The Pokémon Scarlet and Violet 2024 Charlotte Regionals was the largest in-person Pokémon match in VGC historical past, and it was 2016 World Champion Wolfe Glick who got here out on prime amongst 845 opponents. His successful crew included a sure Pokémon he dreads—Incineroar.
On Jan. 21, Wolfe Glick earned his eighth regional title in Charlotte, North Carolina, including to his lengthy resume of achievements through the years. The favored professional participant and content material creator has gained regionals, internationals, and the 20216 World Championships, however this particular win was historic, being the most important Pokémon VGC match up to now.
With practically a thousand gamers competing this weekend, Charlotte Regionals beat out the 2023 Orlando Regionals which noticed 780 opponents. In reality, Glick had gained that occasion in Orlando, too. Glick’s win right here means the previous world champ has now gained the 2 largest VGC occasions ever.
Glick posted a formidable 17-1 file for the weekend, solely dropping a single set throughout the Swiss rounds. And though he was identified for utilizing off-meta picks like Scream Tail and Tinkaton final season, he determined to take a unique method in 2024. This time, he opted for a crew of six Pokémon that had been “confirmed to be sturdy”: Flutter Mane, Urshifu (Speedy Strike), Farigiraf, Ogerpon (Hearthflame), Rillaboom, and Incineroar.
The Pokémon that stands out essentially the most on the crew is Incineroar, who’s been a scorching subject within the VGC group as of late. Incineroar has been one of many best-performing Pokémon in aggressive play, and Glick even referred to as the Fireplace Starter, “manner too sturdy, manner too oppressive,” to the purpose the place he doesn’t even just like the ‘mon. “However that doesn’t imply I’m not gonna use it,” he stated in a post-match interview on day one of many occasion.
What makes Incineroar so good is its skill to successfully cycle in Pretend Out and the stat drops with Parting Shot and its Intimidate skill. Oftentimes, you’ll simply see the cat continuously being swapped out and in because it provides the participant higher positioning and weakens the ‘mons on the opposite facet of the sector. Even when it’s not the one at all times doling out injury, Incineroar’s position on the crew is so worthwhile.
Regardless of this, different gamers weren’t feeling the identical hype about Incineroar, particularly after it couldn’t pull out a win at Portland Regionals, the primary Regulation F occasion the place Incineroar made its return. It appeared as if the cat had fallen off for a second, however we may even see extra gamers getting behind Incineroar once more after witnessing Glick’s dominant efficiency with it.
“Incineroar is the king, and I believe he’s again child,” Glick stated even earlier than successful the occasion. Seems just like the cat isn’t the one one who’s again.
