Peter's Party of the Decade Memories
Memories of a Pokémon fan called Peter, who competed in the Grand Finals of Journey Across America at Party of the Decade. The event celebrated Pokémon's 10th anniversary in 2006
In 2006, Pokémon marked its tenth anniversary with a series of events across North America. In addition to watching a preview of the movie Lucario and the Mystery of Mew and obtaining special event Pokémon for Game Boy Advance titles, players could take part in a tournament, with the winners going on to the grand finals at Bryant Park in New York.
Peter was one of those fans who took part in the tournament, and made it all the way through to the grand final! In this feature, he shares his memories of his performances at the Journey Across America event and the grand final during the Party of the Decade. He also shared many great photographs from his day in Bryant Park.
Prior to 2006, I was far from a good place. I graduated High School in 2004 on very contemptible terms with school. Going into college I was deeply depressed and hit rock bottom. Pokémon games had the most attention in my life.
In 2006, a new series of competitions were held around the United States, namely the Pokémon National Championships. They were held in Pokemon Mall Events called "Journey Across America”. They held tournaments in 2 age groups: 12 and under, and 13 and over. The Mall Events had shops, Trading Card Game mentorship, previews for upcoming games and a movie, distributions in the top 20 most popular pokemon for event giveaways and an additional event giveaway for Celebi, a mythical that was previously unobtainable in Generation 3 outside of Japan.
From February 25th, 2006 to July 22nd, 2006, there were 24 tournaments in Journey Across America Mall Events. In addition to that, there were 2 extra tournaments: Space Center Houston and Nintendo World in NYC. Finally, there was a second-chance qualifier. It was a quiz competition, which was held before July (I do not recall when exactly, but I know I entered that second chance qualifier before my local Mall Event began). Eventually, I entered my local Mall Event on June 22nd, 2006, which was in Long Island NY.
I went with my friends and family to this event. Waited long periods of time for many events including the tournament registration. The team I prepared was the following with nicknames: Kyogre (Poseidon), Mewtwo (Vaati), Metagross (macGyver), Snorlax (Peter), Groudon (Greiga), and Ho-Oh. [My team] had an even balance of weaknesses and a synergy of weather strength. I could either match the weather [my opponent was] using or disrupt. Kind of inspired by Inity of Pokemon Colosseum. I often practiced using Pokémon NetBattle at the time. Had some consistent success with what I built. Despite that, I never expected any success at the competition. In the Long Island competition, I did shockingly well. Made it to the semifinals and got outplayed. I still managed to have the time of my life and that was just beginning. I bought a Munchlax Hat there in one of the shops. I got it simply because Snorlax was on my team and I wanted to represent a team member.
The next day, there was a qualifier tournament for Nationals in Nintendo World (now Nintendo NYC). I arranged a trade and then waited in line for the tournament. I nearly lost my first battle. For the rest of the tournament, I won every match on the way to the finals. The final match in the tournament has to be one the greatest defining moments in my life. It was a very tense battle where I lost one Pokémon and then came close to losing the entire battle. But in the end, I managed to secure a victory. The moment of my victory was outstanding in many ways. It felt like a combination of the final battle in the original Red and Green/Blue with elements of a climactic tournament victory straight out of a popular iconic movie. I still feel how surreal the moment was. I entered a video game tournament with no actual expectation of success, only to be declared the champion of the regional tournament with real prizes given to me and being invited to compete against the rest of the country in a few weeks later. It is truly an astounding moment. The prizes were a Game Boy Micro, a Mew Pokémon pillow, and my champion medal. I also filled out a questionnaire on the spot and gave my copy of Pokémon Ruby that I used to compete with. I later learned that the game itself was actually sent to Japan. I do happen to know the person I faced in the finals but I prefer to leave it at that.
Afterwards, life was normal for the next few days, but I was much happier than usual. Being validated as a legitimate Pokémon Master Trainer and some level of e-sports champion (before that term was ever used in mainstream) made me feel that I am actually great, which is a huge relief from all the negativity I am often given outside of playing video games. My self confidence was higher than usual. Eventually, I started to bring myself down to earth because I knew that I was just a regional champion, not a National or World level. Also, I didn’t want to taint an incredibly positive thing I have and felt to protect and preserve my accomplishment and not ruin it.
I also didn’t want to be overconfident and narcissistic because I had been subjected to that growing up and prefer not to engage in similar unsavory behavior. I eventually received forms and my cartridge back. I filled the forms at the last second simply because I was and still am prone to procrastination. The day before the Party of the Decade came and we arranged a limo to bring me to the hotel (very close by). When I got off the limo, one of the hotel concierges asked if I was with Pokémon and I answered “Yes”. This moment is very memorable and incredibly happy for me. Just one of the many treasured parts of myself I appreciate to the highest level.
I got things set up (which includes filling out a team sheet) and had to wait for my brother, who I wanted to bring with me. After going around the local area for a bit (Nintendo Store to buy a few things, preview Bryant Park, and have something to eat). After my brother arrived, we went to our room. I still couldn’t believe it. Normally, I would be brought by my family to a hotel. But this time, I won a hotel room. On my own. With my own skill. By myself. I still feel very happy today regarding that moment. I set up the room and we enjoyed the afternoon, until it was time for the competitors to get together for an icebreaker event. We went to a theatre in the hotel. I met with some of my fellow competitors. I made friends with them. They are really nice people.
We had our dinner and then there was a presentation to introduce the qualifiers for every Journey Across America tournament winners of both age groups, the Second Chance qualifier winners, the Space Center winners, and the Nintendo World winners (which includes myself). Then we were given a bag free swag that included many plushies, several figures, posters, a backpack, a booklet for Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, and a demo cartridge for that game. I regret that I sold the game, because I needed money badly at that time, as I did not have a job. I mainly made money by selling on eBay. The demo was a small beginning dungeon and not much else. I could have held onto the cartridge for hundreds of more dollars worth. We then were given a screening of the dub of Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. I loved that movie. Afterwards I claimed a few cookies and that Pokémon National Championships display circle and we left to our hotel rooms. I practiced in the hotel room afterwards.
I woke up the next morning to go to Bryant Park. I heard there was going to be a News TV Crew filming. I appeared for a split second in the news coverage. I tried to look for the video on YouTube but it’s gone, unfortunately. When I got to the park, it had a huge makeover! A huge stage in front of the William Cullen statue. Tiles of many of the Pokémon surrounding the lawn. A huge balloon Pikachu is hovering in the park. Pokémon flooring decoration on the ground. Pokemon figure near and on the Fountain. Tents and signs everywhere. Many different events around. TCG, DS games, scavenger hunt, Pokémon Mascots, Statues, and more other activities. Such a beautiful sight. A very surreal scene over there. I didn’t meet the others in the lobby because right after I went to get coffee and breakfast at 7-Eleven. I did meet at the tent eventually.
On my way there, I suddenly had pictures taken but then realized I was near Hulk Hogan, a special guest who was there to bless the day and do color commentary on the final battles as far as I know. Eventually we all met on stage. My mom arrived and she took pics of me. I got to shake Hogan's hand (don’t remember much else). It was very nice to see him in person. Will not comment much about him aside from what happened on that day. He was the second WWE wrestler I met that year, having met Kane in the very first New York Comic-Con early that year. Hogan was advertised to appear, so his presence was known.
I was nervous on stage, so my family called to find out where I was. Hogan then pronounced Pokémon as “Poh-kee-mahn” which I don’t really like. Aside from the mispronunciation, he did pretty well declaring the day Pokemon Day. After that we went to a dedicated tent for our rounds. Unlike JAA and Nintendo World. I didn’t do too well. My opponent wanted to promise to not reveal teams to anyone if either of us lost. I agreed and would hold up my end of the bargain. The battle was one sided. His Groudon took out most of my Pokémon with a Swords Dance boosted Earthquake and landed a critical hit on my Groudon.
After I lost, someone greeted me that I battled bravely. My opponent was nice and he cheered me up and even praised my nicknames I gave. He was such a nice man. I hope he is really doing well. After that, I was interviewed by the news crew. Do not remember much from that. It was never aired, anyway. I went around to participate in the events. I got a few of the Pokémon in the Pokémon distribution tent. Including a Flying Pikachu. I also hung around with costumed mascots. Found a few cosplayers, such as Jessie from Team Rocket. I went around taking multiple more pictures.
Eventually it was down to the semifinals. They were held on stage. I went over to watch. One of the people I met the day before made it to the semifinals. He unfortunately lost but he was given a glass trophy just like everyone else who got that far (the larger ones for higher placements). Then there was the other semifinals battle and the lower age group semifinals. Then the finals happened. The lower age group was interesting because it was the one who won in my qualifying location. He didn’t win the finals but he did really well. Much better than me. Then the older group battled. It was a really close battle. Hulk Hogan seemed surprised over the move “Body Slam” and claimed it was the best move in the game. I found that very funny. I had a lot of fun watching the finals. They were the best Pokemon Battles I’ve seen.
I went back to the hotel with my family. I was relaxing while being worn out. Don’t remember much. I guess I just played Pokémon XD and had a bunch of fun battles by myself. I believe I had Wendy’s for dinner. We left the hotel the next day. Even though I didn’t win and I somehow lost my poster on the bus. I was very proud I even made it to the Nationals Championships. I am very glad this happened at all. I did talk about the finalist winner in my age group. He felt culture shock when he went to NYC. He seems like a nice guy, too. I will never forget the Party of the Decade for the rest of my life. The later half of the summer 2006 was one of the most amazing periods of my life and has helped me reevaluate living in a good way. My victory was largely forgotten to many people, but that does not matter to me. My face was even on Pokémon’s website as the Nintendo World Winner. That really made my week when I discovered it.
Months later, I discovered that my team members had very poor individual values. This meant that I had even less of a chance against my opponents because many top players used RNG or soft reset for optimal IV’s with their respective natures. I never had time in 2006 to do that.
There weren’t many official tournaments in 4th gen until 2009, AFAIK. I did win a tournament in GameStop which gave me a copy of Pokémon Battle Revolution. There was hardly any challenge as there was only one adult and I managed to defeat him. Everyone else was a relative beginner to the point I hadn't even bothered landing super effective hits. The 2010 tournament was a different story. I was defeated because my Stone Edge move did not land at all. The year after I lost in a very close battle.
A few years later I would attend the World Championships as a spectator. I did try to attend the Last Chance qualifier for Worlds but lost the second round. That was a great time. I would compete in Pokémon Leagues in conventions with some successes here and there. Even became Champion several times in PAX Pokémon League and even Gym Leader there. I was also in the Elite Four for StreetPass Long Island Pokemon League. But for the official circuit, I hadn’t had much success. I recently participated in a regional and embarrassed myself. I went 4-5, but I wish I could have done more. Maybe I will win another regional or make it to Worlds. Perhaps World Champion? Just a dream.
As for the other competitors from the Party of Decade, I haven’t much about them. I never noticed them come up often in VGC Pokemon Circuits. One competitor from the event has been prominent in a different game’s competitive scene. Namely Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Sunny Park Colosseum from Pokémon Colosseum seems to heavily resemble Bryant Park to me. The grassy lawn and buildings surrounding the battlefield really remind me of it. Perhaps the Party of the Decade played a part in the development of the Unova region for Black and White. Or at least the Diamond and Pearl Nintendo World Event, where Matsuda was present.
Bryant Park has become a huge area for Pokémon GO. It is a central place for Community Events. I had been there many times during many events and even in Citywide GoFest. I feel it’s even more special to me because I know I had part in Pokémon-related events in Bryant Park before Pokémon GO was even released.
I have been part of 3 different Pokémon GO Fest events and will attend another in Jersey City. Two of them were in Randall Island Park and one was in the Space Needle in Seattle. Go Fest I always felt was a spiritual successor to the Party of the Decade.
Each time July 23rd comes up, I celebrate it for the occasion where I emerged victorious.
Additional photographs
A huge thank you to Peter for sharing his valuable insight and memories into the Journey Across America and Party of the Decade events. Let’s hope this special celebration of Pokémon’s tenth anniversary will remain a fond memory for him to look back upon in the years ahead.
Wow I remember going to the Journey Across America at the King of Prussia Mall. Great memories.