On August 17, 2013, a promotional video was shown at the Pokémon Game Show in Japan. The video featured Pikachu walking through the history of the Pokémon franchise, then finished with high definition 3D models of Lucario and Blaziken facing off in a detailed city environment. The models and environment looked incredible, but nothing was announced at the time.

Then, at a Famitsu event one year later, Pokkén Tournament was officially announced. While the main series games were and are very popular, a lot of fans always imagined battling in real-time. Not only did this new arcade game allow fans to do this, it also featured beautiful models and environments, bringing fan favorite characters like Charizard and Lucario to life in ways we had never before seen.

At the 2015 Pokémon World Championships, Pokkén was announced for the Wii U. The game was released worldwide on March 18, 2016 - exactly one year ago. As you celebrate Pokkén's first birthday, read on to relive some of the best sets in competitive Pokkén Tournament from the past year.

Celebrate Pokkén's birthday on Twitter with the hashtag #PokkenDay. Here's to another great year!

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CEO Prologue - Bim? vs. Suicune Master

Pokémon World Championships - Europe vs. USA Crew Battle

Kanto 2 - Potetin vs. Judy

DreamHack Austin - Cat Fight vs. Bim?

Apex - Cyberman vs. Cat Fight

CEO - TeeJay vs. Suicune Master

NEC - Sasahune vs. Mins

Kumite in Tennessee - Ouroboro vs. slippingbug

Frosty Faustings - Thulius vs. Coach Steve

Final Round - WhiteyWhite vs. Suicune Master

Battle for NEC - ALLISTER vs. Wzurds

Kanto 2 - warutan vs. Mizumushi