[photo credit: Visit Pasadena]
Organized by Pasadena-based retailer CoreTCG, the tournament marks the launch of the Garden Arena regional circuit for Azuki TCG, a collectible card game that blends strategic gameplay with original anime-inspired artwork. The event will take place in the Pasadena Convention Center’s Ballrooms ABCD, transforming the venue into a showcase for high-level competitive play.
Competition is expected to feature up to 256 players battling through multiple rounds of Swiss-format play before advancing to a Top Cut playoff to determine the regional champion. In addition to testing their skills against some of the game’s top competitors, participants will compete for a prize pool that includes thousands of dollars in cash awards, with the tournament champion earning a $3,000 first-place prize.
Beyond the cash payouts, the tournament offers collectors the chance to earn exclusive Garden Arena prize cards available only through official regional competition. Top finishers will receive specially stamped and serialized prize cards, while every registered competitor will receive six booster packs and one Regional Pack Wave 1 as participation prizes, making the event appealing to both seasoned competitors and dedicated collectors.
Success in Pasadena carries significance beyond a single tournament. The top 16 finishers will qualify for the 2027 Azuki Invitational, adding another layer of excitement for players hoping to continue their competitive journey within the Azuki TCG organized play program.
For Pasadena, the tournament highlights the city’s growing reputation as a destination for specialty conventions and gaming events. While competitors spend the day testing their decks and strategies, many visitors are also expected to explore the city’s restaurants, cafés, hotels and shopping districts. The Pasadena Convention Center’s central location places attendees within walking distance of Old Pasadena and the Playhouse Village, making it easy to extend a tournament weekend into a broader visit to the city.
CoreTCG, located on South Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena, hosts organized play and tournaments for a variety of collectible card games, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece and Grand Archive. Bringing the inaugural Garden Arena Regional Tournament to Pasadena reflects both the store’s active role within the hobby gaming community and the city’s continued appeal as a host for large-scale competitive events.
Whether competing for championship honors or simply celebrating a shared passion for collectible card games, participants will help launch a new regional tradition while bringing another unique event to Pasadena’s growing calendar of conventions and entertainment attractions.
The inaugural Azuki TCG Garden Arena Regional Tournament takes place Saturday, Aug. 15, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Pasadena Convention Center, Ballrooms ABCD, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Tournament registration is $40 per player, while spectators should check with the organizer regarding admission policies. Parking is available in the Pasadena Convention Center parking structure and nearby public garages, with daily rates generally beginning at $15, depending on the event and garage. For additional information, call CoreTCG at (626) 577-6699 or visit the official Azuki TCG website at tcg.azuki.com.
