Pokémon Fans Unite

In August, TFK Kid Reporter Adam Sadi attended the Pokémon World Championships at the Moscone Center, in San Francisco, California. Read about his experience, in his own words, below.

Pokémon is hard to miss. You have probably played the card or video games, seen the show, or spotted the T-shirts and backpacks. At the Pokémon World Championships (Worlds, for short), in San Francisco, all of these were on view.

The street leading up to the convention center was rebranded Rayquaza Road, after a legendary Pokémon character. Giant Pokémon welcomed the 50,000 visitors into a road transformed with colorful decorations, food stands, and giant Lego sets. Music and cheering filled the air as Pokémon characters paraded through the crowd.

Inside the Moscone Center, the excitement was intense, with serious battles underway. Some used video games, while others played with cards across a table. For novices of the Trading Card Game like myself, Pokémon Professors were there to teach the rules, while kids who had practiced for years competed against some of the best players in the world.

I met Haruki Okunishi, a top junior player and champion who had traveled from Malaysia. His strategy for reaching his level was simple: “I just practice and practice!” Haruki told me that some matches entail an hour of battling through difficult opponents, but he also reminded me that it was a lot of fun.

GAME ON Kid Reporter Adam learns about the competition from Junior Division player Haruki Okunishi.

Competition was only part of what made Worlds feel special. One fan, dressed as Umbreon, drove seven hours to get there. Another, dressed as Absol, told me Pokémon “brings together people of all backgrounds and all ages.” Looking around at children, teenagers, parents, competitors, and cosplayers, it was easy to see that.

Downstairs, I found two Pokémon unlike any others: the Honda Koraidon and the Toyota Miraidon. These are full-size, futuristic, rideable motorcycle Pokémon. As I watched, Koraidon blinked at me!

VROOM, VROOM Life-sized vehicles inspired by legendary Pokémon were showcased at the event.

Pokémon is now 30 years old, but at Worlds, it did not feel old at all. The world behind the cards and screens suddenly felt alive and huge, full of people still imagining it together.