Pokémon World Championships 2021 cancelled
Competition still planned to take place in London next year, all Play! Pokémon events remain suspended
The Pokémon Company has cancelled the Pokémon World Championships for a second year in a row.
The event was originally due to take place in London last August, but was cancelled due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
It was pushed back to August 2021, but with COVID-19 still affecting many countries -- including the UK -- the company has decided to delay the championships into next year.
"After careful review and pursuant to guidance set forth by local, regional and national health authorities, as well as the World Health Organisation, Public Health England, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have made the difficult decision to move out the next Pokémon World Championships to 2022," the statement said.
The company added that all invitations to the 2020 championships will still be honoured in 2022.
"We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of all our competitors at an expanded 2022 Pokémon World Championships in London."
The Pokémon Company reiterated that the Play! Pokémon event series remains suspended, with all sanctioned events -- including League Challenge, League Cup, Premier Challenger and Midseason Showdown -- also on hold until further notice.
Online competitions will continue through several new series, including the Pokémon Players Cup and the Play! Pokémon Team Challenge.
The Pokémon Company will also work with retail partners on League At Home events.
Pokémon celebrates its 25th anniversary this year -- this month, in fact -- although it's not clear if any special plans were in place for the 2021 event.