Pokémon 2014 video game Australian national championships announced

Pokémon masters from Australia and New Zealand are invited to try their luck - and their skill - at the 2014 video game Australian national championships, with a chance to participate in the global final.

A series of regional championships will determine entry, with events to be held in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Auckland.

Those who make the cut may receive travel awards to help them get to the nationals.

Dates and times of events are still to be confirmed, with details promised in the coming weeks. Nintendo suggests tuning into the Pokémon website in the meantime, to familiarise yourself with the rules, and to keep an eye on the Facebook and Twitter pages.

Finalists from the Australian national championships will win a trip to Washington to compete in the world championships on August 16 and 17.