STAGING STORIES: Polish Technology on the Pokémon Stage – ARAM Behind the Scenes of a Global Event

ARAM in Action: Pokémon Europe International Championships 2025

Three days, over 5,500 players from around the world, and online broadcasts followed by millions of fans – that’s just a glimpse of the scale of the Pokémon European Championships at London’s ExCeL. The event featured multiple tournament zones – from amateurs to the world’s top-ranked players – and a professional stage streamed live for the online audience. This is where the finals of the most important categories took place: the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the Pokémon Video Game Championships.

For the fourth time in a row, the ARAM team was behind the stage and technical setup of the finals zone – as the event’s main technology partner. Our scope included scenography tailored to the branding and camera layout, studio lighting designed to look great both on stream and in person, as well as audio systems and special effects. We also handled multimedia playback on LED screens and dynamic lighting effects that enhanced the drama of the matches.

A symbolic element wasn’t missing either – a giant Pikachu balloon hovered over the player competition zone, becoming an icon of the entire event and a key landmark for participants. The entire production was carried out under strict time and quality standards – from three days of intensive setup to a precisely planned schedule of rehearsals and live broadcasts.

A Few Behind-the-Scenes Numbers:

🔧 Crew & Setup Time:
63 technical specialists, 3 days of intensive setup at ExCeL London

📺 Multimedia:
→ 340 m² of YesTech M3 (3.9 mm) LED screens as stage backgrounds
→ 104 m² of Unilumin Upad III (2.6 mm) for PGM audience screens
→ Total screen resolution: 22K
→ Over 1,700 LED modules and 4 independent stage zones

💡 Lighting:
→ 370 fixtures, including:
 - 75x Martin MAC Aura PXL
 - 68x MAC One
 - 44x Ayrton Khamsin-S
 - 32x GLP JDC1

🔊 Sound:
→ 32x Martin Audio WPS line array
→ 16x SXC118 subwoofers + 18 iKON iK42 amplifiers
→ Integrated via Dante over fiber with a Yamaha QL5 console
→ Dedicated Allen & Heath SQ7 mixer for the opening ceremony

✨ Special Effects:
→ 20 sparkulars (cold spark machines) used during the finals – visually impressive and fully compliant with ExCeL’s strict safety standards

Expert Tip: 3 Things to Align with Your AV Provider Before the Event

Event production is a team effort – and before kicking things into full gear, it’s worth ensuring clear communication with your tech partners. Here are 3 key points our expert recommends aligning with your AV provider before the actual event production begins:

1. Scope and Technical Requirements
Start with precision. As the client, clearly define which technical elements you’ll need: LED screens, sound systems, lighting, multimedia, streaming – or maybe all of the above? Each component requires different logistical and technical preparation.

It’s also helpful to clearly outline:

• the nature of the event (conference, gala, product launch, show),

• your expectations for the atmosphere, visual style, and effects,

• venue details and event date,

• the available setup and rehearsal schedule,

• the technical rider, if applicable (e.g., artist or band requirements).

The more specifics, the better. This allows the AVL (audio-visual-lighting) provider to offer tailor-made solutions – and helps you avoid misunderstandings or unexpected surprises down the line.

2. Schedule and Logistics
Arrange a site visit and a technical walk-through with your AVL partner at the event venue. This is one of the most underrated – yet crucial – steps in the preparation process.

During the walk-through, you can assess:

• availability of power and internet,

• rigging options,

• stage and audience layout,

• access routes and equipment load-in areas.

It’s also the right moment to work out a realistic production timeline – factoring in all teams involved. Well-planned logistics mean less stress, better timing, and smoother coordination on event day.

3. Direct Points of Contact
Confirm who will be responsible for your project on the AV provider’s side – and make sure both teams have up-to-date contact information for key decision-makers. When it’s go-time, fast and direct communication is everything.

Remember: A short communication chain = less stress, more control.

Making these arrangements before production kicks off will help both you and the technical crew sleep better at night – and the event itself will run without any unpleasant surprises.

February & March through our lens

Want more behind-the-scenes insights? Follow ARAM’S CEO on Substack too.

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