After three days of head-to-head Pokémon video game battles Kenmore Resident Hayden McTavish, 16, joins an elite group of Pokémon players to earn a top spot at the U.S. National Championships. Held in Indianapolis, Ind. from July 3–5, thousands of supporters and fans we’re in attendance as the Kenmore-native clinched fifth in the video game Masters Division. Along with the top finish, Hayden also earned valuable championship points that will count towards a potential invite to the 2015 Pokémon World Championships, Aug. 21–23 in Boston.

“As the largest tournament of the year, the 2015 Pokémon U.S. National Championships brought together more than two thousands Pokémon players, fans, and supporters. Thank you to everyone that attended, and to the players that showcased such sportsmanship and a positive competitive spirit,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “A special congratulations to the players who earned top accolades at this year’s U.S. National Championships and we look forward to seeing many of these competitors in Boston next month for the 2015 Pokémon World Championships.”

The 2015 Pokémon World Championships is an invitation-only tournament where some of the most elite Pokémon players from around the world will compete for the coveted title of Pokémon World Champion. Competitors from more than 30 countries including Japan, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia, and South Korea will travel to Boston to vie for the title and more than $500,000 in scholarship prizes. For many players, the invitation represents the culmination of a yearlong journey competing in numerous Pokémon Organized Play events and the many friendships that were made along the way.

Players of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate in organized play events. For more information on the Pokémon Championship Series including tournament rules and regulations, visit www.pokemon.com/play.