In a shocking twist at the Pokémon Latin America International Championships (LAIC), two seasoned Pokémon competitors faced disqualification on November 18, sending ripples through the Scarlet and Violet VGC and TCG communities. 

Pokemon Pros Yuya Tada and Tord Reklev Disqualification Story From 

Yuya Tada, a respected Japanese player, reached the top eight single-elimination bracket in the Scarlet and Violet VGC side, only to be disqualified for a hack check moments before his crucial match. Tord Reklev, aiming for his fifth international title as the defending LAIC champ on the TCG side, was also disqualified on the same day for his perceived "pace of play." 

Tada's disqualification unfolded due to a failed top-cut hack check, despite passing an earlier one during Swiss rounds. Facing uncertainty, Tada turned to Twitter for a second hack check, revealing significant issues with his team, including the absence of HOME trackers, 508 EVs, and PP Max on all moves. Yet, controversy lingers in the VGC community, with players like Paul Ruiz and Marcus Dion arguing that traits like 508 EVs and PP Max don't conclusively prove Pokémon generation and should not serve as decisive evidence. 

Adding to the intrigue, the reasons behind Tada's initial hack check success and subsequent failure remain unclear, further fueling the ongoing debate on hacking within the VGC scene. The fallout from multiple disqualifications at the previous year's World Championships in Yokohama continues to cast a shadow on the integrity of competitive Pokémon. 

Simultaneously, the reigning TCG LAIC champion, Tord Reklev, faced disqualification due to judgments about the "pace of play." Allegations of a 13-minute turn resulted in two match losses for Reklev, ultimately ending his bid to defend his LAIC title. Expressing disappointment, Reklev criticized the staff's decisions, deeming them "questionable" and urging for more transparent communication. 

This unprecedented turn of events raises serious concerns about the future of competitive Pokémon, with the specter of disqualifications and controversies looming over the LAIC stage.