In June 1999, Wizards of the Coast launched the first Pokémon League using their Magic: The Gathering DCI Tournament structure. This first league, a prototype meant to test player interest in competitive play, was called the “Pokémon League Summer Training Tour.” Beginning at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stores across 19 cities hosted both TCG and Game Boy tournaments for kids ages 7-14. Once the 19-city tour finished, Wizards of the Coast implemented their leagues country-wide, with tournaments being held in all of its stores, bookstores, Toys “R” US stores, game shops and more.
This structure continued for two years. Year two introduced the second generation of Pokémon, including the Johto series of cards, Johto badges, new prizes and the introduction of “League Activities.” Players who earned the Zephyr Badge by completing a challenge would be allowed to participate in the “Create a Baby Pokémon” Contest — the same contest that won the top 16 entries their “Ivy” Pikachu promos.
Meanwhile, every participant was mailed a special Birthday Pikachu promo card. This card was officially titled ____’s Pikachu, so that participants could personalize their own copy. This promo card is extremely popular among collectors; so popular, in fact, that The Pokémon Company reprinted it for the series’ 25th anniversary set.