After a review of nearly 11,000 entries submitted worldwide, Creatures Inc. and The Pokémon Company International have revealed 24 award-winning designs — all sporting a Charming Moments of Pokémon” theme — for the second annual Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest.
The contest, founded in October 2023, provides a global stage for artists and fans, as well as a platform for fresh interpretations of classic Pokémon iconography. The official Pokémon Trading Card Game website hosts the full gallery of winners for fans to admire. 2024’s top honors went to Minami Kazuki, whose devastatingly gorgeous rendition of an adorable yawning Pikachu garnered unanimous praise. Judges lauded the submission for its understated charm, noting that one “can intuitively feel the world” in which Pikachu is portrayed. It, along with the 23 other contest-winning artworks, can be seen below.
Pokémon Announces Winners of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest 2024
Commenting on her win, Kazuki explained the origin of Pikachu’s pose: “This was my first time participating, and I was wondering what to draw when I happened to look next to me and saw my beloved dog making a cute gesture. I tried to incorporate that dog’s natural, adorable expression and behavior into Pikachu. I am very happy to receive this award together with my dog.”
Beyond top prizes, the contest highlights six other Excellence Award winners, including notable work such as Devin Elle Kurtz’s Eevee and Kaitlin Johnson’s dam-diving Bidoof. The Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest boasts honorable mentions in the form of 15 Jury Award recipients, each of whom pushed the boundaries of the Pokémon universe’s visual stylings.
Pokémon continues to engage artists and enthusiasts alike, retaining its cultural relevance by inspiring all fans with interactive experiences like the contest. The impressive turnout and results are a testament to how the franchise stays relevant while honoring the creativity of its extremely enthusiastic fan base.