Regional Championship Profiles

Kevin Abernathy
Age: 13

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
Since it started.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player must show good sportsmanship.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that you can make good friends.

Kenneth Abita
Age: 8

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
2 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has concentration and shows good sportsmanship.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned how to be a better Pokémon player.

Brennan Abrahams
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
3 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player plays fairly.

Olliver Barr
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
1 year, 1 month.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good sportsmanship and plays fairly.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned how fun it is to play in Organized Play in competitive tournaments.

Patrick Battigelli
Age: 11

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
Since I was 4.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player must have patience and a mind that is open to many possibilities.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that you need to think before you do anything.

Breton Brander
Age: 15

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
About 7 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is someone who thinks outside the box.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that it's fun.

Ian Brander
Age: 19

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
About 8 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is a good player, and a good deck builder. He or she is also good at coming up with card combos, and has a good deck.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that it's awesome.

Michael Cabrera
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
About 1.5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good strategy and sportsmanship.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that it's more important to have fun than to win.

Kevin Catapang
Age: 14

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
3 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A great attitude makes a great player.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that it's more than just a game.

Chimcharlie Cesano
Age: 11

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
7 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player displays the spirit of the game, and good sportsmanship.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to play nicely, to shake hands whether I win or lose, to have fun, and that treating other players well is the most important thing in Pokémon.

Jason Chin
Age: 11

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
Over 4 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good sportsmanship.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to know when to quit.

Eric Craig
Age: 20

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
4 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player must show good sportsmanship.

Kason Day
Age: 16

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
Since August 2007.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has confidence, a good knowledge of the game, and is calm.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned how to battle better, and to be more relaxed and assured in my abilities.

Nick Demmith
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
2-3 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is able to have fun, and has a good deck.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
You can win some and lose some, but you can't win them all.

Frank Diaz
Age: 18

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
11 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is able to strategize.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that anything can happen!

Michael Diaz
Age: 12

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
7 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows compassion, concentration, and strategy.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to call a judge when in doubt.

Robbie Ebert
Age: 22

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
Since the Jungle expansion.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player plays to have fun and to learn!

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that everyone in the Pokémon community exhibits great sportsmanship--there are no sore losers in Pokémon!

Steven Eguia
Age: 14

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
7 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player knows which cards work well together.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned about meeting new people constantly and how to make new friends. Mostly social skills.

Sharlene Engel
Age: 12

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
7 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player must be able to concentrate, and to think ahead.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned good sportsmanship and how to play fairly.

Drew Faust
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
4 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player must enjoy playing the game!

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that even when you're tired, if you dig deep you can win!

Garrett Farrington
Age: 15

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
3 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good sportsmanship.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to think about every move you make, because you could misplay.

Peter Fouchet
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
6 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is smart, patient, relaxed, and a good sport.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned how to lose without getting upset, and how to win without getting a big head.

Joey Gaffney
Age: 9

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
11 months.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has intelligence, sportsmanship, integrity, and dedication.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
1. To build good decks. 2. To make more friends. 3. To play fairly. 4. To teach others how to play. 5. To improve my math and reading skills. 6. To be modest.

Rob Gailor Jr.
Age: 8

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
1 year, 6 months.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is a good sport, and helps new players.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned how to win and lose as a good sport.

Aaron Hammer
Age: 14

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
5 years.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned good sportsmanship.

Jim Her
Age: 18

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
2 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is hard-working, a good sport, and shows endurance.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to be patient and calm when playing under a time limit.

Jay Hornung
Age: 18

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
Since it came out.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is able to play well under pressure.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've made lots of new friends while playing this game.

Paul Johnston
Age: 17

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
About 7 to 8 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows sportsmanship and is willing to have fun.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned how to make friends, and how to develop the spirit of the game.

Evan Kane
Age: 8

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
11 months.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that you must consider Weakness and Resistance of both yourself and your opponent.

Taylor Kilbourne
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
1.5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player demonstrates fairness and honesty.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
My math and strategic planning skills have improved.

Melina Kingsley
Age: 9

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
4 or 5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is nice, a good sport, and does not get upset.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that you need luck, skill, and a good deck.

Nicholas Kolibas
Age: 14

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is modest, skilled, and shows good concentration.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned how to deal with winning and losing.

Matthew Lambou
Age: 16

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
8 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has a positive attitude.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that you can beat anyone if you want.

Brandon Mailloux
Age: 9

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
1 year.

Ryan Martindale
Age: 14

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
8 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player knows the strategies.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned deck-building skills.

Danny McAlinden
Age: 16

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
7 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows creativity and can think quickly.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to always give it my all, and to strive to be the best player that I can be.

Andy Meier
Age: 14

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
About 5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has the ability to take a loss, and demonstrates the spirit of the game.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned about strategy, determination, and sportsmanship.

Tad Miller
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good sportsmanship, and is an ethical player.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to continue playing even when I am tired. I've also learned the value of friendship and hard work.

Colin Moll
Age: 9

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
9 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows dedication and advanced thinking skills.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned a lot about myself and other people.

Ben Moskow
Age: 9

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
1.5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player knows how to play his deck and doesn't make a lot of mistakes.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that anyone can make a lot of mistakes, but you can still win. Even if you are down to your last Prize Card, you can still win.

Samuel Munguia
Age: 12

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
4 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has some luck, plays it smart, and takes some risks.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that you can have the best cards, but you need to know how to play them.

Eric Nance
Age: 23

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
3 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has creativity, the will to take risks, and exemplification of the spirit of the game.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
Always remember to have fun, and don't take things so seriously.

Dan Nord
Age: 14

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
2 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good sportsmanship and respects his or her opponent.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned about strategy and the spirit of the game.

Dexter Pizzey
Age: 15

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
1 year and a few months.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player must show honesty, integrity, and good sportsmanship.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that sleep is really important.

Marvin Quaschnick
Age: 21

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
Since Jungle way back in 1999.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows honesty, integrity, self respect, and a sense of humor.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to never take winning too seriously. If you do, you'll just get mad and make mistakes.

Devin Ricks
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
4 years.

Gino Rotondo
Age: 18

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
4 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good sportsmanship, and has fun playing the game.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that to fully understand what's happening, you have to actually read things. You can't just skim over the wording.

Aaron Rozbicki
Age: 11

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
4 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows sportsmanship, and has fun.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that everyone I know who plays is either good at math, or art.

Ian Ryave
Age: 18

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
10 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is analytical, smart, creative, strong-willed, and does not have fear or anxiety.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to fight my fears and anxiety, and to play the best deck. I try to be smart and relaxed, and I play to survive.

Jeremy Scharff-Kim
Age: 13

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player makes and plays good decks, and is a good in-game player.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that there are a lot of cool players.

Aaron Schumacher
Age: 23

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
10 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player thinks ahead, uses strategy, predicts statistics, and has fun.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that it's not the expense of the deck, nor the build of the deck, but the skill of the player that helps earn a win.

Priya Shah
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
1 year.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows perseverance and confidence.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to make new strategies, and I've learned social skills.

Malcolm Storness-Bliss
Age: 17

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
7 months.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player is intelligent, calm, and fun to play against.

Reid Strahl
Age: 12

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
3 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good sportsmanship, and does not cheat.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to put out my Prize Cards.

Nate Strother
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has a good strategy, a good deck, and is able to use it.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that good sportsmanship counts.

Nick Strother
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player puts together a deck before the last minute.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that there are a lot of people that play Pokémon.

Matthew Sweet
Age: 8

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
3.5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has experience.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that the days are fun, but they can also be long and tiring.

Patrick Tuskey
Age: 12

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
6 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player thinks ahead and is able to figure out what is hiding in the Prize Card pile.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that if I keep my cool under pressure, I can play with the best.

Drake Tuura
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
3 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good sportsmanship, knows the game, and respects the fact that for every winner, there is a loser.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned good sportsmanship, and that you can't win them all. I've also met a lot of new friends.

Dallas Weidman
Age: 9

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
4 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has strategy.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned math.

Kevin White
Age: 14

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
About 4 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows good sportsmanship and is nice.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned to play your best, but to have fun while you're doing it.

Riley Winegarden
Age: 11

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
4.5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows sportsmanship, has good friends, helps people, and takes a loss well.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that losing one round isn't losing everything.

Tom Wise
Age: 46

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
5 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player has honesty, skill, and the ability to have fun.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned about friendships, competition, and fun.

Ryan Yang
Age: 10

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
2 years.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
A good TCG player shows endurance and stamina.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned good sportsmanship.

Steven Yun
Age: 11

How long have you been playing the Pokémon TCG?
1 year and 8 months.

What are the qualities of a good TCG player?
Playing fairly and having fun.

What have you learned from your experiences in Pokémon tournament play?
I've learned that battling can be very challenging, but sometimes you can just have fun with your friends.