Rigorous Hacking Checks Lead to Record Number of DQs
Pokémon held its highly anticipated World Championships this past weekend, pitting the best trainers from across the globe against each other for the coveted title of world's best player. While Shohei Kimura took home the top prize for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, it was the disqualifications that had everyone talking.
Oceania International Champion Disqualified, Controversy Ensues
One of the biggest upsets came with the presumed disqualification of Oceania International Champion Gavin Michaels, who had secured an automatic day-two ticket. Although disqualifications were not publicly announced, keen observers could tell which players were disqualified based on their untimely exits from the tournament.
Banned Pokémon and Incredible Comebacks
In addition to disqualifications, some players had specific Pokémon banned from competition. One such player, Federico Camporesi, was forced to face day one with only five Pokémon after his hacked Ursaluna was disqualified. However, Camporesi was able to catch a legitimate Ursaluna for day two, ultimately achieving an impressive top-four finish.
Divided Opinions on Disqualifications
The disqualifications have sparked a heated debate among Pokémon players and fans. Many argue that using external software to build teams is a form of cheating and that those who engage in it should face consequences. They believe that building a team the traditional way takes time and that hackers have an unfair advantage by using the extra time to practice.
While hacking has always been against the rules, some speculate that it was often overlooked in the past due to the difficulty of acquiring Pokémon within the game. However, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have made building Pokémon easier than ever before, likely leading to stricter checks this time around.
The New Regulation and the Need for Hacking
On the other hand, proponents of hacking argue that the new regulation requiring players to own Sword or Shield, as well as Pokémon Legends: Arceus, in order to build the best teams presents a barrier. Previous regulations solely relied on Pokémon from Scarlet and Violet, making them more accessible. Certain strategies require specific attributes for Pokémon to be optimal, attributes that cannot be modified within the game. This is why some claim that hacking is still necessary.
Pokémon Company's Stance and Community Unrest
The Pokémon Company has advised players against using traded Pokémon in their tournament teams. However, some feel that this goes against the spirit of the game and have claimed to have received hacked Pokémon unknowingly from trusted sources. The disqualifications have caused significant disruptions within the community, with famous YouTuber Pokémon Challenges even offering to host a separate tournament for disqualified players.
Technical Issues and Sudden Death Situations
Adding to the unrest, numerous technical problems plagued as many as six of the eight Top 16 matches, resulting in disconnections and Sudden Death situations. While Pokémon has not publicly addressed these issues, reports are emerging from professional players themselves.
A Community Divided
Regardless of which side of the debate one stands on, it is clear that the disqualifications have triggered arguments and unrest within the Pokémon community. Only time will tell how these controversies will impact future tournaments.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
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