After a weekend of head-to-head Pokémon video game battles, Kirkland resident Kendahl Burk earned the esteemed title of Pokémon Spring Regional Champion at the 2016 Pokémon Spring Regional Championships. Held in Overland Park, Kan. on May 28-29, Kendahl joins an elite group of only eight Junior Division Spring Regional video game Champions from across North America to clinch the coveted title.

Along with the first place finish and a Pokémon Spring Regional Champion trophy, Kendahl also earned valuable Championship Points that count toward a potential invite to the 2016 Pokémon World Champions in San Francisco, Calif. this August. Players who achieve a top Championship Points ranking following the 2016 Pokémon U.S. National Championships in Columbus, Ohio this July will earn a spot to compete among the best players from more than 30 countries at the Pokémon World Championships.

“The Pokémon Spring Regionals is a great opportunity for players of all ages to connect with their local community while competing among friends in a supportive and fun environment,” said J.C. Smith, senior director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “Thank you to all of the participates and a special congratulations to those crowned Pokémon Spring Regional Champion. We’re looking forward to seeing many of these players moving forward to the 2016 Pokémon National Championships in Columbus, Ohio this July.”

Each year, the Pokémon Organized Play tournament series draws tens of thousands of Pokémon players to compete at various local league events and sanctioned tournaments throughout North America. This season marks with a significant milestone for Pokémon, which is celebrating 20 years in 2016. The events serve as an opportunity for the Pokémon community to come together, compete, and enjoy games that have delighted fans worldwide for two decades.

Players of all ages and skill level are encouraged to participate in Pokémon Organized Play events.

For more information on future tournaments including dates, locations, prizes, and tournament rules and regulations, visit www.pokemon.com/play. To follow along with the 20-year celebration, visit Pokemon.com/20.