group photo

Photos by Stephanie Rivera.

Dozens of Pokémon Go players of all ages gathered at the lighthouse in downtown Long Beach Sunday afternoon for a Pokemon party both in and out of the digital space.

Despite a lackluster start due to server issues, the players walked around Shoreline Aquatic Park trying to catch Pokémon, battle each other and meet new people. The meet-up was organized by the Pokemon Go Long Beach subreddit

Organizers also hosted a mini-competition where users had to catch the most Pokémon within a 15-minute window to win prizes. A winner was also announced for the person who caught the a Pokémon with the highest combat power.

winners

Top three Pokemon catchers:

  • Gilbert Bermudez, 21 Pokémon caught
  • Brandon Ruvio, 21 Pokémon caught
  • Jonathan, 20 Pokémon caught

winner of CP

High combat power Pokémon catcher winner:

  • Evelio Palacios, 566 combat power

The winners received gift cards to local eateries that served as Poké Stops and Poké Gyms.

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Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.