I’m incredibly excited and grateful to have the opportunity to compete in the Pokémon World Championships in the beautiful islands of Hawaii. It feels surreal to have set a goal at the beginning of the season and to see it through—qualifying and winning the Special Event (SPE) that secured my place in Hawaii was both unbelievable and unforgettable!
Competing Internationally
One of the blessings in my life has been the ability to work remotely, which has allowed me to attend several International Championships throughout the year, including stops in São Paulo, London, and New Orleans, as well as regional events in North America and Europe. My run in the Latin America International Championship was a major highlight, where I gained confidence after defeating some of the best players, including a former world champion. But winning the Cape Town SPE was the pinnacle for me this season.
Throughout the year, I always aimed to play it safe with consistent decks that guaranteed points. However, I knew I had to win at least one SPE in South Africa. Winning in Cape Town was an incredibly proud moment, as it validated my position at the top of the South African leaderboard. It made me feel like I had truly earned my ranking this season.
The Final Stretch: Johannesburg and Cape Town SPEs
Heading into the Johannesburg SPE, I wanted to play something safe and see what decks were dominating the local meta. I won the Cup there using a fun, high-risk deck (Chien Pao) since there were no major stakes. However, for Cape Town, I went with a deck I was most comfortable with: Lost Tina (Giratina Vstar with the Lost Box Engine and Iron Leaves tech). This deck had served me well all season, and I knew it inside and out. I was especially prepared for Charizard decks, which I predicted would be popular.
While Chien Pao had brought me some success, it felt too unforgiving for mistakes. Giratina, on the other hand, gave me flexibility and control in difficult matchups. It felt fitting to finish the season with the deck I started with.
Facing Off Against the Best
The finals against Aaqil were a huge moment for me. Aaqil is a player I have immense respect for, someone I consider one of the best in South Africa. Playing against him was surreal, especially since I watched him win nationals back in 2014 when I was just starting out. Unfortunately for Aaqil, his deck didn’t cooperate in our finals match, allowing me to capitalize and secure the win. Another memorable match was against Michael Jordan the week before in Johannesburg—it was intense and exhilarating!
Time for a Break
After a long season of flying across the globe and competing, I’m taking it easy for now. The meta isn’t fully defined yet due to many new cards not being in circulation, so I’m taking a much-needed break. In the coming weeks, I’ll start researching the decks that are performing well in Japan and consider which ones I’d enjoy playing. Having fun with the deck is key, and I’ll make sure to test and prepare with friends to keep my skills sharp.
A Traveler First, Pokémon Player Second
While I’m excited for the competition in Hawaii, I’m equally excited to enjoy the island itself. I’ve got plans to take plenty of photos, sip Pina Coladas from pineapple shells, and even go on a Moana-themed catamaran cruise! This will be my fourth time competing at the World Championships, so the novelty has worn off a little, but it doesn’t mean I’m any less driven to perform well. What keeps me coming back, though, is the friendships I’ve built with players from around the world. The opportunity to see them again is a big reason I returned to the game last year.
Staying Calm in Tournaments
I’m probably the last person who should give advice on staying calm in tournaments! I’m usually pretty agitated between rounds, even when I’m on a winning streak. To calm myself down, I try to step away between rounds and clear my head. Music helps too—whether it’s Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, or Shakira’s “Waka Waka,” it gets me back into a focused, competitive mindset. During matches, I keep a small fidget toy with me to help with my nerves.
Grateful for My Support System
I wouldn’t have made it this far without the incredible people around me. From my friends in South Africa, especially the Durban crew, to my league mates in London, and my friends in America like Ajay and The Lab, they’ve all been crucial to my success. Zahir Hamid has been a mentor, always offering great advice on the meta. Jonah Altar has been with me since I returned to the game, and we’ve traveled to several international events together.
Advice for New Players
If you’re new to the game, I highly recommend attending local leagues. League leaders like Julia and Ryan Perry, Jateen Algu, and Mikey Byrne always welcome new players with open arms. Preparation is key—know the meta, find a deck that you enjoy playing, and make sure you’re comfortable with it. Local leagues are great for discussing decks and strategies with more experienced players, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
It’s also important to not get discouraged if things don’t go your way early on. This season has had its ups and downs for me, but every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve. The South African Pokémon community is filled with incredible players, and despite their lack of international experience, they’re not to be underestimated.
Lastly, make sure you’re aware of the key mechanics and matchups for the decks you’ll face. Time management is crucial in tournaments—know your win conditions, stay aware of your opponent’s board state, and don’t be afraid to concede if it means having more time to win in the next round.
A Roller Coaster of a Season
This season has been a wild ride, but the sense of community and camaraderie has made it all worthwhile. The leagues in South Africa are dedicated to helping their players improve, and they work together to achieve their goals. So, enjoy being part of this amazing community, work hard, practice well, and the road to the World Championships will be within your reach.