton of pressure to be the best player there. I hope to see some returning faces to our league in the coming weeks, and help them build the best decks with their new cards.
When I started being an Organizer for my LGS, their first priority was to be able to regain League status so they could start doing Pre-Releases again. Covid and moving locations had hurt their numbers, and I, being newly certified as a Pokémon Professor, was looking for a place to help grow the Pokémon Community. It has been such a privilege to rebuild the League, make new friends, and help new players navigate themselves into the hobby. It was a great success, and we already have a Destined Rivals Pre-Release approved.
Near Mint Crew 