Nintendo Cup 1997
Welcome to the Champions Tournament
Live Event!
Witness the Play offs at <t:1763906400:F>
by Joining The Discord
https://discord.gg/rMmwq7fE
The 1st Pokémon League Nintendo Cup 1997 was a groundbreaking official tournament in Japan, with participation determined through a lottery system advertised in the Monthly コロコロコミック (CoroCoro Comic). Prospective players submitted postcards for a chance to enter regional qualifiers; only lottery winners could compete, making entry quite exclusive.
The tournament spanned 15 regions across Japan, each hosting 256 players who battled through multiple rounds to earn badges such as the グレイバッジ (Gray Badge) and culminating in the prestigious グリーンバッジ (Green Badge aka Earth Badge) for regional champions.
The national finals were held at the prestigious スペースワールド (Space World) event at Makuhari Messe, where champions who were middle school students, competed. ATTENDENANCE RECORD OF 135,011 general exhibition visitors went to the event on Novemember 22 and 23, 1997 along with having 109,957 visitors who queued at the Pokémon Mew giveaway zone!
COMMERICAL OF THE EVENT at Space World '97
The machine used to get the Pocket Monster MEW!
Matches were conducted under strict rules including level caps and team sizes, and participants underwent rigorous cartridge inspections to prevent cheating. This event was covered by media including 64 MarioStadium, contributing to its popularity.
64 Mario Stadium was a Japanese TV program hosted on TXN (TV Tokyo stations)
Winners received unique prizes such as a tournament cartridge and special badges, while all participants got commemorative items. The tournament's data later contributed to the Nintendo 64 game Pokémon Stadium, immortalizing participants as in-game challengers. Attendance at Space World was massive, highlighting Nintendo's effort in promoting competitive Pokémon culture in 1997!
The tournament spanned 15 regions across Japan, each hosting 256 players who battled through multiple rounds to earn badges such as the グレイバッジ (Gray Badge) and culminating in the prestigious グリーンバッジ (Green Badge aka Earth Badge) for regional champions.
The national finals were held at the prestigious スペースワールド (Space World) event at Makuhari Messe, where champions who were middle school students, competed. ATTENDENANCE RECORD OF 135,011 general exhibition visitors went to the event on Novemember 22 and 23, 1997 along with having 109,957 visitors who queued at the Pokémon Mew giveaway zone!
COMMERICAL OF THE EVENT at Space World '97
The machine used to get the Pocket Monster MEW!
Matches were conducted under strict rules including level caps and team sizes, and participants underwent rigorous cartridge inspections to prevent cheating. This event was covered by media including 64 MarioStadium, contributing to its popularity.
64 Mario Stadium was a Japanese TV program hosted on TXN (TV Tokyo stations)
Winners received unique prizes such as a tournament cartridge and special badges, while all participants got commemorative items. The tournament's data later contributed to the Nintendo 64 game Pokémon Stadium, immortalizing participants as in-game challengers. Attendance at Space World was massive, highlighting Nintendo's effort in promoting competitive Pokémon culture in 1997!
- Bring 6 Pick 3: 6 Healthy Pocket Monsters must be shown and 3 of them SECERTLY chosen to battle.
- Level Clause (50 to 55): Bring six Pokémon but choose three for battle; combined level of these three must not exceed 155.
- Species Clause: No duplicate Pokémon species on a team.
- Clerk Clause: All Pokémon must be fully healed and free of status conditions before battle.
- Move Clause: Pokémon may only use moves obtainable in Pokémon Red and Green (e.g., Charizard cannot learn Fly).
- Uber Clause: Only Pokémon numbered 1 to 149 in the Pokédex are allowed; Mew (#151) and Mewtwo (#150) are banned.
- Cartridge Sleep Clause: If a Pokémon on the opposing team is already asleep, landing a sleep move on a different awake Pokemon and sleeping it means an immediate Disqualification.
- Self-Ko Clause: If a game is ended via Self-destruction or Explosion, the trainer whose Pocket Monster self-K.O.’d loses.
- Recoil Damage Clause: If that last remaining Pocket Monster uses a recoil damging move and self-ko's itself along with the LAST remaining Pocket Monster of the opponent, the recoil damage using Pocket Monster player is declaired the winner of the game.
- Mimic Clause: The move Mimic is banned due to known simulator issues on Pokémon Showdown.
- Endless Battle Clause: In the case a trainer forces Endless Battle, that is in the form of constantly switching when a pokemon is frozen locked due to hyper beaming and being frozen, they will be Disqualified.
This November 23rd Honoury Champions Festival is an exclusive celebration inviting the top Japanese champions who excelled in their local Historia Cup, alongside elite competitors from the global Smogon community who distinguished themselves in the Nintendo Cup 1997 Revival Tournament and the team-based RBY OMPL (Other Meta Player League).
Personal invitations were sent to these distinguished players, while those not receiving an invite were still granted a chance to compete through a competitive 10-player, two-bracket Play-in Event.
Players Where Devided into TWO Brackets BETA RED and BETA GREEN
Phase 1:
Each trainer played a Best out of ONE round robbin, where the TOP TWO of each bracket went to the next phase.
BETA RED:
Clas vs Cake
Clas vs Daniel
Clas vs Shinji
Clas vs Wild Card
Daniel vs Wild Card
Daniel vs Cake
Daniel vs Shinji
Wild Card vs Cake
Wild Card vs Shinji
Cake vs Shinji
Wild Card vs Clas TIEBREAKER
Wild Card vs Cake TIEBREAKER
Clas vs Cake TIEBREAKER
STANDINGS
Cake 3-3
Clas 5-1
Daniel 0-4
Shinji 1-3
Wildcard 4-1
BETA GREEN
Soda vs Toxin Boost
Soda vs MrBanana
Soda vs Nasuo
Soda vs Akiak
Toxin Boost vs Nasuo
Toxin Boost vs MrBanana
MrBanana vs Akiak
MrBanana vs Nasuo
Akiak vs Nasuo
STANDINGS
Akiak 2-2
Mrbanana45 0-4
Soda 3-1
Nasuo 3-1
Toxin Boost 2-2
Phase 2:
SINGLE ELIMINATION Best out of 3
Semifinals 1
Clas 0-2 Soda
Game 1 Game 2
Wild Card 2-0 Nasuo
Game 1 Game 2 Game 3
THIRD PLACE
Nasuo vs Clas
VS
Game 1 Game 2 Game 3
FINALS
Soda vs Wild Card
VS
Game 1 Game 2 Game 3
Phase 1:
Each trainer played a Best out of ONE round robbin, where the TOP TWO of each bracket went to the next phase.
BETA RED:
Clas vs Cake
Clas vs Daniel
Clas vs Shinji
Clas vs Wild Card
Daniel vs Wild Card
Daniel vs Cake
Daniel vs Shinji
Wild Card vs Cake
Wild Card vs Shinji
Cake vs Shinji
Wild Card vs Clas TIEBREAKER
Wild Card vs Cake TIEBREAKER
Clas vs Cake TIEBREAKER
STANDINGS
Cake 3-3
Clas 5-1
Daniel 0-4
Shinji 1-3
Wildcard 4-1
BETA GREEN
Soda vs Toxin Boost
Soda vs MrBanana
Soda vs Nasuo
Soda vs Akiak
Toxin Boost vs Nasuo
Toxin Boost vs MrBanana
MrBanana vs Akiak
MrBanana vs Nasuo
Akiak vs Nasuo
STANDINGS
Akiak 2-2
Mrbanana45 0-4
Soda 3-1
Nasuo 3-1
Toxin Boost 2-2
Phase 2:
SINGLE ELIMINATION Best out of 3
Semifinals 1
Clas 0-2 Soda
Game 1 Game 2
Wild Card 2-0 Nasuo
Game 1 Game 2 Game 3
THIRD PLACE
Nasuo vs Clas
Game 1 Game 2 Game 3
FINALS
Soda vs Wild Card
Game 1 Game 2 Game 3
This festival honors competitive excellence and fosters community among the best players across multiple formats and regions.
Phase 1 will consists of a PRIVATE Round Robbin in order to find the TOP 2 trainers in each bracket.
Phase 2 will be a LIVE EVENT Best out of 3 Single Elimination in order to crown a Champion of Champions!
You can witness the event here at <t:1763906400:F> in the 64 Mario Stadium Channel
NOW LET'S MEET OUR CONTESTANTS!
Phase 1 will consists of a PRIVATE Round Robbin in order to find the TOP 2 trainers in each bracket.
Phase 2 will be a LIVE EVENT Best out of 3 Single Elimination in order to crown a Champion of Champions!
You can witness the event here at <t:1763906400:F> in the 64 Mario Stadium Channel
NOW LET'S MEET OUR CONTESTANTS!
RED CARTRIDGE
RED CARTRIDGE
About
“I love retro games. I hope I can meet many chums in the tournament.”Beelzechum, better known as Beelzemon 2003, is a well-known Smogon gaming historian and professional gamer. He has written many detailed analyses, gameplay reviews, and viability ranking forums for various Generation One Pokémon formats.Widely regarded as the leading international ambassador of the Pokémon Stadium games and franchise, Beelzechum possesses extensive knowledge of retro metas that reach as far back as the Nintendo Cup 1997 tournament.
About
DerpySuX's name comes from that one meme you either know or you do not know about. However, there is nothing "derpy" about this FIERCE trainer! One of Smogon's prize Nintendo Cup 1997 advocates, DerpySuX has helped with the establishment of "NC1997 Revival Tournamnet", and played fiercly in Smogon's OMPL (Other Meta Player League) with great results!! And now here they are again, ready to prove that you cannot "mind the mindless".
About
“I love Dodrio. I want to fight with an offensive team that uses Dodrio. I'll do my best to qualify for the playoffs of the tournament.”Seyokaya is a kind and gentle Japanese trainer with great potential! A beloved Dijamon enthusiast, Seyokaya has transitioned to NC97 after being trained by non other than Daiginjo. Once a student, now a fierce competitor, let’s see how far Seyokaya has progressed in this tournament of Champions!
About
“I've spent years refining my techniques and hunting the very best Pokémon. I intend to take home the gold!” A true dedicated Pokemon Red and Green trainer, Terra or “Terrasparks” has been trying to make a name out for themselves for many years!! Having participated both in Japanese (Zeni Zeni Cup) and international (Revival and OMPL) tournaments with great success, it is time for Terra to show others how hard work pays off! Perhaps this is indeed the tournament they go home with the gold!
About
Toxin Boost is a Generation I NU master who thrives in competitive battling. He has many accolades on the Pokémon forum Smogon and is constantly being drafted on competitive teams to highlight his NU skills. However, NU is not his only prowess, and he is eager to show us his skills here in the NC1997 battlefield! Though he fell short in the play-ins, his record was good enough for him to come in as a substitute in place of a trainer who dropped out.
BLUE CARTRIDGE
About
Hayburner is a Canadian juggernaut with amazing Pokemon accolades! In Smogon tournments he has been ranked OLT top 16, Snake 3 winner, and holds the 2nd all time Canada World Cup of Pokemon wins! Though he doesn't main Generation 1 Pokemon, Hayburner made his name in Smogon NC97 format when he played in OMPL and went all the way to finals in his division! Hayburner is back and this time he is ready to show the us how much he has grown as a Pokemon Trainer!
About
"I've been a longtime fan of the early generations of Pokemon since the late '90s, but have only begun to play competitively on sim less than two years ago. In that time, I've found myself drawn to fixed rules and official tournament formats, as there's something enjoyable about being able to see the meta of a format shift over years of play in response entirely to players adapting to each other rather than due to any changes in the rules. I look forward to being able to continue to interact with others who enjoy the official Nintendo formats of old generations!"
About
Sinobu is the a prominent member and perhaps we can say key trainer of the “Gym Leader Castle” group; a group consisting of elite Japanese trainers that often focus on Pokemon Stadium 2. Truly versatile and skilled in Pokemon, Sinobu has now shifted his focus on Nintendo Cup 1997 in order to represent true skill and the essence of what mastery is!
About
"Hello! My name is Shane! I am world traveler with one goal....to battle the strongest Pokemon trainers in order to become...
A PKMN MASTER!"
About
Soda is a trainer who is actively engaged on Smogon and Discord servers. Though she is not particularly known for any amazing exploits as of yet, with a bit of discipline she might become an up-and-coming star! Winning the Play-in event has earned her the right to show us if she is truly worthy of this format!
About
Hayburner is a Canadian juggernaut with amazing Pokemon accolades! In Smogon tournments he has been ranked OLT top 16, Snake 3 winner, and holds the 2nd all time Canada World Cup of Pokemon wins! Though he doesn't main Generation 1 Pokemon, Hayburner made his name in Smogon NC97 format when he played in OMPL and went all the way to finals in his division! Hayburner is back and this time he is ready to show the us how much he has grown as a Pokemon Trainer!
About
"I've been a longtime fan of the early generations of Pokemon since the late '90s, but have only begun to play competitively on sim less than two years ago. In that time, I've found myself drawn to fixed rules and official tournament formats, as there's something enjoyable about being able to see the meta of a format shift over years of play in response entirely to players adapting to each other rather than due to any changes in the rules. I look forward to being able to continue to interact with others who enjoy the official Nintendo formats of old generations!"
About
Sinobu is the a prominent member and perhaps we can say key trainer of the “Gym Leader Castle” group; a group consisting of elite Japanese trainers that often focus on Pokemon Stadium 2. Truly versatile and skilled in Pokemon, Sinobu has now shifted his focus on Nintendo Cup 1997 in order to represent true skill and the essence of what mastery is!
About
"Hello! My name is Shane! I am world traveler with one goal....to battle the strongest Pokemon trainers in order to become...
A PKMN MASTER!"
About
Soda is a trainer who is actively engaged on Smogon and Discord servers. Though she is not particularly known for any amazing exploits as of yet, with a bit of discipline she might become an up-and-coming star! Winning the Play-in event has earned her the right to show us if she is truly worthy of this format!
YELLOW CARTRIDGE
About:
A guy who says he loves all 151 Gen 1 Pokémon.His Gen 1 battle skills are still developing, but he can sometimes pull off a surprise attack.He has a faint hope that future research will lead to the emergence of bug Pokémon.Let's have fun!”
About
Cσиѕι∂ΞяΞ∂ ◎ИΞ ◖f τнΞ gяΛΞτΞѕτ, мισѕѕιИgи◎.ιѕ ■εяΞ τ◎ Ρυτ τнΞ ℮νΞяγΩиΞ нΞƒΛ¢Ξѕ ΟИ Σ∂gΞ ωιτн ιѕ τяΞмΞИ∂◎υѕѕĸιℓℓ ΛИ∂ кησωℓΞ∂gΞ Οƒ τнΞgΞи1 ƒ◎ямΛτ. υИ∂ΞяΞѕτιмΛτιИg τнιѕτяΛιИΞЯ ωιℓℓ ℓΞΛδ υ◎ υℓ◎ѕιИg Λ я◎υИ∂ Οя τω◎ ιИ τнιѕτ◎υяиΛмΞИτ.
About
"Hey! I'm Ranshiin, a Spanish Pokémon player who has been playing on Showdown since 2014. Later on, I decided to join the Smogon community, and since then I’ve been playing various formats focused on the earlier generations of Pokémon. Among other things, I don’t have a fixed battling style; one day I might feel like using something offensive, and the next day something more stally. Oh, my favorite Pokémon is Aerodactyl, it’s a shame it doesn’t shine in this generation. To finish, besides trying to win the tournament, I’d like to keep building new teams in this format, as it’s fun and interesting to explore certain movesets.”
About
Wild Card is just a trainer that first appeared in the Zeni Zeni Cup back in 2023 on the Discord server Nintendo Stadium. He has also made an appearance in the NC97 Revival tournamnet. Nowadays Wild Card has been focusing on the RBY (red blue yellow) UU tier format. Nonetheless, he is ready to take a step foward in this tournament! Due to getting second place in the Play-ins, Wild Card has bee granted the chance to fight with the best!
About:
A guy who says he loves all 151 Gen 1 Pokémon.His Gen 1 battle skills are still developing, but he can sometimes pull off a surprise attack.He has a faint hope that future research will lead to the emergence of bug Pokémon.Let's have fun!”
About
Cσиѕι∂ΞяΞ∂ ◎ИΞ ◖f τнΞ gяΛΞτΞѕτ, мισѕѕιИgи◎.ιѕ ■εяΞ τ◎ Ρυτ τнΞ ℮νΞяγΩиΞ нΞƒΛ¢Ξѕ ΟИ Σ∂gΞ ωιτн ιѕ τяΞмΞИ∂◎υѕѕĸιℓℓ ΛИ∂ кησωℓΞ∂gΞ Οƒ τнΞgΞи1 ƒ◎ямΛτ. υИ∂ΞяΞѕτιмΛτιИg τнιѕτяΛιИΞЯ ωιℓℓ ℓΞΛδ υ◎ υℓ◎ѕιИg Λ я◎υИ∂ Οя τω◎ ιИ τнιѕτ◎υяиΛмΞИτ.
About
"Hey! I'm Ranshiin, a Spanish Pokémon player who has been playing on Showdown since 2014. Later on, I decided to join the Smogon community, and since then I’ve been playing various formats focused on the earlier generations of Pokémon. Among other things, I don’t have a fixed battling style; one day I might feel like using something offensive, and the next day something more stally. Oh, my favorite Pokémon is Aerodactyl, it’s a shame it doesn’t shine in this generation. To finish, besides trying to win the tournament, I’d like to keep building new teams in this format, as it’s fun and interesting to explore certain movesets.”
About
Wild Card is just a trainer that first appeared in the Zeni Zeni Cup back in 2023 on the Discord server Nintendo Stadium. He has also made an appearance in the NC97 Revival tournamnet. Nowadays Wild Card has been focusing on the RBY (red blue yellow) UU tier format. Nonetheless, he is ready to take a step foward in this tournament! Due to getting second place in the Play-ins, Wild Card has bee granted the chance to fight with the best!
GREEN CARTRIDGE
About
“Hi! My name is Akiak. I discovered NC97 a few years ago when looking into the history of competitive Pokemon. When I managed to get some games in with some experienced players, I quickly found a lot of enjoyment in it. I'm usually a Doubles player, and usually don't enjoy Singles that much, but this format was different - it was exciting, chaotic, and felt like pure Pokemon. Have been a big fan of the format ever since. My favorite Pokemon is Articuno.”
Due to unfortunate drop out, Akiak was given a second chance as as substitute in this tournament! Good luck!!
About
Clas made his debut in the Nintendo Cup 1997 revival tournament in 2024 on Smogon where he had a notable victory over Cake. Following this he was drafted in the OMPL (Other Meta Premier League) and played NC97 against top competitors such as TerraSparks, Hayburner and much more. Winning third place in the Play-ins secured his entery here in the main event! Now it time for him to make it to the top and claim victory in his bracket!
About
“It's been a while since I last played a Pokemon battle, so I hope you'll enjoy it. My goal is to win at least one game.”Marshmallon is the ladder Pokemon Showdown Ladder champion of Nintendo Cup 1997, topping off his elo at 1477!Will their prowees be displayed here in this tournament? Let's see what the strongest Pokemon Showdown ladder player has to bring to this tournamnet!!!
About
Meiling is a trainer who is shrouded in mystery. Who are they ?Where do they come from? They have made an appearance in a few tournaments such as the Zeni Zeni Cup, and Smogon’s Nc97 Revival tournament, but perhaps now they are finally ready the biggest victory in their career!
About
The current and two time Japanese Historia Cup Champion!!
About
“Hi! My name is Akiak. I discovered NC97 a few years ago when looking into the history of competitive Pokemon. When I managed to get some games in with some experienced players, I quickly found a lot of enjoyment in it. I'm usually a Doubles player, and usually don't enjoy Singles that much, but this format was different - it was exciting, chaotic, and felt like pure Pokemon. Have been a big fan of the format ever since. My favorite Pokemon is Articuno.”
Due to unfortunate drop out, Akiak was given a second chance as as substitute in this tournament! Good luck!!
About
Clas made his debut in the Nintendo Cup 1997 revival tournament in 2024 on Smogon where he had a notable victory over Cake. Following this he was drafted in the OMPL (Other Meta Premier League) and played NC97 against top competitors such as TerraSparks, Hayburner and much more. Winning third place in the Play-ins secured his entery here in the main event! Now it time for him to make it to the top and claim victory in his bracket!
About
“It's been a while since I last played a Pokemon battle, so I hope you'll enjoy it. My goal is to win at least one game.”Marshmallon is the ladder Pokemon Showdown Ladder champion of Nintendo Cup 1997, topping off his elo at 1477!Will their prowees be displayed here in this tournament? Let's see what the strongest Pokemon Showdown ladder player has to bring to this tournamnet!!!
About
Meiling is a trainer who is shrouded in mystery. Who are they ?Where do they come from? They have made an appearance in a few tournaments such as the Zeni Zeni Cup, and Smogon’s Nc97 Revival tournament, but perhaps now they are finally ready the biggest victory in their career!
About
The current and two time Japanese Historia Cup Champion!!
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