Image Credit: Bethesda
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
A Gengar getting on the battlefield during the Academy Ace Tournament in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Screenshot by Dot Esports.

How to beat the Academy Ace Tournament in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Beating the Academy Ace Tournament in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is essential to finishing the game's story.

The Academy Ace Tournament represents the ultimate battle challenge in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. To unlock it, you need to complete the main storyline of the base game. This includes all three paths of the Treasure Hunt, the conclusion of Area Zero, and winning rematches against all eight Gym Leaders.

Recommended Videos

The Academy Ace Tournament pits you against NPC opponents in single battles within a bracket system. To emerge victorious, you need to win four consecutive battles. Triumphing in the tournament rewards you with prizes from a set list, including Apriballs and Gold Bottle Caps. To enter the tournament, visit the Uva or Naranja Academy after completing the main game storyline and talk to the attendant in blue behind the front desk on the left. Once you accept the challenge, there’s no opportunity to tweak your team, so ensure your lineup is battle-ready before committing.

How to check if you have already beaten the Academy Ace Tournament

The player character in Pokémon SV standing in front of the front desk of the Academy looking at the Academy Ace Tournament attendant.
This man will help you join the tournament. Screenshot by Dot Esports.

To progress to the Mochi Mayhem epilogue and the opportunity to catch Pecharunt in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you must first conquer the Academy Ace Tournament. To determine if you’ve already won the tournament, visit the Academy. You’ll encounter one of three scenarios:

  1. No Man Behind the Counter: This indicates you haven’t met the prerequisites for the Academy Ace Tournament. Ensure you’ve completed the base game’s full story, including defeating Sada or Turo and winning all eight Gym Leader rematches in their respective Gyms after chatting with Nemona and Geeta in your dorm.
  2. Nemona Next to the Counter: If Nemona is standing beside the man behind the counter, the tournament is unlocked, and you haven’t participated yet. Speak with Nemona to enter the tournament. Winning all four matches will complete this challenge.
  3. Man Alone Behind the Counter: This means you’ve already won in the Academy Ace Tournament. Replaying it isn’t necessary for the epilogue, but it remains an option.

After successfully completing the Academy Ace Tournament in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you also unlock six and seven-star Tera Raids as an additional reward. If you’ve completed The Indigo Disk DLC, all trainers in the Academy Ace Tournament will have Pokémon ranging between levels 80 and 85. Without the DLC, the levels of their Pokémon are slightly lower, ranging from 65 to 80.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
More Stories To Read
Author
Image of Bhernardo Viana
Bhernardo Viana
Bhernardo is senior guides writer and strategist at Dot Esports. He's been working in the gaming industry for over 9 years, with works published on Destructoid, Prima Games, ESPN, and more. A fan of Pokémon since 6 years old and an avid Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch player. Now writing strategy and quests guides for several mobile and PC titles.