recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
AS Laverre

AS Laverre is a Kalosian Pokébattling club which currently competes in the Suprême Ligue de Kalos, having won promotion back to the division last season. The club has typically participated in the Suprême Ligue, but was relegated in 2018 following a dreadful run of results towards the end of the season. Coming from a large and remote city, the club has a dedicated fanbase, and retained large attendances throughout the club's spell in La Deuxième.
Galar

The United Kingdom of Galar is a nation and region located in the north-west of the Great Ocean, far to the west of Johto, Kalos and Orre. It is made up of several constituent countries: Galar itself, Pentre, the Isle of Armor and the Crown Tundra.

Galar is made up of two primary islands. Galar itself is the site of the Crown Tundra to the north and Pentre in the south. The Isle of Armor sits across a narrow shallow sea to the west. Between Galar and the Crown Tundra is a mountain range and a series of rivers, which mark a distinct geographical change as you move north: the country becomes colder and more ragged, with different crops and smaller cities. Pentre is mostly rural and mountainous, with smaller towns dotted around its coastline. It is primarily farmland.

The Isle of Armor is a luscious green flat island. Its cities are also primarily on the coast.

## Pokébattling

*See Galar National Pokébattling Team, Galar Premier League, Crown Tundra Premiership, Pentre Premier, League of Armor Premier Division*

Pokébattling in Galar is more fragmented than in most other countries, as each region has its own individual top flight competition. By far the strongest of these is the Galar Premier League. It is one of the richest leagues in the world. Galar also has a strong lower league system, with more professional clubs than any other nation. Each of the other nations in Galar has its own top flight, although the two strongest clubs from Pentre, Carbink City and Swannasea City, play in the Galarian league system. The Crown Tundra Premiership's strongest teams are often said to be looking at breaking away and joining the Galarian league system as well, but this is generally opposed by fans. The League of Armor Premier Division is entirely self-contained. Each of the smaller nations sends teams to the Lesser Regions Cup.

The Galarian national team was recently admitted to the World Cup on the condition that it was a united team made up of all four Galarian nations. The Crown Tundra, the Isle of Armor and Pentre do continue to play international games between World Cups, and are pressuring the IPF to relax this rule given that the Orange Islands and the Sevii Islands compete as independent nations.
Giovanni

Giovanni is a Kantonian businessman, politician and gym leader who resides in Viridian City. He is the chairman of the Silph Company, Member of Parliament for the Viridian West constituency and the leader of the Viridian City gym.

He has been criticised for alleged ties with Team Rocket, however due to his regular legal action against accusers, such claims have surfaced less often in recent years.

## 2009 Expenses

Giovanni was a key figure in the 2009 Gym Leaders Expenses Scandal, although his involvement did not prevent the Daily Swellograph from endorsing him for Kanto president six years later. His claims were widely scorned and are often parodied in The Private Sableye. They included a mug of Horlicks, garlic crushers and the removal of wisteria from his Saffron home. He continues to fight the charges in court to this date.

## 2015 Presidential Campaign

In 2015, Giovanni put himself forward for the Free Kanto Alliance Party presidential nomination but was unsuccessful as the party decided to instead opt for the equally odious[citation needed] Nigel Farfetch'd. As a result Giovanni was to leave the party and start the Kanto United Nationalists Together Party. He was to retain his Parliamentary seat in Viridian West albeit with a significantly reduced majority. With the party only holding one seat and polling at less than 2% nationally he is unlikely to run for president again in 2020. The total deforestation of Viridian Forest by logging company Timberr, a subsidiary of Silph, is cited as one of the main reasons for his dwindling popularity.

Since his presidential campaign, Team Rocket have in fact distanced themselves from association with Giovanni, stating in a rare television appearance that "we wouldn't work with that toad for all the stones in Mount Moon".

## 2019 Daily Swellograph Litigation

In late 2019, Giovanni was caught up in Daily Swellograph allegations implicating IPF chairman Dwile Flonking in involvement with Team Rocket. As a result he sued the paper. He admitted to enjoying the occasional round of flonking at his local pub with Flonking, but insisted this was merely coincidental and that he had no idea of Flonking's criminal activities. He pointed to the fact that he hadn't ever been directly linked with any of the multiple toxic waste cases currently occupying Koga's lawyers, just because Koga was a member of their flonking team.

Giovanni was able to provide legal papers for his Persian in court and a jury ruled in his favour, resulting in one of the highest payouts by a media outlet in Kantonian history.

Flonking is no longer a member of the team.
Aurous

Aurous is a shiny Stoutland who currently competes with FC Cyllage. A product of the Boltund Wanderers youth academy, he represented the club at senior level and has also turned out for Berry, Pewter Galaxy, Royal Avenue and Cherrygrove PRC.

He was selected as a member of the Pro Pool for the inaugural edition of the Winter Wonder Cup. In the first round he was assigned to Action Gonzo Special 6 and made four KOs in a 6-1 victory before being put to sleep by Horace Bodgepot.
Draft League Season 2

The second season of the Draft League began on 19th April 2020 with competing teams drafting their rosters. There was then a two week training period before matches begin in the week commencing 4th May 2020.

The three competing teams were the Old Leaf Pals, the Route 28 Rustbuckets and Whimsicottonopolis, who were the defending champions.

Throughout the season there were several delays and postponements due to the global Volcaronavirus pandemic. A total of six extra weeks were added onto the end of the season to cater for this change in circumstances.

Each of the three teams played each other once a week, for a period eight weeks, resulting in a 16 game season. In Week 6, Whimsicottonopolis defended their title. In Week 8, the Old Leaf Pals secured second place, improving on their Season 1 performance.

## Draft

*See Draft League Pick Order*

The draft was conducted on the 19th April 2020. The Old Leaf Pals had the first overall pick and selected Bell. Thirty Pokémon were drafted in all, with eleven competitors returning from the previous season as well as several graduates of the recent One Point Cup.

## Preseason

There was a short preseason scheduled ahead of the second season, with the Toteodile Series featuring heavily as a mini tournament between the Rustbuckets and Pals, as well as an official IPF exhibition match between the Pallet Town Punchbags and a team comprised of unselected Season 1 competitors. It is unknown where Whimsicottonopolis trained, although the Toteodile Series was marred by accusations of spying leveled against the club.

### Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was held remotely due to Volcaronavirus. It featured ten hours of poetry read by John Wooper Clarke. Very few people attended.

### Matches

The season began on the 4th May with back to back wins for the Whimsy, whilst the Rustbuckets benefited from the new bonus points system, finishing Week 1 with two points despite losing both of their matches. They would lose their next four games, however, which led to the firing of Topa.

The Whimsy won their opening six games, before a mid-season wobble saw them lose three in a row. This coincided with the Rustbuckets firing Topa and replacing him with José Nidorinho, under whom they had a minor resurgence, winning five and losing three of his first matches in charge, putting them firmly in the hunt for second place.

Whimsicottonopolis were able to successfully defend their title in Week 6 with a 6-0 win against the Old Leaf Pals. They lost their last two games as Defective Pikachu instructed as many of her players as possible to use the move Explosion for unknown reasons.

## League Table

[a] one bonus point is awarded to a losing team that scores 3+ KOs

## See also

Draft League Season 2 Statistics

Draft League Season 2 Awards
Brock

Brock is a Kantonian citizen who is currently the leader of the Pewter City Gym.

## Police investigations

Brock has been the subject of several police investigations. Many of these have centered around allegations of stalking and harassment and although he has never received a custodial sentence, the Boycott Brock campaign can often be found protesting outside his gym. He was banned from all Kantonian Pokémon Centres prior to the service's privatisation after making lewd comments to Pewter's Nurse Joy, although he maintains he said "rock-hard *determination*". The Pokémon League have suspended Brock from his position several times during his career, with a member of his family filling in for him on each occasion.

In 2009 Brock was caught up in the Gym Leaders Expenses Scandal, being accused of making claims for precious gems and minerals to decorate his gym despite the building's minimalist interior. In documents obtained by The Daily Swellograph, it became apparent that Brock had also claimed for a series of cheap items including toothbrushes, vaseline, and a bath plug worth 4.

## Personal life

Brock resides alone in Pewter City. He is a patron of the city's museum and enjoys hiking at Mount Moon.

Brock has been unable to open his eyes since a protester maced them beyond repair in the early 2000s.
Foothill Rovers

Foothill Rovers is a Hoennese Pokébattling team. It competes in the League of Western Hoenn. The team is based in the Foothill suburb of Mauville, just outside the city limits. Due to its proximity to Mauville and the difficulty of acquiring tickets to Mauville City matches, the team enjoys healthy support and has some of the highest attendances in the division, although Rovers fans are generally seen negatively outside of the capital, due to the assumption that their first club is Mauville City.

The club plays at Birch Fold.
Exit Draft Mega Expo!

The Exit Draft Mega Expo! is a pre-season IPF exhibition match featuring a team made up of unretained Draft League competitors against the Pallet Town Punchbags. Following on from the Draft Wonder Expo, it is the second special exhibition match.

## Rosters

### Exit Squad

* Beach Face
* Clampdown
* Kong Fu
* Naptain
* Rambunctious
* Seto

### Punchbags

* 2 Hand Jerry
* Martin
* Swooper
* Tranquility
* Trojan
* Vitamin Sea

The match resulted in a 6-1 win for the Punchbags, with KOs scored by Vitamin Sea (3), Trojan (2), Tranquility, for the Punchbags and Seto for the Exit Squad. Trojan was particularly impressive on his IPF debut, whereas Swooper's performance drew great criticism from the collected press.
Dermott O'Scopie

Dermott O'Scopie is the editor of The Daily Whismur. Known for his O'Scopie opinion column, he regularly expounds upon his bizarre views with no editorial oversight.

## Trivia

O'Scopie appeared in the first series of I'm an IPF Member...Get Me Out of Here! but was removed from the camp in the first round following an illegal pokébattle with Ian Dusclop.Dermott's favourite food is shortbread.

He is said to employ a mathematician who works around the clock on the best tactical approach to Seel or No Seel?, as he intends to eventually appear on and win the show.
Azalea Exiles

The Azalea Exiles are a Johtoan Pokébattling club currently competing in the South Johto Combination. Formerly competing as Azalea United in Azalea Town, the club were expelled from the Pokémon's Republic of Azalea Town following the South Johto Civil War. Subsequently, they moved to Goldenrod, playing at the Goldenrod Municipal Stadium while planning a return to their home.
Blaine's Head Looks Uncannily Like Akala Battle Royal Dome

'Blaine's Head Looks Uncannily Like Akala Battle Royal Dome' is a fanzine published by the Flying Shuckles, the notorious ultras who follow IPF side Whimsicottonopolis. The fanzine is known for its foul-mouthed and often threatening editorials, the championing of far-left political causes and inscrutable humour. First published in 1992, the fanzine takes its name from a lyric by the band Half Mankey Half Surskit with the reference to Blaine intended as a sign of the Shuckles' appreciation for the Cinnabar gym leader due to his ongoing support for the Seafoam Islands.

## Features

Regular features of the magazine include:

* **Bastard of the Week** (often directed at a member of Whimsy staff)
* **Letters Page** (usually defamatory in nature)
* **Pokéballs** (foolish or embarrassing quotes from prominent figures)
* **Hydrotherapy Pool Updates** (lambasting excessive and unnecessary club spending)
* **Professor Oak Watch**

## Controversies

Since 2012, 10% of income from all sales goes directly to the Seafoam Liberation Front, listed as a terrorist group by Kanto authorities.

After the Whimsy's excellent start to the Draft League in early 2020, Blaine's Head published the full home address and fax number of manager Defective Pikachu so fans could send messages of support. They also published the manager's wingspan, cranial circumference and details about gardening habits, without explanation.
Bloomingvale United

Bloomgvale United is a Pokébattling club based in Bloomingvale, Johto. It is currently a member of the South Johto Combination, the division in which it has spent the majority of its history. The club plays at the Stadium of Sunflora.

Bloomingvale is seen as something of a retirement home for professional Pokébattlers, perhaps due to its warm climate and access to mountain fresh waters. Buying property in Bloomingvale is often seen as a mark of a successful competitor's waning career. A transfer to United often follows.
Boyleland Snowdreams

Boyleland Snowdreams is a Pokébattling club based in Boyleland, Almia. The club competes in the A League and has never been relegated, although it has also never won a league title. The team plays its home games at Red Gem Way.

The club's name is a nod to the town's Snow Festival - in which residents find Ice-type Pokémon in an attempt to bring snow and cooler weather to the volcanic island.
Coulomb

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Coulomb is a Dracozolt who competes for the Old Leaf Pals in the Draft League. She was their third pick in Season 3.

## History

Coulomb was one of the first Galarian Pokémon to be drafted, after CORVID-19 and Silverback, following rules changes that made her eligible. She made three appearances in preseason for the Pals, scoring two KOs using Bolt Beak.

She took her first KO in Week 3 against the Archipelago All-Stars, defeating Iron Curtain.

## Known Moves

* Bolt Beak
* Dragon Claw
* Body Slam

## Career Statistics

 Old Leaf Pals | 3 | 5
 Total
 Team
 Old Leaf Pals
 Total
Florges Slowpokewell

Florges Slowpokewell was a Galarian novelist and essayist, journalist and critic, best known for his critiques and satire of the Pokémon's Republic of Azalea Town as well as increased authoritarianism and inequality in Galar. His works include *Tauros Ranch, Burmy's Days, Homage to Cerulean Cape, Road to Slateport Pier, Nineteen Ninety-Six* and *A Gym Leader's Daughter* as well as the dreadful *Coming Out for Clefairy* (his only venture into smut).

His early work *Keep Aspidistra Flying,* chronicled his attempts to use HM02 on a Floette.

*Down and Out in Lumiose and Wyndon* was cited as a major inspiration by Action Gonzo.
Coral Janson

**Coral Janson** is a member of Team Walpurgis.

## Personality

Coral has been shown to be bitter and aggressive, refusing to let anyone befriend her, save for her leader Macbeth. The only time her angry mask has been broken is when her pediophobia - fear of dolls - is triggered.

## Trivia

* She was the first Grunt created for Team Walpurgis.
* She is inspired by the titular character of the movie Coraline.
Floaroma Meadows

Floaroma Meadows is a Pokébattling club based in Floaroma, Sinnoh. It is one of the smaller clubs to compete in the Sinnoh Coronet League and has an impressive record considering its size. It has not been relegated since reaching the top flight and has made the Sinnoh Cup final on three occasions.

The club is sponsored by the Valley Windworks just outside the town, which lends its name to the club's stadium, The Valley Windworks Stadium.

Floaroma Meadows is a popular destination for away fans who enjoy the small town's leafy holiday atmosphere. The club's honey and berry spindor is well-known in the region for its quality and variety.

## Notable Players

* Cloudhog
* Playboy
HONK

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HONK is a Seadra who plays for Inter Milanturn Academy. She was a member of the squad that won the inaugural One Point Cup.

Throughout the One Point Cup, HONK was in great form. She did not play the opening match of the tournament as GG.exe swept with six KOs, but from that point on she made three appearances and scored an impressive seven KOs.

## Known Moves

* Scald
* Substitute
* Ice Beam
* Disable
Draft League Season 1 Statistics

This page details statistics from the current season of the Draft League.

**KO Leader**

20 KOs - Rambunctious

**Least KOs**

0 - 3 competitors

**Least Falls** (must have played at least two games)

0 - 4 competitors

**Best** **KO / Fall Differential**

18-0 - Space Birb

**Worst** **KO / Fall Differential**

6-15 - RIP 189

**Most KOs in a Match**

5 - 3 competitors, Space Birb (week two, vs Route 28 Rustbuckets) and Captain Bill (week four, vs Old Leaf Pals), Spruce Wayne (week seven, vs Old Leaf Pals)

**Highest Scoring Match**

11 KOs - week eight and week ten; Route 28 Rustbuckets 6-5 Old Leaf Pals

**Most Falls**

16 - Captain Bill

**Most Appearances**

20 - Captain Bill
Dubious KOs Committee

The Dubious Goals Committee is a IPF committee which adjudicates in any instance where the identity of the scorer of a KO is disputed.

The committee meets on an ad hoc basis, whenever a disputed KO is brought to its attention. This is generally around three or four times a game.

One of journalist Seb O'Horick's more infamous misunderstandings is that it is the KOs that are dubious, rather than the committee itself.
Buggy Pustules

Buggy Pustules is a popular novelist. Within the Pokébattling community, he is best known as a superfan who followed the Route 28 Rustbuckets for around half of the first season of the Draft League. He was particularly excited to see Boss Buggy in action and he owns a range of Bolt-themed clothing and accessories. He has a terrible skin affliction.

After two weeks of the season, when Boss Buggy had not made his Buckets debut and being transfer listed, Pustules spent time angrily tweeting Topa threatening to tear up his season ticket. Boss Buggy made his debut shortly afterwards in what The Daily Whismur referred to as "a sad day for the sport, as Topa capitulates to external pressure". However when Boss Buggy was waived ahead of week four, Pustules failed to go through with his threat as the Rustbuckets drafted a second Bug type in Callas, meaning they still had more Bugs than the rest of the competition. This was all to change when the Buckets dropped Bolt; Pustules was unable to maintain his loyalty and publicly announced his disaffiliation from the club.

Pustules was recently spotted at the One Point Cup game between the Route 28 Rustbuckets 1-P and Naganadel Clobbopus Eight II, with the match featuring three Bug types.

As of Season 3, Pustules has a season ticket with the Old Leaf Pals, as the first team squad has three Bugs in Big Andy, Virulent and Seamstress.

## Accessories

Pustules owns a range of Bug Pokémon related accessories. While he mainly focuses on collecting items depicting his favourite Pokébattler, Bolt, he also owns a Boss Buggy hat, a pair of Metapod earrings and an exclusive pair of Callas socks, signed by Glubber for unexplained reasons.
Chompo McBite

Chompo McBite is a Carnivine currently competing for the Chicole Chikoritas in the A League. He previously competed with Llandorus United and Barryboach Town in the Pentre Premier after beginning his career with Sevii Surge in the Magnet Youth League.

He was selected as a member of the Pro Pool for the inaugural Winter Wonder Cup.
A Trying Time

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A Trying Time is a Blissey who plays for Johto. She was selected in the squad for the 2020 World Cup.

She made three appearances for Johto during the group stage, scoring a KO in their third game against the Orange Islands.

She plays her club Pokébattling for Pewter Galaxy of the Volcanic League of Kanto.

## Known Moves

* Stealth Rock
* Wish
* Protect
* Seismic Toss
* Heal Bell
* Teleport
Dr Hospital

Dr Hospital is the chief medical officer of the IPF. He provides first aid and palliative care for any competitors who suffer serious injury during Draft League matches and is ably assisted by Nurse Lead. He replaced Nurse Joy after the poké centre service was privatised.

He recently received a package containing a history book on Vietnam. The envelope did not feature a return address but Hospital believes it may have been sent as a coded message by Dwile Flonking.

## Trivia

Dr Hospital appeared in the first series of I'm an IPF Member...Get Me Out of Here! but was forced to leave in the second round after refusing to eat live Wurmple.
Academy Bowl

The Academy Bowl is a multi-purpose stadium in Konikoni on Akala Island, Alola. It is primarily used for Pokébattling. The stadium, located on Konikoni University campus, has a capacity of 3,500 and hosts games for Konikoni University.

## Design

The stadium is a bowl structure with its field sunk below ground. Bench seating is available round the field. Above is a walkway featuring a concession stand. Team changing facilities are located underground and lead directly onto the field.
Celbeartic

Celbeartic is a Pokébattling club based in the Crown Tundra region of Galar. The club compete in the Crown Tundra Premiership and play home games at Park Iron Head.

Along with fierce rivals Nidorangers, the club form a world-famous rivalry known as the Sheer Cold Firm. Celbeartic have historically dominated Pokébattling in the region, attracting vast crowds from across the country. They hold particular appeal for those who enjoy attaching their identity to a perennially successful, yet facelessly corporate, entity, instead of forging a genuine connection with a local organisation.
Devon PA

The Devon Corporation Pokébattling Association is a Pokébattling club based in Rustboro, Hoenn. It currently competes in the League of Western Hoenn. Previously known as Rustboro Stars, the club was bought out by the Devon Corporation in 2016 and immediately enjoyed a meteoric rise to the second tier from the fifth division. The club's stadium, the Devon Corporation Arena, is partly owned by the Independent Pokébattling Federation, in exchange for an option which allows it to use the venue for its own tournaments.

In 2019, the club achieved the greatest result in its history, defeating Mauville City in the third round of the Hoenn Cup.
Ferroseed Valley Complex

The Ferroseed Valley Complex is a sports facility located on Kanto Route 28. Owned by the Route 28 Rustbuckets, it serves as the club's base of operations for matches, training and more.

## Features

At the centre of the complex is the New Silver Stadium, a 45,000 capacity ground hosting the Rustbuckets' games in the Draft League and other competitions. The stadium main stand contains club offices, a restaurant, a bar and a small museum.

Next to the main stadium is the Olm Memorial Stadium, a smaller venue hosting some training games as well as matches for the club's development team.

The complex also features training pitches (in grass, clay, concrete and fungus), an aqua training pool, a state-of-the-art indoor training arena with holographic simulation capabilities, a medical centre and on sight player accomodation.
Bayern Munchlax

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*For the fifteenth-century duchy, see Bavaria-Munchlax.*

Bayern Munchlax is a professional Pokébattling club which plays at the Silvallianz Arena. Managed by one of their all-time most successful players, Franz Ekanzbauer, they are one of the most successful clubs in the world, particularly in terms of domestic success. They are a member of the Sinnoh Coronet League.

The club's current chairman is ex-player Oliver Kangaskahn, whose defensive performances are the stuff of legend amongst fans.

## History

Despite losing on the last turn of the 1999 Championship League final to Mantykester United, they have won numerous trophies including the 2013 final.

They are a member of the so-called "Elite 4" (along with Mantykester United, Wormadrid and Inter Milanturn), said to be plotting to breakaway from their leagues to form a cross-continental super league.

During Pep Gardevoirla's tenure as manager Munchlax were one of several clubs, along with Blacephalona, listed on the leaked "shadow list" of secret customers of Professor Oak's laboratory. An investigation found no proof of wrongdoing.

## Notable Players

* Celeste
* Vesuvius
* Infinitude
* Big Lad

## Notable Past Players

* Bastian Schweinub
* Franz Ekanzbauer
* Oliver Kangaskahn
* Stefan Cleffanberg
* Franck Ribomby
Duress

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Duress is an Alakazam who competes for the Archipelago All-Stars in Season 3 of the Draft League. He was chosen as their second pick.

## History

Duress made two appearances for the All-Stars in preseason, but failed to make an impact, being KO'd on each occasion without getting on the scoresheet himself.

He made his competitive debut for the All-Stars in Week 1 of Season 3 and took a KO against the Route 28 Rustbuckets, defeating the frozen Pixie Nott. He then went toe to toe with CORVID-19 before being knocked out himself via a critical hit.

## Known moves

* Psychic
* Psych Up
* Encore
* Recover
* Focus Blast

## Career Statistics

 **Total** | 5
 Team
 Archipelago All-Stars
 Total
Grey

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Grey is a Zangoose who competed for the Route 28 Rustbuckets. He was selected as part of the Rustbuckets' senior squad for the Toteodile Series and later drafted into their Draft League Season 2 squad following the departure of Buck. He was the subject of a disciplinary procedure after a training ground brawl with fellow competitor Rehbar.

He made his debut in the opening game of the Toteodile Series but was quickly eliminated by iceice maybe whose Subzero Slammer Z-Move caused him to faint before he could attack. During the third match of the series, he appeared late in the game wielding a Toxic Orb to make use of his Toxic Boost ability, bagging three KOs in a 6-3 win. He subsequently scored hattricks in two more appearances and was awarded Pokemon of the Tournament for his efforts.

Following the tournament, he was assigned to the Rusties' One Point Squad as an exemption player.

After being selected for the Rustbuckets' first team squad, Grey made his debut in Week 6 of Season 2, but was unable to defeat Grimli. He scored his first Draft League KO the following week, with a crucial Quick Attack taking out Cheesecake, who had set up using Belly Drum. He picked up an injury during this performance, which ruled him out of Week 8, and the Rustbuckets were given special dispensation to drop him in favour of Rehbar. Dr Hospital later put out a statement saying he had suspicious looking snake bite injuries when he reported for treatment. Rehbar denies responsibility.

## Known Moves

* Facade
* Knock Off
* Quick Attack
* Swords Dance

## Career Statistics

 Route 28 Rustbuckets | 2 | 3
 Total
 Team
 Route 28 Rustbuckets
 Total

## Honours

Toteodile Series 1 - Winner's Medal, Pokemon of the Tournament, KO Leader
Deep Trouble

Deep Trouble is a Orren Pokébattling club based beneath Pyrite Town in the region known as The Under. The club compete in the Orre Desert Series and play home matches at the Deep Colosseum.

The club have historically suffered from low attendances, with Pokébattling enthusiasts generally put off by the club's ominous name and location in an inaccessible underground fortress. While Deep Trouble have attempted to increase support in recent years, offering Valentine's Day promotions (free admission for Luvdisc) and discounted admission for Orre military veterans, these efforts have largely been unsuccessful.
Fowl Play

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Fowl Play is a Blaziken who plays for Hoenn. He was selected in the squad for the 2020 World Cup. He made only one appearance in the competition and failed to make a KO.

At club level, he began his career as a Torchic in the Helping Hand League with Egg Boys Burn before evolving and signing for the Lavaridge Springheads.

## Known Moves

* Swords Dance
* Close Combat
Deep Blue

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Deep Blue is a shiny Bisharp who competes for Whimsicottonopolis in Season 3 of the Draft League. She was chosen as their third pick.

## History

Deep Blue is the first shiny Pokémon to the selected by Whimsicottonopolis.
She made her first appearances for Whimsicottonopolis in the second Toteodile Series, taking three KOs in three appearances.

She made her competitive debut for Whimsicottonopolis in Week 2 of Season 3 against the Archipelago All-Stars, taking two KOs without falling, against Duress and Grimli.

## Known moves

* Iron Head
* Sucker Punch
* Knock Off
* Foul Play

## Career Statistics

 **Total** | 3
 Team
 Whimsicottonopolis
 Total
Major League Pokébattling

Major League Pokébattling is the top level of competitive Pokébattling in Unova. Contested by 16 clubs, seasons run between August and May with teams playing 30 matches.

Major League Pokébattling is unique amongst regional top flights in that there is no relegation. New franchises have regularly paid the Unovan Pokebattling Association for entry to the division, meaning that it is almost twice as big as any other top division league.

The current champions are Wormadrid, who have won the league more times than any other team. Nine different teams have won the title: Wormadrid (9), Sporting Nimbasa City (4), Castelia Crew (3), Icirrus Whitecaps (2), Striaton FC (2), Driftveil United (1), Opelucid Unity (1), the Undella Town Riverboat Gamblers (defunct) (1), and the New Unova Revolution (1).

## Current Clubs

* Anville Timburrs
* Castelia Crew
* Driftveil Earthquakes
* Driftveil United
* Humilau Resort All-Stars
* Icirrus Whitecaps
* Mistralton Storm
* Nacrene Impact
* New Unova Revolution
* Nimbasa Dynamo
* Opelucid Outrage
* Opelucid Unity
* Striaton FC
* Sporting Nimbasa City
* Virbank Venom
* Wormadrid

## Previous Season

[a] one bonus point is awarded to a losing team that scores 3+ KOs
Bonkers

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Bonkers is a Primeape contracted to the Pallet Town Punchbags. He plays for their B team and was selected by an IPF committee.

## Known moves

* Close Combat
* U-Turn
* Ice Punch
* Earthquake

## Trivia

Bonkers has a rivalry with Mankie. They went to school together and when Mankie made his Wonder League debut, Bonkers swore he would make it as a competitive pokébattler. His apprenticeship with the Punchbags puts him ahead of Mankie in the race to make it as a Draft League athlete.

As a Mankey, he competed in the Magnet Youth League for Blackthorn Rovers 1-P.
Mankie

Mankie is a Primeape who competes in the Wonder League for the Pewter City Premieres. One of the most successful competitors in the league, he has the highest number of KOs in league history.

## Background

Mankie was acquired by a German trainer named Finn on the 6th January 2017. He was caught as a level 11 Mankey on Route 3 in a Heal Ball.

## History

### Wonder League

#### Season 1

Mankie joined the Pewter City Premieres in round 2 of the first season of Wonder League. Making his debut with a KO in a 6-1 defeat, he was carried over into round 3 where he made three KOs in a 6-2 victory. He subsequently competed in each round of the league, ending the regular season with a total of 13 KOs from nine appearances. He was drafted into the All Star squad for the end of season tie break and made a single KO, taking down Hawlucha in a 6-3 defeat.

#### Season 2

As a member of the previous season's All Star squad, Mankie was eligible to participate in Wonder League Season 2 through the newly introduced dice roll rule. However, his number was rarely selected and he made only two appearances and one KO.

### Other competitions

Mankie was selected for the All Star squad to play against the Pallet Town Punchbags in the Draft Wonder Expo match ahead of the first Draft League season.

## Draft League participation

Mankie has expressed his desire to compete in the Draft League after his Wonder League eligibility has expired. Seb O'Horick commented that as Mankie has a unique nickname he would be eligible to participate and could become the first pokemon to compete in both of the IPF's premier competitions. However, this looks less likely since Mankie's childhood rival, Bonkers, signed a trial contract with the Pallet Town Punchbags.

## Career Statistics

 2
 **Total** | 12

## Honours

* Wonder League MVP - Season 1
* Effort Ribbon
Daisy, Violet and Lily

Daisy, Violet and Lily are sisters from Cerulean City. Previously in joint charge of the Cerulean City Gym until their resignation in the wake of the 2009 Gym Leaders Expenses Scandal, they have recently taken up management of the city's pokebattling franchise, Cerulean Soul Sisters.

Their other sister, Misty, remains in charge at the Cerulean City Gym.

The sisters have recently filed a restraining order against Rational Raichu.
Mike Whiscashly

Mike Whiscashly is a Johtoan billionaire businesssnorlax who owns chain retail store Spoinks Direct as well as the Goldenrod Golden Knights pokebattling team.

## Spoinks Direct

Spoinks Direct is a Johtoan retailing group which sells sportswear and sporting goods as well as unnecessarily large mugs. It operates on low margins and is known for its disdain for its staff and the general public. Almost all employees are employed on zero-hours contracts. The National Union of Fighting-type Labourers has issued multiple statements condemning Whiscashly's working practices and whilst it supports union members working in Spoinks Direct stores, it urges members to consider employment elsewhere if at all possible.
Cerulean Soul Sisters

‎‎
--

The Cerulean Soul Sisters is a Pokébattling team based just outside Cerulean, Kanto. Its stadium, the Cape Colosseum, is located at Cerulean Cape. Founded on principles of intersectional feminism, the team is comprised solely of female Pokémon. It competes in the Volcanic League of Kanto and finished third in the most recent season.

The team is coached by the management triad of Daisy, Violet and Lily.

The Sisters runs a One Point development team, Cerulean Soul Sisters 1-P.

## Notable Players

* Battlesponge
* Katrina
* Go Ape!
Chompsky

‎‎
--

Chompsky is a Garchomp who plays for Sinnoh. He was selected in the squad for the 2020 World Cup.

Although Sinnoh under-performed at the World Cup, Chompsky played relatively well, scoring two KOs in three games.

At club level, he competes with Jubilife City in the Sinnoh Coronet League.

## Known Moves

* Swords Dance
* Earthquake
* Stealth Rock
* Draco Meteor
Draft League Season 3 Schedule

The season is set to take place over nine rounds. Each team plays the others three times.

## Round One

*week commencing 5th October 2020*

Whimsicottonopolis 6-3 Old Leaf Pals

Archipelago All-Stars 6-2 Route 28 Rustbuckets *to be played at The Citrus Bowl*

## Round Two

*week commencing 12th October 2020*

Route 28 Rustbuckets 1-6 Old Leaf Pals

Whimsicottonopolis 6-1 Archipelago All-Stars

## Round Three

*week commencing 19th October 2020*

Old Leaf Pals 6-0 Archipelago All-Stars

Route 28 Rustbuckets 6-0 Whimsicottonopolis

*Round Three to be followed by the supplementary draft*

## Round Four

*week commencing 26th October 2020*

Old Leaf Pals 2-6 Whimsicottonopolis

Route 28 Rustbuckets 6-2 Archipelago All-Stars

## Round Five

*week commencing 9th November 2020*

Old Leaf Pals 6-1 Route 28 Rustbuckets

Archipelago All-Stars 6-2 Whimsicottonopolis *to be played at Pummelo Aqua Arena*

## Round Six

*week commencing 23rd November 2020*

Archipelago All-Stars 6-1 Old Leaf Pals *to be played at Pippeel Park*

Whimsicottonopolis 6-1 Route 28 Rustbuckets

## Round Seven

*week commencing 30th November 2020*

Whimsicottonopolis vs Old Leaf Pals

Archipelago All-Stars vs Route 28 Rustbuckets *to be played at Segment Stadium*

*No further transfers may be made beyond 6th December 2020*

## Round Eight

*week commencing 7th December 2020*

Route 28 Rustbuckets vs Old Leaf Pals

Whimsicottonopolis vs Archipelago All-Stars

## Round Nine

*week commencing 14th December 2020*

Old Leaf Pals vs Archipelago All-Stars

Whimsicottonopolis vs Route 28 Rustbuckets
Connah's Klefki

Connah's Klefki is a Pokébattling club based in Pentre, Galar. They are the current champions of the Pentre Premier, having beaten TNS to the title.

## Controversy

The club attracted controversy when their trainer announced he was deliberately using Pokémon infected with Volcoronavirus in competitive fixtures. He was quoted as telling his squad; "don't turn up unless you're riddled with the stuff."

He referred to Beldumbarton as "a bunch of babies", sparking a rivalry between the two clubs.
Conenichiwa II

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Conenichiwa II is a Forretress who competed in Season 1 of the Draft League for Old Leaf Pals. He was their 2nd pick and the 6th pick overall.

## History

He made his competitive debut in Week 1 against the Route 28 Rustbuckets but didn't play much of a role in the battle, only managing to lay a single layer of Spikes.

He took his first KO in Week 3, using Gyro Ball on Go Ape!.

With six appearances and one KO in his first season, Conenichiwa will hope to be selected again as his hazard game was certainly beneficial to the Pals throughout Season 1.

## Known moves

* Spikes
* Rapid Spin
* Gyro Ball
* Explosion
FC Shalour

FC Shalour is a Kalosian Pokébattling club which competes in the Suprême Ligue de Kalos. Its most recent season was its most successful, partly aided by standout performances from league top scorer Princess DIE in her breakthrough season.

The team plays at the Grand Bé Stadium, which is only accessible by foot during low tide.
Excalibur

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--

Excalibur is an Aegislash who plays for Ferrum. It was selected in the squad for the 2020 World Cup.

Excalibur is primarily a competitor in the Pokkén tournament, which uses vastly different rules from traditional Pokébattling, however it managed to adapt and learn a few techniques generally not seen in Pokkén, such as Toxic. It had a great tournament at the World Cup, as Ferrum advanced to the quarter finals, scoring six KOs in four appearances.

## Known Moves

* Swords Dance
* Shadow Ball
* Toxic
* Substitute
* King's Shield
Goldenrod Municipal Stadium

The Goldenrod Municipal Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Goldenrod, Johto. It has a seating capacity of 3,000 and is the home of Goldenrod Athletic Club. It is also used for Wonder League fixtures. It features a track around the arena which is used for Pokémon racing events. Its seats are solely confined to a large grandstand.
Goldenrod Arena

The Goldenrod Arena is a Pokébattling stadium in Goldenrod, Johto. An all-seater stadium with a capacity of 60,000, it is home to the Goldenrod Golden Knights and Johto National Pokébattling Team.

## Facilities and location

The stadium is located in downtown Goldenrod, close to the city's railway station, radio tower and JBC Arena.

The arena complex contains a smaller stadium, the Squire Stadium, used by the Knights' youth team, training and commercial facilities, fan zones and a small training venue.

## World Cup 2020

The Arena hosted the final of World Cup 2020.
Draft League Season 1

The inaugural season of the IPF Draft League began on 3rd January 2020 with teams picking their rosters. The season is scheduled to run through to the end of March and will be followed by an off-season schedule including the One Point Cup.

Whimsicottonopolis secured the title in week seven, becoming the first ever IPF Draft League champions.

## Draft

Old Leaf Pals had the first overall pick and chose Pineapple. Route 28 Rustbuckets chose second, picking Thorny Issue. Whimsicottonopolis were the third team to pick and selected Kong Fu.

## Preseason

There were several exhibition games and friendly matches before the season began.

### Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony took place on the 13th January 2020 at The Mill preceding the opening match between Whimsicottonopolis and the Route 28 Rustbuckets.

At the start of the ceremony Mountain Dew gave a speech, welcoming all competing franchises to the competition and calling for fair play and good spirits. The three franchises and all competing Pokémon were then led onto the battle arena and a song was performed by singer-songwriter Ed Sheatran before the Galarian rock-type band Red Hot Lillipuppers took centre stage, treating the crowd to a short set. At the end of the ceremony several Pokéballs were blasted into space.

### Matches

The opening match of the season saw Whimsicottonopolis defeat Route 28 Rustbuckets 6-1. The Buckets were to lose their first match against the Old Leaf Pals, who were also defeated by Whimsicottonopolis.

The Whimsy went unbeaten for the remainder of the first half of the season, whilst the Buckets bounced back from their opening week defeat to record four straight wins against the Pals, putting them comfortable in second place at the halfway stage.

In week seven, Whimsicottonopolis made sure of the title with a 6-0 win against the Old Leaf Pals.

The season continued in much the same vein, although week nine, the Whimsy dropped points after agreeing a draw with the Pals, before losing to the Buckets in week ten, their only loss of the season. The Buckets wrapped up second place in week eight, with the Pals putting in several plucky performances towards the end of the competition.

## League Table

[a] one bonus point is awarded to a team that loses a match 6-5

## See also

Draft League Season 1 Statistics

Draft League Season 1 Awards
Friedrich

‎‎
--

Friedrich is a Slowbro who plays for the Route 28 Rustbuckets and the Pokémon's Republic of Azalea Town national team.

## History

Friedrich was selected in the Pokémon's Republic of Azalea Town squad for the 2020 World Cup. He made one appearance at the tournament, making two KOs before fainting.

At club level, he competed for the Republic's club team, Raichuomyong until he was offered a contract to play in the Draft League. The move was said to be personally sanctioned by Mao Bronzong.

Friedrich made his competitive debut for the Rustbuckets in the first week of Season 3, turning out against the Archipelago All-Stars. His performance was reasonable, but he was unable to heal up effectively after taking a hard hit from The Lawn Ranger.

## Known Moves

* Calm Mind
* Iron Defence
* Slack Off
* Stored Power
* Scald
* Trick Room
* Toxic

## Career Statistics

 Route 28 Rustbuckets | 3 | 5
 Total
 Team
 PRAT | World Cup 2020 | 1
 **Total** | 1
 Team
 Route 28 Rustbuckets
 Total
"Clefable"

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--

"Clefable" is a Mimikyu who competed in Season 1 of the Draft League for Old Leaf Pals. She was their 6th pick and the 18th pick overall.

## History

She made her debut against the Route 28 Rustbuckets in week one, scoring a KO when she used Wood Hammer against Cheesecake. "Clefable"'s first season as a Draft League competitor could probably have been slightly more successful, as she was eventually outclassed by the other Fairies in the side, although she did still manage to pick up five KOs over the course of the first season.

## Known moves

* Swords Dance
* Wood Hammer
* Drain Punch
* Shadow Claw
* Trick Room
Iceice maybe

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--

iceice maybe is a Rotom-Frost who played in Season 2 of the Draft League for the Old Leaf Pals. It was chosen as their 9th overall draft pick. It is currently contracted to the Pallet Town Punchbags.

## History

iceice maybe made its debut in Week 1 of Season 2 but was KO'd immediately on switch in by Prodigy.

It recorded its first KO on a technicality in the last week of the season, as Gelid Hatred used Explosion against it. The Dubious KOs Committee were called in to verify this, as it was the first use of Explosion in Draft League history.

Its first competitive season was broadly recognised as a success and upon regrading, iceice maybe was retiered as a 7 point competitor.

Following the Season 3 draft, iceice maybe accepted a contract offer from the IPF to train with the Pallet Town Punchbags.

## Known moves

* Defog
* Thunderbolt
* Volt Switch
* Subzero Slammer
* Reflect
* Foul Play
* Light Screen
* Will-O-Wisp
* Gigavolt Havoc

## Trivia

Before it joined the Pals, iceice maybe was a member of the Pallet Town Punchbags squad and is pleased to be yet another successful graduate of the IPF training enterprise.

## Career Statistics

 Old Leaf Pals  | 2 | 6
 Total
 Team
 Old Leaf Pals
 Total
Eclipse

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--

Iron Maiden is a Necrozma who plays for Alola. She was selected in the squad for the 2020 World Cup.

Eclipse has several alternate forms, allowing it to appear in battle as Necrozma-Dawn Wings (Psychic / Ghost), Necrozma-Dusk Mane (Psychic Steel) or Necrozma-Ultra (Psychic / Dragon).

At club level, she competes for Wormadrid.

## Known Moves

* Swords Dance
* Earthquake
* Photon Geyser
* Light That Burns the Sky
* Autotomize
* Sunsteel Strike
Donphan Trump

Donphan Trump is an Unovan politician, businessman, actor and media personality. The current President of Unova, his reign has been characterised as dictatorial, regressive and erratic. His policies include the legalisation of Pokéballs, building a wall around the globe, confining rival Joe Bidoofden to the PC system for the rest of eternity and "making Unova great again".

Following apparent defeat to Bidoofden in the 2020 election, Trump repeatedly used the move Stomping Tantrum.
Championship League

The Championship League (known as the Gaztrodon Championship League for sponsorship reasons) is the world's most prestigious international club Pokébattling competition. It is contested annually by 32 teams from the world's top Pokébattling leagues. The winner is decided through a group and knock-out format.

The competition was introduced in the mid 90s as a competition for clubs from Kanto, Johto, Kalos and Sinnoh, which lie on the same continent. By 2001, teams from Hoenn, Galar, and Unova were also participating. Alolan clubs joined a year later. By 2008, clubs from smaller nations began to qualify through a series of play-offs or by winning the previous season's Lesser Regions Cup.

In its present format, the tournament begins with eight groups of four teams, which play each other twice, once at home and once away. The two two in each group then progress to two-legged knock-out ties.

Bayern Munchlax, Inter Milanturn and Wormadrid are the competition's most successful clubs.

In 2008, Almian club Ranger Union became the first club not from a "Big Eight" nation to beat a Big Eight club in a competitive Pokébattling match, defeating Hoenn's Mauville City 6-4 in a group stage clash.
GG.exe

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--

GG.exe is a Porygon-Z who played for Inter Milanturn Academy as a Porygon. It was selected in their squad for the inaugural One Point Cup.

GG.exe's One Point Cup debut saw it score all six KOs against the New Buddies, without a single other member of the squad even needing to make an appearance. It finished the tournament as top scorer with 11 KOs, firing Inter Milanturn to the gold medal.

It previously competed on hit JBC show Porygon Wars.

After being upgraded into a Porygon-Z, it signed for JBC Battle Club in the Johto Peak League and began competing for Oblivia at international level.

## Known Moves

* Conversion
* Ice Beam
* Psychic
* Thunderbolt

## Career Statistics

 Inter Milanturn
 **Total** | 5
 Oblivia | World Cup 2020 | 3
 **Total** | 3