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Welcome everyone to the 2026 Pokemon World Championships here in San Francisco.
Competitors have been competing all weekend long preparing for exactly this day.
Championship Sunday and we are here in the Chase Center Arena.
We are going to be starting with Pokemon Unite, but we got all the Pokemon titles here, and
we are going to be crowning champion after champion on that stage.
Welcome everybody.
This is your pre-show.
I am Zoinks, joined by Wondershap, Danly, and Sochan.
We're going to be talking all things world championships as the crowd starts pouring
in.
What's going on?
It's early in the morning, but we have incredible Pokemon action to be breaking
down and what a weekend. It's been
Wondershaft. How fun has this world
championship been? It's been amazing.
There's so much to go today.
First, we're starting off with Pokemon
Unite. Of course, we are
here on the Vesca Fairy. Excited about
that. The Grand Finals. And then we're
going over to Pokemon Go Grand Finals
right after that. Followed
of course by the three
different spots for TCG
and then VGC a little
bit later on for some of the
and masters so lots of action throughout the entire day I know that
so since you and I both love all of the games and I know we're very excited for
oh yeah championship Sunday you can't miss a single moment and I mean that's
been the case for the Pokemon Unite Championship series as well our
tournament has been unbelievable it has been a lot of fun in the landscape of
Pokemon Unite has been changing quite a bit this year leading up to this
this championship Sunday moment,
then Lee about this tournament,
any favorite moments that you could
think of that happened overall.
Look, I think we have to be completely
realistic here. The entire tournament
has been my favorite experience.
This is the grand finale for Pokemon
Unite because for anyone that is unaware,
this is our last ever championship
at World Afternoons.
We will no longer be around.
So for crowning our last champion,
we're basically experiencing the best
We could never have a Pokemon Unite and so, I mean, we've had incredible weekend.
We have had so many upsets.
We assume that our top teams are going to be making it to the grand final.
But time and time again, our underdogs coming in and surprising us with some incredible plays.
Yes, that is so true, Danily, because we saw earlier in the tournament,
then one of the highest contenders that we had before going into Worlds,
getting eliminated, then we saw Root Dignitas,
number one for North America, getting eliminated.
And then we saw it seems like exist climbing up David Division.
Of course, they were our second place last year in 2025, but they won performing as great
in their own region in Japan, but completely stepped up when it came to championship Sunday
right now as they got themselves to of course, Kamai has been so incredibly powerful being
the first seed in Europe did incredibly well almost undefeated in groups going into
the bracket stage. They defeated Gremory Sports in the semis, much like Zeta Division, defeated
Xist. And here we are now, Zoinks.
Yeah, we got our two finalists set in seed on the bracket there. Zeta Division from
Japan versus KOMI from EU. And let's start breaking down these teams. Zeta Division
are going to be the first of our competitors to take the stage. Bidobo, Nomu, Rom, Mizutama
and rest up and fans of the Pokemon United Championship series specifically at Worlds will recognize a couple of those names
Zeta division the runner-ups from last year's World Championships
Two of those players are the same as that last year roster and they have a second
Chance to take a world championship title the final one available. That's right
You know, I feel like we're gonna hear a little bit something similar to that
For the next team after this but I've got to talk about this
I said so much on broadcast yesterday, but of course for anybody out there who is this familiar with Pokemon Unite
The story of Zedah is ridiculous not only are they returning into this arena. This is grand champion potential spots
But they only qualified out of Japan in the fifth place spot, but normally there would only be three places
There were two teams that were extremely strong that qualified through the other qualifier for everybody kind of a last-chance
qualifier called ACL that qualified in first and second place. They both took
their spots and moved them down because they're both Japanese teams and then both
of those teams lost one of them to Zeta. So the only reason that Zeta is even here
is because the entire region was so strong and then they fought up through
that region from the final place to make it into our top two potentially
our final champion. Right. I kind of want to add onto this as well. We did
have an opportunity to talk to the Japanese casters right. They're very
passionate about their region and apparently even the Japanese community was surprised that Zeta was
able to make it so far in the tournament. Everyone thought it was going to be fennel,
everyone thought it was going to be reject but after these two teams got knocked out and all
of a sudden we have Zeta coming into the grand finals. This wasn't something that the community
originally anticipated and knowing Japan they rallied behind their teams as they make it
into the grand finals so you know Zeta is going to have huge community support especially
coming into such an important matchup in their entire career.
So true and honestly, when we talked to Shinohara, one of the Japanese cast is such a great person
and incredible crew that they have there with TPC, the Pokemon Company in Japan, honestly
it was incredible to hear from them just the storylines that Japan has really built
all throughout 2026 and like you said, so many strong teams, they're five teams
made it into Worlds just as strong as that.
They made it into the bracket stage as well.
And there were so many Japanese teams
that they had to face each other
in multiple moments of this bracket stage.
And I'm mistaken, Quattus and then Semis as well, Zoin.
Yeah, it was our long road for them,
but same for that other roster
that we want to be talking about on that world stage.
Out of EU will be KOMI in sport.
Gatlou, Toast, Gek, Narami, and a Desu.
We can hear the crowd going wild for this roster all bracket
day long and day number two and Gatloo and a desu two players
who are members of Nouns Esports in year one who had a chance at
a World Championship ended up being runners up in London in
2022. Amazing that we now have two teams that both have players
on them that were runners up the first world and now the last
world. So I should say the second the last world's you
know getting that opportunity now for the final
worlds they will be facing off one of them will finally achieve that dream that revenge
match of being able to become the world champion we'll see which those two can be my favorite
moment of the tournament right there. Gatlu and Adesu I love it so much the storyline though of
course of combined as well really interesting I kind of felt like they didn't have they went
bad the entire time but they uh the rest of the season maybe they weren't quite as strong
as they're showing in worlds which obviously has been incredible. Yeah I mean look they have
to be driven now. They're here. They're going into grand finals. We are going to be going for a
complete reset. There is no advantage for anybody. And knowing Edesu, I saw one of Edesu's tweets
last night and he said, he's broken the top eight curse. He's motivated. He's got that energy. He
has Gatlou to also be there to back him up. I had a quick chat with Gatlou right after the
show yesterday and he's, I saw the fire in his eyes, you know, that that that instinct,
that killer look to say that that title is mine. And to know that this is his last chance to claim
that title, I think they're just going to go all out in today's grand. Love to see that fire. What
are you thinking about KOMI? Well, honestly, I think they have been so consistent. Right. First
seed in regional league, they did incredibly well. But we know as well that a competition when
it comes to regional going into international, going into world stage is a completely different
beast and the way that Kamae has been handling all of these team fights has been just so so focused
determined and they have a strategy that works and their strategy is we have so much available
in our options the pokemon pool and everything that they can use that they can adapt really
well and i believe that when i spoke to them they were saying well it's very interesting
because this meta is so versatile it's just so wide that when you prepare you're like wow
There's so many options, you need to be completely confident that you can deal with any threat.
Exactly, prepare for everything, prepare for every opponent, while there's only one more to prepare for on this grand final stage.
We want to give a bit of a heads up to everybody in the crowd as well.
World Championships is going to be going on all day.
Have some very exciting announcements for Pokemon coming up throughout the event, so make sure to stay tuned for every title all day long.
But for those of you here in the arena, remember we love to cheer on our competitors and get them
started at the beginning of every match. In Pokemon Unite, we hit a ready go before every single game.
You'll see it on screen. We would love to get you to join in karaoke style,
hit the ready, hit the go and encourage our players to start the match. You can see here
we got a screen right out of the crowd predicting who is going to come away. The
champion currently Zeta Division leading but feel free to use that QR code and join the
conversation. I think it might be time for us to start beginning that conversation. We
got a grand finals up and coming and we are on the analyst desk which sometimes means
we have to make some difficult decisions. So it's time for us to do our predictions.
We will begin. I mean I introduced the segment so I may as well start. I'm agreeing
with the crowd. I am going say to the vision along with Danily and the rest of the crew is going with
Comi from EU. Wonder chef, how are you feeling about Comi? You know, current chef, it's so torn,
right? Current chef is so torn. Zeta is amazing. Comi is so good. And both of them are pulling up
ups this entire weekend. But as you can see on there, the picture of 2022 chef that hasn't been
updated in five years really likes Comi, really loves Gatloo, really loves Adesu. I mean,
just such a fun team and I do feel like of course you got to be a little bit biased as
I would just love to see you finally take a spot at Worlds. Japan has one world championship
and I do absolutely love Zeta, love the entire Japanese scene but it would just be such an
amazing story. Alright and Dan Lee defend our pick of Zeta Division. I thought I was going to be
at Numbid. I was told originally like hey everybody's pick come on. I was like do I save Zeta Division?
So I had to say it, you know, but ultimately I would have loved to have supported both teams
But I think at the end of the day my heart is telling me Zeta division because as much as I love Komi
I kind of feel like between the two teams Zeta
They seem to be a lot more composed in these very high stress situations
I think yesterday was a really great example of Zeta testing that resolve
They were about to get knocked out of the tournament
They dropped two games, it was a best of five, and they came back with a three-game reverse sweep.
A lot of teams might have collapsed under the pressure, losing two games back to back in a best of five.
But they said, that's okay, we reset, going into game number three, they get that one,
and things start to pick up, the momentum picks up, they start to look really good,
they're very quick with the draft, so you can tell that Zayna, once they have that momentum,
This team is deadly.
The power of the reverse sweep is so incredible,
head on a championship Sunday.
So yesterday you had the opportunity to talk to so many of our players
on that stage with interviews.
You've caught a little bit of a vibe from a lot of these players,
I'm sure.
You'd go in with Coman.
So what is leading you in that prediction?
So funnily enough, I would say that my position here for Kamai Zoinks
is more towards what I've watched in-game
than it is even from talking to them.
because these are players that we have been knowing them for so many years now through
championship series that I was trying to you know try to get the bias away because I'm
usually very unbiased right no region whatsoever that I am you know preferring during tournaments
but I decided to be a little more unbiased than usual so trying to look more objectively
onto just the games the drafts I totally agree with you Danily I've been torn as well
Shaft in regards to these two teams and who would I choose because they are incredibly strong on their own the way
They fought through group stage and bracket was impressive and that three vs. Reef was amazing, but come I just felt more
Cohesive I would say all right. Well, I mean that's a good breakdown
I think both these teams have so much to offer on this grand final stage if you are watching this event
you are in for a treat. The final Pokemon Unite World Championships are about to begin and what
follows after that is also going to be incredible. Finals for every single game here in the Chase
Center. So exciting. The stage behind me is remarkable. Absolutely incredible. We have a
wonderful, wonderful event set up for you and these competitors are getting set as well.
This grand final is going to be so exciting.
We're split on our predictions.
So is the crowd.
This is going to be so unbelievably fun.
I can't wait to get into this one.
Thank you to our analyst desk.
I'll have one more fist pound down the line.
Let's send it over.
Oh
A new day, looking out on a new adventure
No one knows where the road will take us
Already set, cause now it's time to go
Maybe we can finally see
Who we're meant to be
Every star, we're ready to glory
Every child, we show us who we are
We'll be right side by side with glory
Together we'll end all the touches
And everything's lost and I die
If we do get it, we all get it
The power of the edge
We go, we get it
We look around to the nearer faces
All of us on the path to the unknown
Stealing tall in the edge of the rain
We dance, see you when we're walking big dreamers
And then, we'll feel it all over again
You see they have to win the game
You always say
Here we go
We go again
Land based on that
You see they have to win the game
You know our plans
We go
Nothing lasts and I die
Just a little bit to give away
You go on a dance
We go
We go
We go again
Welcome to the Pokemon World Championships!
Trainers from across the globe have spent the past year in relentless pursuit of one goal,
becoming a Pokemon World Champion.
It all comes down to this, this is Championship Sunday!
Of more than 2,000 trainers, only 24 remain, each with one final opportunity to claim the
most coveted title in all of competitive Pokemon World Champion.
Broadcasting to you live from San Francisco, California, who's ready for championship Sunday.
Take a look above you and witness the banners featuring champions from last year.
And this year's finalists hope to achieve the same honor across Pokémon champions.
The Pokemon trading card game.
Pokemon Go.
And Pokemon Unite.
It's time for us to stop talking history and start making it.
Let's get this show on the road with our first feature title of the day,
Pokemon Unites!
to take a bump as all five members of Zeta Division are glowin' red!
But Vip, stop restin' with all your talk!
Holy majority! What an insane final stretch!
No, it doesn't go in! You're Zeta Division!
You're Zeta Division! What just happened?
I don't know if we're going in or not, but that was such a fast fight!
Xena Division runs the back three game straight for down two, last, and that won't be enough
with 23 seconds left. Xena's a vision incredible run.
Baby sounds out the way, and you slam it, it's a turn by the day soon.
Everything's gonna be to my show to finish this thing out.
To my facing gas and fight a reportable win.
We can get our semi-finals!
Pokemon Unite Championship series.
The most demanding competitive format in the game's history.
Now, only two teams remain.
With this marking the final Pokemon Unite World Championship,
the stakes have never been higher.
One last title.
One final champion.
One team will close this chapter of Pokemon Unite
history forever.
Zeta Division left last year's World Championships
with a second place trophy.
At Worlds this year, Zeta Division proved
that they have leveled up,
starting off strong in the group stage
and then dominating the bracket stage.
Xenia Division will return to the championship stage
for another chance at the greatest prize in Pokemon United,
a world champion title.
Komi led the way in the group stage
with a flawless 3-0 result,
including a win against defending world champs,
Peru United.
Komi found even greater heights in day two.
A star studded lineup of opponents,
to come in epic mashings, including a 3-0 victory in the semi-finals.
A Desu and Gatlu return to the championship stage for the first time since 2022, this
time with a brand new roster with the same goal, to become world champions.
Two teams who have built the sting of second place now have a chance to rewrite history,
Only one can become the final Pokemon Unite World Champions.
Whether they pulled off a reverse sweep or a clean 3-0 to get here, both of our teams share
a competitive spirit. It is time to meet our finalists for Pokemon Unite.
First up, welcome to the stage, Koumai!
Give it up for Nerabi, Toast, Gattu, Adesu, and Gack!
And for the opposition, we have Zeta Division.
Get loud for Mizutama, Nomu, Rom, Resta, and Vitoffo.
Oh!
Before we get into the matches, we have to get a word from the players themselves.
over on the side of Formae.
This is the first appearance on the stage for Europe
since the first world championship.
What does it mean to represent your region in such a fashion?
It means a lot.
I hope it means a lot for everyone in Europe.
But right now, today, it's just me and my teammates.
Zeta Division is no stranger to the final stage.
How have you and your team been preparing
to ensure it's a championship finish this time around.
We've been doing everything we can to prepare for this moment
and we're dead set on victory.
Victory is near for one of these teams.
I won't hold you any longer.
Feel free to make your way to your battle stations
and join the rest of your teammates
to prepare for your matches.
Best of luck, everybody.
And with that, it takes the best of the best
to get us ready for this matchup.
Let's hear from our casters for Pokemon Unites.
It's taken us five years to get to this point,
and here we are,
KOMI, once again looking to become a world champion.
We have Gotlu and Adesu, the two-time runner up
on the side of Zeta Division.
We have VTOPO and Rome, the two-time runners up.
runners up. We will have a grand final with a brand new champion. Hello everybody. Welcome
to the final Pokemon Unite grand finals. I'm Jake Giresnick, content cowboy, yee to the
hawk. Joined by the one and only dupes next. Hello dupes next. Hello cowboy. Whether you've
been watching Unite from day number one or this is the first time you're tuning
in for Pokemon Unite at the world champions. It's our world championship. It's our
last time so let's have a good time show time yeah it's show time this is the
last one we will crown our final champion and it means no matter what
we're leaving here today so we can kind of do whatever we want we can pop up
again if we want
we'll do that a lot it's gonna be a how far off can we get my off nope you're
off yeah we're good we figured it out we're just testing the range here it's
to be important because Unite has a ton of energy to it. We bring a lot of energy to it because
that's what it deserves and we need a lot of real estate to move as you can see. That's right if
this is your first time watching Unite it's a five versus five competitive battler action packed
matches that is what you are going to see the entirety of Championship Sunday with again two teams
who are looking to become the first time champion with multiple members who have come
this close. Last year Zeta Division loses in the grand finals in Anaheim and our first year of
competition. Two members of KOMI come this close but they go down to North America and now one of
them will get that final moment, that final trophy. They will become our final champion. They get to
finish writing their story for one of these teams. They leave in shambles and the other one,
they're going to be crowned champion but of course these teams don't get as far as they
do without the support of their friends and family so we have the friends and family interview for
you right now take it away. And hello there everybody we are here to ask some questions.
We have Sari the coach of Zeta Division and Zara a fan of my e-sports. So sorry first
question to you what's it been like watching Zeta Division perform this weekend?
What do you think of the performance?
It's very good.
I'm very happy to see you.
Let's go for my feeling proud.
Now back to you, Sari.
This is Zeta Division's second chance to play in the Grand Finals,
with the Votopa and Rom being on that stage last year.
How do you feel seeing them up there once again to have a second chance
at that World Championship position?
What do you think about the 2nd time in the Zeta Division?
They did their best last year and I'm sure they will win this year.
EU region for quite some time. How has it been feeling seeing Gatloo and Adesu have that second
chance spot at getting that world championship title alongside Kamai? It's absolutely amazing. I mean,
I was there to watch them at Worlds in London when they were in the flying roles and unfortunately,
they couldn't make it. But I think this time they can definitely make it. I have a lot of
faith in them. They've worked so hard. I've seen it like with myself and I just,
I believe in them they can do it. Thank you it's remarkable to hear from both of you here today
any final words of encouragement you'd like to give to the team?
I just really want them to have fun and play hard.
And safe things are any words of encouragement you'd like to give to my esports.
We're all proud of you, Kermai. We know you can do it. Let's go, Kermai wins.
Thank you so much, Sari and Zara. We're going to go throw back to the classes to get this action started.
Thank you very much, Kello. It is almost time. The stage is set. The two-time
runner-ups on both sides. For Zeta Division, they were the fifth seed team out of Japan.
counted out, even though they are the strongest region in our game, it looks like there were many
Japanese teams that were going to go deeper in this tournament, but Sada would not quit. They
fought the entire way through, coming back to secure their spot in the grand finals on a reverse
sweep after losing the first two games. And on the other side, Boopsnacks, we have Komei.
Yeah, players that have been around the game for a very long time, of course, in a day
They've got the two young upstarts there, Narami and Toast, really bringing and throwing life
and energy into this team.
Both of these squads on what I like to consider a Cinderella run here, nobody really put all
their money on them to be the final two teams to make it, but here we are.
All these teams needed with it was a chance, and they absolutely snatched that opportunity.
No question about it.
There were so many amazing teams showing up to this competition.
Huge teams like the top squad out of Japan getting eliminated first in day two.
Our former world champions going down first match of day two as well on their side.
Just incredible the entire way through.
A story you would never expect but a perfect ending for Pokemon Unite.
Two teams that were so close to hoisting that championship trophy.
One of them will now walk away as the final Pokemon Unite Champion.
That is without a doubt.
Just one best of five separates five players from their championship title that they've
been yearning for.
Again, Zedah Division on the doorstep last year, two of their players, Votopo and Rome,
just falling short against Peru Unite.
On the other side, you have Komei and Adesu and Gatlu in London falling just shy in the
World Championship chase of that year.
Everybody has the opportunity to correct the record and again stamp themselves not only
as a Pokemon Unite World Champion, but the final Pokemon Unite World Champion.
You know, I think a lot of what happens here is going to be decided early on in these
matches.
In fact, it's going to be decided before the match.
In this draft screen, we're going to find out what Pokemon they're going to be bringing
into battle.
And I have a feeling that the team that outdrafts the other, outpicks the other, outskills the
other in what they are bringing to FAYA Sky Ruins will be the team that wins the entire
thing.
Yeah, typically when you draft better, play better, execute better, you tend to win.
So that strategy makes a lot of sense.
Well, that's the kind of analysis people can hear for to take.
You know, if you play better, you end up winning, and I've always said that.
Yeah, you know, if you want to play, not good.
That is not the way to get yourself across that finish line
if your goal is to be champion,
which I'm pretty sure that's the goal of both these teams.
Take a look at our crowd here in San Francisco.
The Chase Center is gonna be filled throughout this day
for all of our incredible competition
from our multiple titles.
And we have a ton of people here
ready to crown our final Unite Champion.
Something we do here for Pokemon Unite
Let's be honest we stole from the Japanese gasters is the ready go at the start of our match
We see the ready go at the beginning and we are all going to do that here together
So in just a moment we are going to test it here and get a little energy from you in San Francisco
We're gonna have a fly through of the Fayette sky ruins
It's gonna cut to a screen with the 10 minute timer clocked up and then it goes into the ready go
We're gonna have a couple at least one practice round here
We're getting told it's ready.
So let's get into it.
We'll do this together.
Again, we'll have to fly over.
As soon as you see the 10 minute timer, it's ready go.
Let's get into it.
Let's give it a whirl.
Little test run here.
Beautiful Faia Sky ruins.
Ready, go!
That's right, San Francisco.
That's what we're going to be doing the entire time.
Oh, and it looks like they were playing for a second there.
I thought it was a real match.
I was freaking out.
I was hearing my voice and I was like, am I?
Am I talking?
What is going on here?
I know I have all the faith in the world
that the fans and the stands are going
to be able to deliver the energy that these teams want
to hear and feel being in the Chase Center.
And of course, let's give a little pep in that step
by being active participants.
That's right.
Bringing the energy to this.
And we can see our players right now practicing,
getting ready for this match here.
Zorak is a Pokemon that I'm going to have my eye on.
I really do feel like if Komae allows this Pokemon onto the battlefield, it will be a huge problem.
Vtoppo qualify basically because of this Pokemon.
The high skill level of that player and the top level play on that Pokemon.
With that a doubt, I mean, when you're looking at Zeta Division,
it's really tough to say that their run was not absolutely anchored by Vtoppo going into that hyper carry mode.
You mentioned Zorak, we've also seen them do it on Urshifu,
the rapid strike Urshifu as we like to call it,
the blue Shifu, getting those crazy combos
with the Unite move.
I've never seen a tally as high as Votopo yesterday
on this blue bear, getting 49 hits off that Unite move.
Yeah, this is gonna be quite a matchup here.
And then on the other side,
you know, when you take a look at Komae,
they've had some incredible plays throughout the day.
Some heroes saved last night by Adesu on their team,
Adesu playing in that attacker role.
A lot of Pokemon we've seen throughout this tournament.
Espeon has been a huge one.
But Adesu bringing up the Mewtwo Waii,
this Pokemon incredibly strong,
but not seen as much in the competition lately.
Adesu, however, making huge hero plays on the Mega Mewtwo.
Yeah, I mean just the mobility or escape ability
that Mewtwo Waii has,
especially through those two dashes, right?
It can dash, then dash again.
And of course, it goes into that unstoppable mode
when it's gliding up that big side strike
which deals damage and has a stun associated with it.
So it's a great engagement tool.
It's a great disengagement tool.
And overall, it's Unite move.
That infinite side burn from space
that just rains supreme on the heads of the opponent
is a great way to start or end a battle.
Yeah, so many powerful picks that these two teams
are gonna be fighting over.
A Pokemon that has gotten so much priority lately
in the Unite Championship Series is surfetched.
played in that top half, got blue on it most of the day yesterday for Komei, having some
incredible games, but when you recognize your opponent has a strength in a Pokemon, there
are a couple things you can do, you can ban it away from them, and you can also pick it
for yourself as no two Pokemon will be the same in our match-ups.
Yeah, of course, as we go through our ban phase here, there's going to be three bans
per side, and then we go into the snake draft order, so it'll be one pick, two,
two and two to one and that's going to round out your teams of five to make sure that these
teams are able to square away. A lot of teams prefer that first pick. On the other hand,
a lot of the best teams like that last pick where they've got as much information as
possible that they can make that big, big counter pick to counter punch inside that
10 minute game. That's right. There are so many different strategies when it comes
to the Pokemon you are picking in the order you want to play them in. And it
also is based on which map you were playing. It depends if you're on Thea Sky Ruins with
Groudon in the middle, Kyogre, Rayquaza, each one lends itself to a different strategy.
Kyogre map, you might be seeing Pokemon that are a little tankier than others, something
really high HP because if you get that Kyogre buff, it's incredibly difficult to take
them down. Meanwhile, Groudon giving you all of that crazy attack damage, some of
the more powerful carry Pokemon have you played on that map.
And again, we will see all our maps here because it is a best of five and we'll be cruising through those as we are watching again.
These players warm up as they get ready to battle in a best of five for the World Championship title.
It's going to be incredible when they get to face off.
Obviously, the nerves between these two squads must be intense with everything on the line here.
Not only is everything on the line looking for the championship,
But this is our final championship series match.
This will be the last time Pokemon Unite
crowns a champion here at Worlds.
You want to be the final champion.
You don't want to miss your final shot.
As we have another pan of the crowd here,
they're getting anxious.
I know I'm getting a little anxious.
I want to see these teams scrap it out
and get into the action.
And we will be in there shortly.
Until then, though, we've got some stats.
Take a look at the top Pokemon
by Bandrape throughout this tournament.
So these are things that both teams say, okay, it's not coming out onto the battlefield.
No shocker here.
One of the recent releases to our game, the Feraligator, getting our top ban, followed
by Kumpfei.
Feraligator, incredibly powerful, crazy amounts of burst damage, especially with its Unite
Oob and its attack crunch, and then Kumpfei, one of the most difficult supporters to
shut down.
It can just hop onto a Pokemon and basically act as if another version of it, just
giving it more HP, giving it more speed, huge shield.
It's so tough to fight.
On down the line, Blissey, Zashan, Snorlax, and Ryu.
Feraligator worth mentioning.
So strong that the only game that Lute didn't play surfetched
is because Feraligator was available.
And at that point, he was pretty much no life in that
surfetched.
That's just how strong Feraligator is when it's
allowed into that draft screen.
Yeah.
Powerful Pokemon that Nidateam wants to see here.
Snorlax being a real top defender and now we're gonna see the Pokemon that make it through so even those Snorlax few top bands
I should as well also when they are not banned they are picked almost every time they can be
Blastoise has been an absolute
Menace this weekend. Yeah, I'm pretty sure Blastoise has been the top Pokemon by pick rate on this screen for every year for
Last like three years. It is so strong
I mean both kids right you can wrap it spin and hydro pump and you can have those big surfs
if you're playing a more true defender style and of course that big swirl in your night that hydro typhoon
Which has the capacity to get big knockups on multiple members on the opposing team and often is curtains if you hit multiple targets
Yeah, you'll notice that our top Pokemon by pick right here three of them are in that sort of defender support core
Blastoise Snorlax and Psyduck all incredibly powerful and all sort of filling more of that tanky
Defender role even though Psyduck is a support. These are playmaker Pokemon. They're so difficult to fight
They're not the ones in there doing the damage
We do see a few of those here too. Mew from long range
Espeon is one of the best attackers in that bottom path. Then we have Sashian
Incredibly powerful not shocked at all that is one of our top encounter rates
Almost every top path player in our game has this in their repertoire without a doubt
So enchounter rate if you're new again to put them on unite means it was either picked or banned
Which means it showed up in the draft screen in some capacity
So for alligator lead a charge unsurprising if it's not banned you better believe it's getting picked
It is just so strong. Yeah, and down the line last I snorlax mu and
Sidec you is one of those attackers that it is getting some bans
Especially when you know that there's a powerful new player on the other side
But with only three Vans per team, it's sometimes hard to target ban exactly what's on the other side.
For instance, Zeta Division, so many powerful choices. They have the Zorar.
Yesterday, Lodios and Lodius on their side, especially played in tandem, so difficult to deal with, and they were bringing that out.
But you can only ban so many things. You can only take away their Plastoise and their Zorar.
or it's just there's so many options right now the meta feels incredibly diverse. It really does right
Deck actually said it in an interview yesterday the game is so balanced right now that a team can
bring a strategy that you never even considered and you just go oh no that can actually work and
we're not ready for that and a perfect example is the Galarian Rapidash they had to face down.
It gave them so many problems they ended up just having to ban it because in their in their
book of strategies they didn't have anything to combat that. That's right,
Komai almost knocked out of our tournament, I believe in our top eight,
as they were running into C2 from Japan playing Galarian Rapidash and they had no answer for it.
One answer that you do have of course is that draft screen and they were able to get rid of it
and they were able to beat that team. But if you could just find the Pokemon that your
opponents can't counter, if they don't have time to figure out exactly what they're going
going to do about it and they don't ban it.
That could be a way that you win these things.
Without a doubt.
I mean, you have to not be afraid to just take
the tough thing off the table.
You know, sometimes it feels bad to use a ban on a Pokemon
that's not considered S tier or the best thing going.
But hey, if your team can't deal with it,
just get it out of there and then face
the next problem head on.
Yeah, absolutely.
And that's what these teams are going to have to decide
as they start to head forth these matches.
As we mentioned, so many powerful picks
You really only get to pick a few things that you don't want to see.
You can ban it, you can steal it away from your opponents, but at the end of the day,
you're going to have to face something powerful by a top-level player.
And as we've mentioned, so many of these players with so much to prove here,
some of them their first time on a world stage like this.
And again, others, this is their second time,
not a single champion amongst them yet.
But there will be, just a short, best of five.
We're taking a look at Komae, you know,
Their Achilles heel has always been that top eight.
They finally broke through that ceiling
and then breezed through the top four
into this grand finals.
Can they keep up that pace?
And it's really tough to contend with the momentum
of reverse sweep two on the side of Zeta Division.
So both of these teams really finishing yesterday
strong and in a commanding fashion,
leading them to this moment and set up for success.
And now it all boils down to execution.
Yeah, I wonder which you'd rather have, walking through on a 3-0 victory feeling strong,
or recognizing that your team is the kind of team that can adjust and pull out a victory
when you absolutely need it by winning the reverse sweep.
Well, that is what Saita Division out of Japan did.
They were down 2-0, it looks like they were going to be heading home.
I think most people thought they were the weaker team, but they found another level.
They changed their strategy, they went in there with what they played best,
and they absolutely crushed the next three games.
Without a doubt, and we think about Zeta Division and Kaumai,
we keep saying they've both been runner-ups before.
That being said, Zeta Division's finals run,
grand finals run, was a much stronger showing
than the last time Kaumai's players made the world stage.
They got absolutely rinsed in 2022,
straight up 3-0, Curtains packed them up, send them home.
Zeta Division, on the other hand,
took Peru to the limit.
And yes, they went down in four games,
3-1. However, every single one of those games was balanced on a knife's edge.
The thing I worry about for both of these squads is what happens to the team who loses that first game.
For Zeta Division, they won their first game against Peru.
And then Peru came back, figured them out, and were able to take them down.
Comey, if they start to lose their first game, are they going to fall back into that?
Fall back into that year 1, what happened there where they just seemed to fall into this quicksand
to not be able to pull themselves out.
We're going to have to see, but both of them
approve through this tournament that they
can win when they are behind.
It's one of the most exciting things
that you can see in Unite.
A reverse sweep happens all the time,
and there's nothing I'd rather see in these grand finals
than a game five.
We have never had one on Championship Sunday.
All right, you can go ahead and scan
in that QR code to see yourself on the video board.
Go ahead and get your phone out there, Cowboys.
Scan it. I'll get on the video board. I'm concerned that we haven't been on camera enough been looking at our graphics. There we go
Oh, well, that's actually really cool. I
Did not anticipate that are we on are we going in? Well, I'm that would be so I'm trying to get in right now
Can you imagine the ego on the two of us? Can we get on the video board and we're already on?
It's loading up. We'll get there loading up. It's something that we actually do care a lot about
about. Well it's our last go here at the Pokemon Univural Championships. Let's have a little
fun. What do you think? The camera is on but are we on the screen? Just leave it open. I'll
keep talking or you can talk. I'll look at our crowd here in San Francisco. I know we
are all excited and hyped to get into our matches. Our players are getting ready
on the big stage. Once United get started it goes pretty fast guys with 10 minute
matches extremely fast-paced all leading to this big fight in the middle over that
groudon, Kyogre or Rayquaza. And now I'd love that people are having their camera
having their camera up and just finding themselves on the jumpo tron it's a very
excellent thing I'm glad we did that especially for you and I who are going
to try and pepper that thing with our own presence all day long. We're good.
We have to.
Put us on the screen.
You know what I mean?
You're in.
What about us?
I think it's what everybody at home is asking.
I think that's what everybody is ultimately asking.
Hey!
Listen, listen.
They looked at us and they're like, listen, we know it's an arena and what you guys are
thinking is obviously bigger capes.
Right?
But we said no.
Use that on Pikachu.
It's going to make for great key art for our 30th anniversary of the game of Pokemon.
So shout out to us for being so kind.
Shout out to Pikachu for wearing that cape so darn well.
Yeah, Pikachu looks great on it.
Obviously, we inspired that.
And no, you are not seeing double
unless you're seeing four of us.
Then, yes, you are seeing double.
You might be concussed.
You might be concussed, but we do look like the same person.
We have to get confused for each other.
It's great.
The very first interaction I had here in San Francisco
was, hey, Spragels.
And I was like, no, not the other guy.
And then we both went, aw.
To be fair, when someone says, hey, Spriggles,
and I'm like, hey, they go, oh.
So it happens to me, too.
Well, I'd like to think that at least somebody
cares about us somewhere.
I think they're out there somewhere.
I don't know how we get confused.
We only look alike, sound alike, dress alike,
stand next to each other all the time,
have the exact same takes on everything.
We don't do ourselves any favors.
To be fair, we haven't really taken it to heart.
We're like, well, let's differentiate a little bit.
We just kind of, I don't want to say lean into it,
but we're not course-correcting, either.
No question about it.
You know something I'd like to do as our players are getting ready
is get a little energy here in this stadium in San Francisco.
How you feeling, Chase Arena?
That's pretty good.
That's pretty good, but I think we
could do a little bit better.
I think we can.
Let's try this.
All right.
Oh, whoa, they're getting loud.
Beautiful.
All right, let's see.
Do we have a get loud up there on the Jumbo Tron?
I love it.
Do we have a get quiet?
Do we have a B sign?
Do we have one of those?
Yeah, let's try and get everybody as quiet as possible.
Yeah.
And on cue, we'll just erupt, right?
I want to see if we don't get it.
So I want to see everyone, not a sound.
I want to be able to hear a pin drop in the arena.
Nothing.
And now, we're just a moment.
We're going to start with a light clap.
So we'll something like, oh, OK.
A little bit of a golf bar.
Oh, that was something kind of neat.
All right.
Oh, now something a little more interesting happened.
to get a little more energy going a little bit oh my gosh what are your favorite
players is on stage playing something you absolutely love and then here we go
we're heading to the grand finals let's hear it get loud San Francisco not bad
not bad at all that's a way to lead into our draft here our bands are locked
in a day super heavy espion off-rips for our band the topos just prime pick
Blissey's option and the Feraligators serve fetched Mimikyu.
Toast on Mimikyu was going crazy yesterday.
Now NoMu locking in the Crustler.
Something that Gek, as their defender player, loves to play.
Yeah, this phase of the game is so important, Dupesnacks.
We are stealing things away from our opponents.
We are fanning things away from them.
Gek was amazing on Crustle.
And now Zeta Division has that.
Using the priority for that Espeon,
it has been a power pick all weekend.
Especially when paired with Machamp,
which is not currently banned.
No, and it's been terrific.
So we'll see where Klamine wants to invest.
Gatlou going with the Kruquavl.
Gek on the Snorlax has been a presence to contend with.
I absolutely love this Kruquavl pick.
A recent addition to the game.
And when a player gets a head on this Pokemon,
it is so difficult to shut down.
Wolfie Toppo on the other side,
playing my absolute favorite, the three-headed bird,
Doedrio.
This speedster is incredibly powerful,
especially when it comes to harassing your opponents, invading their central area,
putting pressure on them all game, so you're going to look for that from Zeta.
Resta, again, on the Latias, worth mentioning, Rom, immediately to Latios,
going to take those planes to battle as Toast grabs there.
It shows Scizor, but you can either be Scizor or Scyther,
and Toast is most likely going to be Scyther here, worth mentioning.
Mizutama on this Mega Lucario, great, great secure,
Great rip on objectives. It's really truly the meaning of an all-rounder and can help take over a game
Tell me about this Lodious Lodious combination. Yeah, they are powerful Pokemon one the attacker Lodious and one the supporter the Lodious
But both of them do incredible damage
They work even better when they're together getting increased move speed the ability to fly to each other across the map and a
Unite move that combos together dealing extra damage on the same target
We saw Zeta use this yesterday perfectly.
We're gonna see if Komae has an answer for it.
One Pokemon they did not want to see,
and I'm not shocked, is that first ban.
That is Zorak.
Zorak from Pitopo was so incredibly powerful
as our players are now loading in
for our first match here of our grand finals.
You can see the Pokemon selection up on the stage.
What a time to be alive, new snacks.
All right, we've got our flyover.
We're going to see that 10 minute.
We're going to get our ready go.
Everybody, let's do it.
We go.
Zayna Division.
Oh my.
Our first match.
Ready go.
Oh my, your purple team.
Zayna Division, your orange team.
We are getting this thing started here in just one
moment.
You know, better to pause when everybody's in base,
right, before things actually develop.
You know, make sure it's all sorted out.
I'm not gonna say the production did that to us on purpose because I yelled ready go with a lot of energy
But I think they might have you know what just for the sake of the ready go. Let's just remake the whole thing, right?
Let's get this one start from the top. Yeah, let's just do a free show again. Yeah, all the way back out here
Let's do the warm-up. Let's do the practice
Let's get into our first game and hit them with another ready go
And I promise you production will get us to that 10 minute thing that we said was kind of happen
So we can all get into the ready go together, you know, I'll tell you this
this when this show goes live,
not this rehearsal that we're having right now.
Right.
It's going to be so good.
I'm sorry, production.
What?
How long?
This is live?
OK.
OK.
You know what, I can't, like I am feeling anxiety right now.
I can't imagine being in the seats of those players who
are now at this point, been waiting all night, all
morning, gearing up for this moment.
And just when they think they're
going to get into the Thea Sky Ruins and start rocking and rolling.
We've got a quick hit pause.
That being said, I much rather have it happen when both teams are in home base
than in some pivotal critical moment in the middle of the game.
So let's get this sorted to make sure that we are keeping this competition
above board and we can crown our true champion with no asterisks.
No question about it.
We want to make sure that these matches are perfect
as we are taking a look at our stage right there.
I absolutely love it.
And that is gonna be changing throughout the day
for all of our titles.
This is gonna be a very special day of competition,
the most incredible stage set here
for Pokemon's 30th anniversary in San Francisco,
and they really have gone all out.
They absolutely have.
I want you all to know that in that middle table
with the two chairs, Sprayles and I tried
to allow them for us to cast from there,
and they said, absolutely not.
There's no way we are doing that.
I can't believe you even.
I said, what percent chance do we have?
They said an absolute zero, zero percent.
That's a negative we'd give it to you.
It's a zero percent.
That's what they say.
Well, according to our stats team,
you can round to zero and you can round to 100.
We'll see if we can get that shake down
for our final Pokemon Unite competition match right now.
This is one of those tough moments
where, of course, these players getting into this game,
they're ready for it,
but they are now put on ice here for a second.
This does give you the opportunity
to refocus, really discuss what happened in your draft screen,
and recognize some mistakes that you may have made
outside of the pressure of running right back
into another game.
So before we have the information about what happened,
you can say we really didn't expect them
to immediately steal Crustle from us.
That's something we're gonna have to prepare for.
Yeah, I mean, especially something that I don't think
Komae has scrapped up against this tournament too much,
which is the Latias-Ladios combination.
Now, obviously, these high-level players
familiar with what all these characters can do. However, this is a great opportunity to
use this pause and look, hey, we might be on ice for a second, but we can use this to
gain momentum at least strategically getting into this game and making sure that we're
checking all those early game boxes so that we can execute on our game plan.
You know, we talked a little bit about some of these team compositions. I love that
you can see them up on the stage right there. As we're looking at the composition
And here from Zeta, the Dodrio, the Megalucario, Crustle,
and the Lodious back to the other side,
Espionc, Vokval, Snorlax, the Scizor,
which will probably be Scythor and Scyduck.
When you look at these two teams,
it feels like Comi needs to win fights, right?
But we have opportunities on the side of Zeta Division
to not necessarily win a fight, but win a huge objective.
You have crazy burst damage from this Lodious.
You have Dodrio that can be extremely aggressive and surprising with all of its mobility.
And then of course, Mega Lucario, probably the scariest thing on their side.
Because if you leave Mega Lucario alone for just a moment on an objective, it will use
its Unite move, go Mega, and then rip through it before there is much you can do about
it.
If Comaia is not careful, even if they're playing well and they take their eye up
the ball for just a moment, Zeta can steal the match.
Without a doubt.
When you think about the Drio, it actually plays the game in a much different way compared to a lot of other characters.
It has high, high mobility.
The way it scores is actually in pieces.
It's split up into three, one for each head, of course.
And because of that, it scores incredibly quick.
And it can really flank easily because it has such high speed.
So, it's one of those things, if you take your eye off the ball, you can lose track of that Drio,
and then it's right behind you, dealing massive damage on a flank.
and then Mega Lucario is in your face with that close combat and that big power-up punch.
You mentioned Quapuavl is incredibly strong if it gets ahead,
but if you look at the side of Zeta Division, the Drio can give it fits and soak in that Mega Luca.
So just a small investment on the side of Zeta to make sure one of those characters is higher than Quapuavl,
it can just become a 1v1 for the rest of the game.
Like, my only goal is to make sure Gatlou does not get this thing online,
and I think to find some success with that.
Well, with how well Gottloom was playing yesterday,
there is a question as to who you're kind of trying to target on the other side, right?
What player do you want to shut down the most?
And if the Scopobo gets online, gets its Unite move, starts dancing through some of these battles,
it could be very, very tough for the side of Zeta.
So that would be a good player to shut down.
One that's going to be extremely hard is going to be a Desu on this Espeon.
Espeon evolving at level 4, all of our EVs do in this game.
They're so strong early, Espeon probably the strongest with the ability to secure easily with Sci-Shop.
Yeah, and not to mention, it could also go into that stored power, which we saw yesterday as well,
which is pretty solid against Dodrio, right? Because stored power has that short hit and can really track a Dodrio.
So it helps at least mitigate some of that crazy mobility that Dodrio has to escape fights that it doesn't want to be in.
So I'm going to be looking to a day suit to see how they cover.
Let's talk about the support core of Khomei, which has been critical.
Get the captain of the team on that Starlax, and very quietly,
the Kid Narami on this side-up has been having crazy, crazy psychic pulls.
You put the disc down, and then you yank somebody out of the tall grass,
and they've been setting up great chaos for their squad by doing that.
You know, you and I love to talk about the support cores of these teams,
because while all of these, you know, Kerry, Pokemon are flashy,
they're picking up huge KO streaks,
sometimes wiping out the entire enemy team,
none of that happens without these playmaker Pokemon on their side.
And we've seen huge plays from both of these teams.
Gek in particular on Komei,
I feel like has made some hero plays for the squad.
Absolutely has, right?
And we keep talking about Gatlu, Adesu, Gek, Naonarami,
but also there is Toast.
And Toast, we've most primarily on the Mimikyu, we've seen them go across a couple of things, of course going to be on the Scyther this game.
Also, is a great shutdown player. Like they can make huge plays. They're always pacing the other team as well and stressing them by attacking from different angles.
So amazing seeing this hype crowd here in the Chase Center, the arena filling up throughout our day.
I've been told it seats almost 300 people. Wait, nothing getting something else.
18,000 people is way off.
Yeah, you don't know numbers, my friend.
Here's the good news.
We might be game pause, but all that's doing is allowing for
more people to file in and enjoy the experience of Pokemon Unite
live here in the Chase Center.
And it's experience unlike any other that you will get today
because this game is fast paced action.
No turn based action here.
We're all about the smoke once we get into the Thea Sky Ruins.
That's right. The texture of all of our games here on Championship Sunday is so
interesting, exciting. Each one having their own flavor and Unite, no question
about it, is the most high energy of our titles. Non-stop action and battling
throughout in our 10 minute matches here, Duke Snacks. As we're taking a look at
our hype crowd. I love how the plushies were brought. Of course, there's
Pikachu who's using our capes from last year. We are representing our teams
here. Zeta Division got the jacket on, got the jersey on, dripped out of
Control to support the squad as they make their run the championship gold man. I absolutely love this stage
It's so cool what they were able to do with this. It's an even bigger step up from last year
Which was already an amazing stage in the arena. This is just incredible. What's that production?
You do want us to cast from the table in the middle
Amazing are we sure it's set up? Can we run down there right now right now? Okay. What's that? We're lying there? Oh
Our game is being remade here to make sure that all of our players can get in and then as soon as it is ready to go
We are going to head down to Thea Sky Ruins and watch them battle it out here in our first game of the Pest of Five
We've got one of the greatest signs
You have to bless the old me and only me said by the legendary two-time world champion
Overlord I will secure also a great great sign and I love I've been watching those signs pop up throughout the fans
All weekend long and the energy commitment of passion that these fans have for this game cannot be
Denied and you know what I asked for the game to be remade so we can hit a hard ready go
Yeah, so let's make sure that we are now getting a second fight at this game one ready go Apple
Let's make it a big one
Our players are getting ready to head into the match right now
I always wonder with moments like these you know whether it's a technical issue a player needs a moment or something like that
How that changes the mental state of these competitors as you're getting ready for this match
There's so much on the line here, and I don't know about you do snacks
But I know for me I would just want to be thrown into the defense right away
Yeah, 100% and I don't want to bring up, you know past history or old wounds
But if you recall this same EU team with a lot of these players got stuck on ice on stage in the world championships
and fell apart afterwards if you recall that I'm hoping the mental fortitude is
there and they are ready to go and I'm hoping that Gek again is keeping this
team from tearing apart at the seams because they did the vision again we
know their resilience. Comai the question is really still up in the air
because we've seen this team have some bizarre bizarre missteps but if their
focus is there and their intensity is there they can deliver in a big way
But what you'll notice about Unite is it's often a game of momentum.
It seems like a team that's winning keeps winning here,
but both of these squads with the reverse sweep yesterday
really shows you that they can pull it out when it counts, change everything.
And there is something about a team that's been losing and then they start to win.
It's just so hard to defeat them at that point.
It's like they've figured something out.
And then once they hit that, their opponents can do nothing about it.
That's without a doubt.
you know is this production is this an opportunity where you can put me in the
cowboy back on screen oh what's your plan I oh no no oh you have no and what
so ever great like at all I just feel like we're dressed nice and you know
I'd like to be seen he's not wrong the fact that this is our last day I mean
it sounds like it with how we're acting doesn't it it really does seem like
like listen I feel like production is minimizing amount of time on camera because
they don't know if we actually have capes or not yeah they're wondering if we're
gonna like like are they gonna unfurl the cave back there they've clowns they
have those it pole that's those gold shoulder things with tassels nobody knows
I love that you're bringing up all the things that we asked if we could
bring in they set out no no they said no dog but you know you just you
You put positive out, maybe it's positive back.
Maybe we get something back.
Surely if someone in the audience had a crown
and brought it to us, I could not wear it.
I mean, I can't wear it.
What's that?
You're gonna get rid of us before the end of the show.
Okay.
That makes sense.
Yeah.
That's the therapy I always thought we would be
in the track here.
Dupesnacks stadium filling into,
you absolutely love to see it.
I love this ripple effect.
I love seeing myself in the Jumbotron.
That's terrific, I'm a big fan of that, I cannot deny.
This is a great experience, it's a great experience
for those of you in the arena, of course.
Great experience for our players on stage.
Phenomenal experience for me and the Cowboys.
Selfishly for us, this is a great day.
It's just so good.
Yeah, we're absolutely loving it right here.
And this is our final Pokemon Unite task.
It really is the most amazing way to send this game off.
You know, last year in the arena,
it was absolutely electric,
And this is even bigger, Duke Snacks.
Yeah, exactly.
That's again why everybody at home assumed larger capes.
But now look, just look how sharp we look.
And here.
And here.
Well done.
Let's talk about these teams again.
Zeta Division, on that reverse sweep,
you talked about momentum and how critical that is.
But we've seen time and time again the momentum not
necessarily carrying into the next day.
We've seen teams go on miracle runs through day two of a bracket,
hit Grand Finals and fall apart.
Is this going to be the case for Zeta Division?
That's a question that remains unanswered.
Yeah, it really is.
I mean, can these teams keep that momentum?
Can Zeta keep that huge win going from being behind to now winning?
Or are they shaken by the fact that the team on the other side
free-o'd their opponents as we're getting set up for our match right now?
and it sounds like we will be soon heading into our game.
Once we do, 10-minute time on the screen.
Ready, go.
We're all going to do it together.
I want to show everybody at home what they're missing out
as they're watching through their screen,
because we're going to have a raucous crowd here
to get loud and deliver the energy
to these players on stage.
You can see the screens.
Our players are loading in now for our first match
of our grand finals here in San Francisco.
I need to take a deep breath this is this I want to get into it here we go. Ready?
Go
Call my e-sports your purple team Zeta division your orange team the first game of
Our grand finals begins now
We see the players on their mini-map cruising towards their path
We'd love to see the characters
Oh, here we go.
Because Nomu is immediately going cross-town shootout,
and they're going to go for an invade to slow down
the progress of Toast.
Narami sussing it out quickly, and going to A, press him down.
Yeah, this play right here is taking one of your Pokemon,
especially with an experience share across the map,
trying to steal away some experience
from their powerful central area of Pokemon.
Nomu looking to see if they can secure this buff
for their squad, and no, it goes over to Toast.
Resta and Rom downstairs there with the Snorlax,
and a day suit moving through the S-Mount already evolved
and Toast decides to collapse in the bottom path.
But Toppo now peeling back up top,
trying to see where all the action is.
Yeah, here we go.
Adesu seeing the side here of Zeta.
But Toppo throwing some of that try attack at them
as we head to our top path here.
Mega Lucario starting off extremely strong,
almost already level five.
Yeah, meanwhile the other side, look,
we are struggling to get our evolutions.
Toast and Narami have to pull up
for get a little support on Gatlu.
Swabu Lunateria, big dual wingbeat.
And we do have our evolution for Gatlu, that's a start.
Meanwhile, we have a fight in the bottom path that looks like Dodreal was there for just a moment.
And we might have a scrap in the center of the map here, as Scyther and Dodreal are very close to each other.
Bitopo moving in now, Dupesnacks.
Yeah, Bitopo actually seeing that.
Whoa!
There's two players there, the K-Opener gonna go to Koai.
Narami gets the credit, but the damage done by Gatlu and Toast.
And now Nobu's struggling to evolve, but they're losing sight of Mizutama,
who is getting now matching parity with Gatlou on the levels
and Gatlou quickly caught out.
The pressure's on.
The try attack's going to seal the deal.
And Gatlou overstanding his welcome
in the central area there of Zeta Division,
kind of giving up a lot of the experience lead
that they got from KOing that central area.
Pokemon, unfortunately, those are some of the plays
you have to make though.
If you could extend that victory even further,
it would be incredible.
Adesu, they are on the stored power build,
which is going to be tough for the bird.
It is going to be a very difficult no move.
Finally hitting the Crustle is going to be able to space out and see that big rock to shelling toast away
Which means Zeta Division is going to grab the first Reggie Drago great secure from Zeta Division giving their entire team some team-wide
Experience and a buff that allows no mood to score faster
And it looks like we have two members of Zeta hiding in the tall grass trying to take down toast
Oh, they know when those timers are going to be on the respawn to topo and no
We're going to put pressure on toast toast actually bailing into the bottom path
Which means once these things spawn back up if Zeta Division wants to hang out long enough
They can take them all and that's how aggressive that do trio can be
Toast just had to leave here and see what they could steer secure in the bottom path
Here comes no move meanwhile do trio taking all the experience on the side of come on
Yeah, no move coming down from the central area giving Zeta division the rest of the information
They need which means the topo knows that they're pretty safe to grab all the experience from the side of come on
Meanwhile up top it looks like Narami and God were doing a good job. We do have quick wobble online
We do. Yeah, and it looks like they did pretty well into this Lucario, but Godlou's gonna need to be careful right here.
Lucario has incredible secure potential. Copavel does not. They're moving forward, looking for a fight.
4v3, big heavy slam. Copavel closed it out. They're all over NoMu. NoMu getting shredded. Big X scissor with the block.
Eject button out of the crust to get back on the back side.
Redstay, the Ladius is trying to make it happen. Toast secures the Redgeis, and they might look for a push here.
They got a 4v2. They're gonna get the cheeky scores in now, and they're gonna go for the big 36 over.
And now the points lead, but Godlou belongs to come on.
That's right, 159-53, Koumai ahead.
We have a Desu trying to fight Butopu on this goal zone,
but they are not able to take them down,
and even the Unite move could not save them.
We now have Butopu scoring, stacking up their attack weight
in his bottom path, making them more and more powerful
for all of these fights, but here comes Koumai,
right back at it, looking for NoMu,
and they pick up a KO.
Now they're moving forward.
Narami Gek gonna be the security guards for Toast.
That big Sikker, tons of burst damage,
but incredibly fragile when it comes
to take and damage themselves.
Narami, nice little psychic, reposition's wrong.
Heavy slam there to separate Resta.
The block is back, we're trying to put damage down.
Narami gets hit with the United,
with their low on HP, dual wing beat,
knockout pressure on, heavy slam again,
and full quadruple's moving in the backline.
Nomu's getting shredded.
Huge psychic reposition on Nizutama.
They're on the backside, they missed the close combat
and a day suit closes the door.
Nomu getting shredded.
Dual wing beat and Sb on gift credit.
Holy smokes, Komai is here to play.
Colmai is absolutely cooking in this bottom path right now, but they're deciding not to break this gold dupesnacks
I want to keep this bottom path open so they can continue securing some of this experience
Meanwhile, Vitopo trying to take everything away
Big KO and they're gonna be able to get out
They're running away from the central area and that is the power of Dodrio
That is the power of Vitopo
Vitopo up a level
If Narami hits that psychic and drags Vitopo will go down to toast
They use I believe the full heal to cleanse that away
so they can get the knockout and escape.
And on top of all that, they got Narami's Unite move.
Let's talk about a quiet battle that has been happening
throughout this match.
And that is the battle that Lodious and Lodious are playing.
These two Pokemon are looking to continue stacking up
their Aeon power.
They get stronger and stronger throughout this match
and have crazy potential as the game goes on.
Komae looking good now, but these could turn
into real problems for them later.
Big Kukwable dunk downstairs, 240-wound, 110.
Koma is there in the face of Ford. Nomu goes down, now Gek can move forward.
Mizutama peels back. Ram using their United Group on a day suit.
Prime's target. Half HP going. Rest is eviscerated.
Buttoast is going as well. Gek is looking for Ram.
Mizutama strikes down on the Ram. He closed combat.
There's a bit of damage. Buttoast goes.
Stressless scoreboard downstairs.
Close combat is there. Back on top of the day suit.
Nice, heavy slam. Okay. We took care of the trash, then.
And now Koma is pivoting to Registeel.
Nomu back into the action, but it's going to be tough.
Meanwhile, while this is happening, Dodrio scoring in the bottom half, trying to even up the score line.
No-moo stopping the big-time Rumble Rouser Unite, and here come the Latios and Latias.
They took their eye off the Registriul, and since they took the fight, No-moo bought enough time.
Now Gekis trapped in the wrong tune, they slammed back over the wall,
but now it's Sadie Division that has control of the Registriul objective.
Absolute swings back and forth here, Lucario back.
This is going to be very difficult for Komei to stop at this point,
with the incredible secure potential on the side of Zeta,
and they do take it there.
It is the Lodios getting them the Reggie Steel,
a huge buff that is going to give them extra attack
and special attack.
Somewhere off-screen, we had Potopo on the DeGrego.
Level 13, go down.
Tons of experience in the hands of, oh my,
three minutes and 20 seconds left in this game,
and it is getting close.
It's getting very close.
You're less than 100 points separate these two teams.
And when Dodrio is on the side of Zeta,
you cannot feel good about that.
It can run away from our final fight in double time and make some huge plays.
Reggie are lucky now, being taken by Zeta.
No one from Kamai in a position to deal with this.
In fact, they're just looking for experience on their side of the map.
I think they recognize they have to win a huge fight.
We are at the three-minute mark, which means in one minute here,
we are going to have Groudon spawn in the center,
and these two teams are going to need to decide
how they want to play the final moments of this match.
Take a deep breath, 40 seconds, and our boss monster here in our first map is going to materialize.
Meanwhile, these teams are waiting to call before the storm, getting their levels up and Zeta Division on the hunt, trying to get vision.
And you can see Zeta Division right here with some extremely aggressive positioning.
They decide to go in. It looks like they're going to use the power-up punch,
fly backwards, and throw some damage onto the Snorlax here.
They know exactly where they are on the side of Khomei.
This makes it difficult for Khomei to engage.
Ooh, Narami's getting real close to that Dodrio on her mini map.
Roman Reista, Nomu moving forwards in the bottom path here.
We've got five seconds, brother.
Yeah, here we have five seconds till our first...
Oh, no!
The one for the wall is 52 early dupes, Max!
Oh, straight into the United Boots.
They get hit with everything on the sun.
The Ladios!
Oh!
The huge KO!
Rock 2 bubbles at the support core in a day suit.
They're trying to put the store power on Nomu.
Groudon's getting worked on.
We've got to make a Lucario going for the rip.
Groudon in the central area, all of Komae spaced out.
Get to the back side, Toast friendly using their Unite move.
They ask for Unite, pops up a couple,
but everybody's still standing.
The power nap is just on no move,
and there's only three players standing for Komae.
Gett does get the knockout, but the rip is started.
Narabi is there to make a hero play.
They can't get it, it's Votopo.
It's 80 Division, secures the first objective
in our grand finals.
And here they go, rushing to score here.
They just need one huge one to even this up 241, 248,
but this match is incredibly close.
In just a moment here, these players are about to find out
how close it is when it says it is close battle.
That means no one knows which side exactly is up,
but with these ground-on buffs,
Zeta Division is in a perfect position to win.
They just have to have one player sneak off and score.
For Komai, they need to run to the other side of the map.
They need to tail members of Zeta,
take these buffs for themselves,
and make something happen.
Komei now looking to figure out exactly how they are going to make that fight.
We have two members of Komei in the bottom path, and here comes Aida Division,
sneaking from tall grass.
Get getting the information, but of course the Dottrio has a great capacity to score
and stretch this lead that's Aida Division have.
Gatlou has exposed themselves. The Rock 2 forces out of Desu and Narami.
Backdoor, heavy slam by Gatlou, they're trying to block and isolate.
Gatlou looking for a target, and they're trying to pin down that big rest.
Rezda gets out, another trap, another United move back from Rome, and it's gonna pitch in the middle.
Toast is using the United move, but it's a fru-less endeavor.
They're getting absolutely eviscerated, meanwhile the Toppo's on a scoring mission.
They're up by over 100, and Zeta Division is cruising in the next 10 seconds.
Beautiful crowd on fight, perfectly played by Zeta Division.
As we mentioned earlier, you leave the Mega Lucario alone, and they are taking that objective.
Koumai, having the Kukwawbel fly over on the jump pad, getting absolutely caught.
I don't think it's what they wanted to do at all.
I think the Rock Tomb got them stuck in a crazy position that they did not expect,
and then everything started to go wrong.
The beautiful Unite move from Ladius, able to pick up the KO.
Ladius and Ladius, they both honed in on the right target.
And you know what, if the other team gives you an inch, you take a mile,
and that's exactly what happened.
I have no idea why Gattu springboarded into the middle.
They landed in an absolute blender and Zeta Division made them pay in the biggest way.
We're gonna have to take a look at some of those moments in a replay here in a second,
but that is something that I want to watch back as well.
I think it was a rock tune that ended up forcing them over the wall.
As we take a look at some of these moments here,
this is a nice early fight here from Komai, but they did end up paying for it.
They could not get NoMu in this situation.
Gotlu does go down.
Again, great early, early game action out of Komai.
And if they were sticking with their game plan in the final stretch,
I think they would have been fine.
Here we have a great little fight here on the Regice.
Going to be able to lock it down as well.
Yeah, Regice here being taken.
We have Gottlieb getting extremely aggressive,
pushing forward towards the side of Sada.
Very aggressive plays from them.
They knew they needed to win a fight as a team.
They were not able to do it.
As we mentioned before,
Latios and Latias getting stronger and stronger
throughout the match.
By the end there, they were able to use that
United Move as a delete button on Gottlieb.
Oh, without a doubt.
And now you're seeing when Koma is taking agency in these fights and not on the back, but they're doing very well
Unfortunately for them the gap of Gattler over the wall. I can't wait to see it so we can really analyze how that went down
Yeah, here we go. We'll get some of the scores
These utama moving forward right here. Ro, our player of the game
I mean are you shocked there? The damage just starts going up and up and up
And I really do think that catch on Gattler from the side of Zeta Division entirely
But especially the United move to finish them off really was what set up Zeta to win.
Yeah, one thing I want to talk about.
We mentioned a lot at the top of the show.
Votopo being a critical member of this Zeta division team, getting them to the finals here.
However, Votopo a very quiet game in game number one.
So if you look at what Komei was putting together and if their plan was shut down, Votopo, they succeeded.
However, they kind of lost sight on every other player in the game.
Here we go right back into drafts. Now.
Komei is going to need to deal with what just happened there. Adesu.
Picking the espion here first. They liked their strategy. It really was going well for Komei.
It just went catastrophically bad there at the end when Gatlu got caught. As we're seeing the next couple of picks over to the side of
Zedah Division. Are we going to see the same Pokemon? They did just win with it. So you might not need to change much up.
and they're one of the few teams that have been playing a sweet
and I talk about the sweet and unite move how devastating it can be if it tracks
and sprees as multiple targets when you have the skill set on the rest of your
team like Zeta division does it is curtains for you son yeah and what
they're really setting up here with these bands the Feraligato the
surf edge the mimic you they're targeting out a lot of these all
rounders we're seeing exactly what Gottlieu wants to play here
Kukwable looked pretty good last match, but Kukwable into Suikun sounds like a nightmare,
Dupesnacks.
He wants to fight at close range.
He does not want to be stunned by this Pokemon.
Worth noting that Mizutama went with base model Lucario.
Komefe enters the game here.
One of the most banned Pokemon all tournament long.
Rome on the Zarina will see how Komei reacts, and now they're going to get the Machamp
Espeon combination.
So you're going to see a big submission, and then that PsyShock bam stun.
I was wondering what the final pick was going to be here for Komae, and the reason I was wondering is because what Pokemon would they want to play into this Suicune?
I don't think it would be the Scyther. We've got a slightly tankier Pokemon with the Mega Charizard X, and if they can pick something up, especially something that already has a Compae on it and delete it fast,
you're kind of getting two KO's for the price of one. One combination that we have on Komae that has been absolutely brutal throughout this entire tournament is the Machamp and the Espion.
Espeon the champ with submission making themselves unstoppable running towards the enemy side grabbing one of their opponents
Throwing them over their shoulders and then letting a desu on this Espeon hit them with the side shot and side beam
It's kind of a one-two punch that knocks out most things in the game
The question is does a desu want to play that build or is he still feeling the stored power?
I think without the do trio around we're probably seeing the side shot
I think you want to go side-shock a hundred percent right especially because Rome or the topo is going to be carrying the comfy
So if you in the suplex stun right there is gonna get you that what I call that little bogey deal
You get the big guy down and the comfy comes for free here. We go
Heading into game number two in the chase arena our final Pokemon Unite
World championship as our teams are loading in
ready pretty good you've actually saved that well you think yeah I think you did
yikes brother United staying true to itself fell the bell here save the
thing here we go go on your purple team Zeta division your orange team up one
game now in our best of five Jack running across the map looking to see
what they can take away from Zeta you have it or she feel on the other
side you want to be very aggressive because this is one of the toughest early game Pokemon
Kupfu really struggles to get online. Struggles in a big way. Gek doing a great job with invasion.
You think hey are they going to get knocked out? What are they actually trying to accomplish
here? And it's the waste time. Yeah. And Gek is being incredibly successful right now.
And now they're pulling up the slows from rest of the topo. Still that Kupfu does
get both buffs but slowed down immensely. Yeah and you want to slow this down
right because if you do not slow down this for Shifu is going to enter the
battle very quickly with that rapid strike it's gonna be a real problem here.
Nobu trying to scare them it looks like Gatlu was able to take that in the
bottom half. Kupfu now looking for their moment looking for their level 5 they
have it they have evolved this is a scary place especially with the
come fake call or they're gonna need to be very careful on the side of
Komei. Right there right in the middle looking for their opportunity is a
Little Machop saying I just want to get my points and Jan. I know they're gonna get frozen for absolutely no value here
We'll see if they get knocked out rest on the topo cruising through the central area here as Koma is committing to the top
Yeah, beautiful stuff from Koma there, right?
They recognized that that fight was not going to go well for them
However, they put a lot of pressure on top
But we do have the Urshifu making their way to the top pass seeing if they can punish some of the players
No move here in the bottom path just trying to attack them on this gold zone
Ram now already level six giving them fits here
Rome was so much mobility you see that big stomp out of this arena and just gliding in
Queenly Majesty takes going up as they're about the action and now they're just wasting time because they're able to prevent
Gautley from evolving as toast is getting bullied in his own central and look at this here here comes Vito
Poo this is the power of some of these Pokemon like Hershey through the Dodrio
They could really move through the enemy central area. Look how aggressive Zeta is being never letting up here
They've already taken game one. They want to finish this. They absolutely do and look at that quick little freeze from Nomu
Rome as well. I mean everything is moving for Zeta Division. They have complete control of Reggie Drago
Nourami trying to move forward as a little Duxie when they can do
Honestly, you don't know the value that that just brought to a struggling Komei team
And sometimes all you need is a cheeky objective steel to get yourself back in it.
Yeah, there's something about just taking something that you shouldn't have gotten from your opponents your team.
We got to get the energy they need back in this match.
Yorami heading to the bottom path here. The Charizard toes heading to the bottom.
Adesu as well with the Unite move making their way to the bottom path looking for a fight.
Consistent freezes from Nobu always getting at least one target sometimes multiple. Very impressive.
You've got the moral pool down, push it forward, ice beam lined up.
Now Regi Rock's working, Rahul is stomping, Arami trying to give cover, Nomu with the support.
And here comes Mizu Tomo, power up, punch close to the door, moving forward.
Nomu getting credit, with the pressure's on.
Toast is pinned against the walls, Charizard, they're knocked out.
And running away is Rome, rest of hopping off is the comfy, jumps right back on.
And the Regi Rock belongs to Zeta Division.
Regi Rock being ripped apart right here.
The Serena playing so well for the side of Zeta.
And also the fact that it has the comfy on it just makes it more difficult to fight
You don't realize it when you're fighting it all the time
But you are fighting to Pokemon at the same time
There's little psychic pull from the Romance can come on do anything with it
Have you seen my open suplex force that Earthshaping tonight 11 hits down blocked except right using Toma from the team on the back side
We're getting a base you knocked out but oko still going visu Tomas right there and they get suplexed in the path
Death looking for cover, with the goal zone is closed.
KO Striga 3, Gatlu keeps trying to hold it down,
but they're gonna be dispatched, and now it's the Rami and Adesu.
Toast is even paying attention.
Complete control for Zeta Division.
Toast with the Unite move coming right back,
trying to stop them right here, but gets taken back up into the air.
The Ice Age freezes, come on.
And that allows Zeta Division to keep pushing.
KO Striga 2 with a legendary dog, as they're gonna peel back.
And it's finally a chance.
Dex steps up, block backs to Plex, but is there enough for the tank?
Here we go, a Champion Knight move, looking to get a KO right here at Desu.
Coming in and missing the shy side-shock and side beam because Bitopu was able to move out.
Beautiful plays there. Zeta Division, full dominating game two.
Holy brother, you take your eyes off Bitopu and you're getting arranged by Bisutama.
You take your eyes off Bisutama and it's no move, buckling you with the ice blocks.
Zeta Division in complete control.
They had a division in control, KOMI struggling here.
There are a few bright lights.
They finally have their levels where they can have Unite moves,
especially that Charizard.
Unfortunately for them, they were absolutely shut down
the last time they used it.
They need to get a great fight online
and isolate some big targets.
So it's Suplex, blocked there to ensure at least
Mijitapa, here comes the top one, Kofi.
Snatched into the air, we're gonna try and burn them down.
Hurt's for you guys, the combo hits a 36.
They're looking for more Suplex.
Can they convert?
No, 42, 45, the numbers keep climbing.
No, but with a huge freeze on the backside,
and it's Rome looking to stop through the rest of Comai.
Rome might be a water type, no, they're a grass type,
they're burning it down for sure.
Don't worry, we make a lot of mistakes here,
no one will notice that once.
Snorlax in the top path, we have the Sida moving with it,
but here comes Vitopo, once again in this central area,
looking to make something happen,
Doop Snacks, like they have been all game.
Just take over the map,
They can take all the experience from Kolmai.
This is such a difficult match.
If they were able to get a huge pick,
a submission into the size shock,
into the Charizard United,
they can take down one of these huge targets,
but Zeta has been playing so well.
They've got to make sure.
Oh!
The champion night for three.
Mizutama is there, though.
Pressure on Gatlu, Fruitslinson, never gone.
Here we go, Vitopu heading back towards their side.
Gek now in the top path.
Rome, level 12 up here as we have Toast.
Also, level 12, but you would really hope that your central area Pokemon would be outleveling this right here as we have 13 on the other side for Zeta Division.
Koma is not out of this, but the fights are looking grim for them.
Listen, this is exactly how some of their matches went yesterday, getting bullied most of the game and finding it in the final moments.
No one was very low, there's a quality knockout opportunity.
Charizard Unite does lock down the Suicune.
Now, Rome has to stop.
Boy, right back in is the Blue Shifu, getting combos up to 45, 47, 56, 57.
We keep pushing, they get 60.
Wow, unbelievable from Zeta.
You just see the level that this player is playing at
as they score another 50 points.
75 to 312 from Zeta,
and they are dominating all of these fights.
You can see why Kumpfe is one of the most banned Pokemon
in our entire tournament.
It is so difficult to shut down
a player that has this on them,
especially people that are playing at this level
like Bitopo.
Okay, take a deep breath, Komai, just like I did.
Figure out the type of your Pokemon,
because apparently I'm still learning that.
Let's see what you can couple together in the next 40 seconds,
because you've got a big fight to win.
Regi Alecki now being taken down by Komai.
They have to deal with this,
whereas Zeta gets to do whatever they want on the map.
What they're going to do is hide in this tall grass
and see if they can catch a member of Komai early before this fight.
30 seconds until Kyogre makes their way to the center.
Narami hitting a psychic.
Halu moving in, they might take the fight early as they brought the sweet goon.
Duplex on the wall, Roma is two, Nobu's low, Nobu's knocked out, Ice Age gets three.
The block is there to protect the team.
Vtobo looking for a flank right back into the middle is Mitsuzama.
Roma on the back side looking for Toast, Vtobo eyes down, gags.
We finally have the Charizard United with their punch, their shield and their back.
Finally Mitsuzama goes down, Roma's on the top of the box, two,
Plank's stunned.
Wow!
Up on the heavy slam, Gallard needs to use a move, but we have a huge
They're pushing back and it's just two players on Zeta Division, but they're fighting oh so well.
VTOPO somehow making their way through the relentless assault from KOMI, the Charizard Unite,
who picked up multiple members and now for just a moment, the calm before another storm.
Kyogre in the middle, Zeta coming back, we now have Charizard coming back in just five seconds,
But will Zeta start this before Charizard is ready to fight?
Here comes Lucario looking for Gek.
The block right now. No one wants to make a mistake here, but Zeta wants to scrap!
So Fatopo getting straight in the middle, a little bit of a freeze, follow-up suplex.
Fatopo is split! Fatopo goes down!
Neurom is getting chased! There's Snuffed out and Snuffed!
Just two players for Komae. Dose is on the chase.
Singular Unite moves from Rome.
And Rome is in fact burning for Komae here in game two.
They're not going to worry about Kyogre. They're going to assault those goal zones.
So, they are heading towards the central area goal here of Khomei,
and this is going to increase their points lead considerably.
There's still time on the clock, but now Khomei's only shot
is going to be able to quickly get that central area objective
and make something happen.
171-528, and we can see Rome attacking multiple members here
of Khomei, fighting them on their own goal zone.
It doesn't look like there's going to be enough time for Khomei
as Charizard finally hits the map.
got the working on Kyogre in the center.
And meanwhile, the rest of Kami getting snuffed out
as the scores keep going in.
Zeta division with an exclamation point
on the line that was game one.
They hammer home game two, and they're up by so many points.
With 13 seconds left, it's going to be tough.
And you see Zeta division right here.
Look at how smart they are deciding.
There's no reason to fight near this tier one goal
zone.
They just have to stop them from scoring in here
and in the home goal zone.
Beautiful plays from Zeta.
An absolutely dominant performance here in game two,
and they are now one game away
from being your final Pokemon Unite World Champions.
You said the team that would win the first game
would gain the momentum and carry it through.
And right now, we have Zeta Division
with all the momentum in the world.
But, Zeta Division knows what being down O2 means.
Yes.
Because they did the reverse sweep yesterday
and they have to keep the pedal to the floor.
You cannot let a team with the skill level of KOMI
scratch and claw their way back into this.
You gotta snuff them out now.
Just like we saw yesterday,
both of these teams have been
in a position to reverse sweep.
So this is not over by any means.
But if you're Zeta, you have to feel good about how that match went.
Game one was very close.
Game two, they were in control the entire time.
NoMu on this weekend was a problem, brother.
And you can see why Zeta Division committed a first pick to it.
A Pokemon that has been quiet all weekend long
and now surging onto the scene with the surging strikes for Blue Shifu.
And really blue is a good color on Zeta Division.
Game to win.
Look at that 95,000 damage from Rome on the Zerina.
This is a Pokemon that's received a lot of bans
throughout our tournament because of a team plays it.
They are incredible.
You are pointing to a pretty big number there.
Vitopo, 18 knockouts.
18 knockouts to assist one faint.
And that gives you a KO plus A over F, a cough of 20.
91k damage out of Potopo.
I mean, every one of these characters was a problem, dude.
Yeah, real problem.
Toast's not coming online as fast as they needed to
on the side of Komai was also a real issue.
Mega Charizard had some huge moments throughout that match,
but you want it early, and you want them often.
You want to be megging, and a lot of these fights
picking up huge KO's, and they only had a few
that went their way.
And even when they did, Zeta played so incredibly well
that they were able to stem the tide,
get right back in there, and win the reflight.
Look at that heat map brother everywhere once Rome got online they were
skating all over the map finding targets and taking them down as we have our
crowd right there primed up ready to go for game number three. Oh I'm getting
word from our production. This is actually a huge deal your mistake in
the last match that is our 10,000th mistake. We did it everybody! Look how
excited they are about our 10,000th mistake. Big deal a big deal for
for us. A lot of us said we could do it before we shut the game down.
But you know what? Yes, we can never give up on your dreams of just catastrophic
mistakes on the biggest stage. You'll love to see it from the boys.
We won't be back tomorrow.
As we're getting ready for what could be our final match,
two snacks between these two spots. Come on.
They're really going to figure something out.
There is something about a loss that huge that gets you to recalibrate
everything. Go back to what you know.
Go back to what you know is going to win.
Stop trying to play better than what you are.
Play the Comi that got you here in the first place.
But they need to make it happen right now
as Zeta Division could become your champion
in just 10 short minutes.
Again, Comfe available for one of these teams.
Blastoise is the first pick.
The band's the exact same.
And Zeta Division has been navigating their draft
after these bands incredibly well.
They feel confident.
Komei feels like they're just going with the flow.
Here we go.
Next couple of picks over to Zeta.
They are going to take that crusel.
And they are going to take Ladeus,
which we saw in game number one.
Obviously, this could easily lead to Roam once again
being on that Ladeus, which was incredibly powerful,
difficult for Komei to shut down, especially
towards the late game when the burst damage was just
so high that Gottloop went down immediately.
They're back on the Kupval, which for Komei,
Their early game in game number one has been their strongest showing throughout this entire tournament, so I understand heading back towards this.
Yeah, absolutely. They have to make sure that whatever Toast picks isn't super duper susceptible to an invade because you really want Narami to be sticking in path with Gottlieb to get them on lock.
And this has been the Achilles heel of Comai on Saturday.
The games they have lost in rough fashion have been because across the way was the horse,
the Galarian Rapidash.
This pick right here from Zeta Division is the most targeted pick that we've seen throughout
this entire series, recognizing that Comai had a very difficult time into this Pokémon
yesterday, so much so that they needed to ban it.
This could be the ace in the hole for Zeta right now and how they win the entire tournament.
Adesu back on their hero Pokemon from day two.
Mew2Y and Toast on the Talonflame incredibly fast so we have a very quick speedster on
both sides.
Yeah, and I mean Talonflame does a decent job holding its own in the early stages
as well.
It has some decent secure in its kit.
Grom is going to Lodios and this Lodios-Lodios combination in game one we saw was incredibly
strong.
So, come on, with their back against the wall, they are fighting with Blastoise,
Proquovel, Side-Up, Mewtwo, Lying, and Talon flanking.
Zeta Division with everything on the line, the championship won game away,
Stealing away the Crustle, which had some huge place for them in game one.
The Ladios Ladios coming back out and now two Speedsters on the side of Zeta as we're
taking a look at our crowd here in San Francisco.
Hopefully we do the fly over right and we can brace this game with a team ready go
There are battlefield. They
Sky ruins with Ray Quasar in the center
This could be your final match of Pokemon Unite in the championship series one more
Game for Zeta Division and they will become your champion. KOMI needs to win three in a row
It's been done before members of come I have done it before but come I this is tough ready
Call my your purple team Zeta division your orange team as we are one game away from crowning Zeta the champion
But standing in the way is come I you are down
But you are not out yet keep your eye on the prize and keep on fighting and make your story
happened. Narami immediately sussing out. No more putting a
press pressure on, which means auto attacks on your opponent.
That's right. You're looking to shut this thing down before it
can really do something towards the central area. We have
toast right now looking to see if they can get some of this
experience. No more trying to steal it right here, but that
does go over to the side of Kolmai. Not only is toast
trying to get this experience right here, but they're also
trying to shut down that level if they can. Yeah, I
mean just the little rocks peppering you on the top of the
that miniature stun is so annoying and Toast actually getting surprisingly low does close
out with the knockout. So Toast is going to hit path but not quite level five.
Yeah, you can see the red buff was taken there by the Dwebble and that's why getting
that KO, they get the buff back, but they're still not yet level five. They're going
to take some of this experience right here and Talonflame is getting closer and closer.
It does evolve at level seven to its final evolution.
Yuzutama.
Iron down the Swablu and Altaria. Great presence from Komae. Rocktum is there
and actually isolated Gottlieu very quickly,
and something they need to watch out for.
VTOPO is now something they're gonna need to watch out for,
as Dojrio really gets to decide how they wanna play this.
Looking for the talent flame in the center
as we're fighting over some experience right here.
VTOPO moving forward, seeing if they can get the KO on Toast.
Toast actually has to run away from their own central area,
and this has been the story of all of these matches.
Zeta Division doesn't look at my half of the map,
your half of the map, it's all their map.
And it's working, it's working great.
We see Toast behind on levels.
we see Foto doing whatever it is they want.
The Galarian Rapidash, the horse with the sharp stuff
coming out the top of its head is looking good now
because they just hit their evolution.
The Rami's headache takes over after a rock doom from Nomu
and really, Komai is just kind of
turtling up all over the map.
Yeah, Komai not up on level,
so they're going to need to fight together
if they can make something happen here.
But Zedah Division with the Vitopo already at seven
really taking over the map
and stealing everything they can from the side of Komai.
Rome now getting the blue buff here in the bottom path while Dodreo is going to clean up some of the experience
Calm for a moment as we have a huge objective spawning in 40 seconds in the top and bottom path
But before that we have a fight over some alteria as well
Desu doing a decent job trying to keep pace on these levels
But being left alone is the mutual wise difficult Rome and rest up seeing that they can put some pressure on and they do
Indeed you see the life bar of a day Sue just getting clunked every single time here comes get for a little bit of support on the war
Tournament. Yeah, now we have the block there of the side strike
They're looking to make something happen the bottom path that they are behind in levels
And that is a really tough place to be blast always desperately needing their level seven toast is still not talent flame
Level six is vicious taking over to seven is the least something nice reposition
Rome getting knocked out by a day Sue but day Sue's gonna have to anchor this team for a bit because toast is so far behind
Here comes Nomu and Potopu.
Rock Tomb pins Gek, Adesu slides back,
Regi Rock getting worked on,
Tri is in there, Gek secures,
and this is a great opportunity for Komai now.
This is a huge moment for Komai.
Koukwable alone in the top half,
and moving as a unit here,
we actually have something happening from Komai.
Zeta Division in control of this match up until this point,
but that was a huge swing of momentum
and experience towards the side of EU.
Komei, Kwakwambo, just super, super quietly level nine.
And Futopo going down is kind of huge.
Adesu getting big now.
They're getting credit for a lot of these big-time knockouts.
Yeah, this is actually getting kind of tough for Zeta Division.
All of a sudden, we're seeing a lot of cracks
in the armor of this squad in control for a while.
But Komei gets together.
They poke him on your night, if you will.
And now they are winning this game.
Deccan trying to hold down this pad in the face of three players from Zeta Division and doing a pretty good job
Stimying that push in the top path. We've got Kwokwable working on Reggio Lecchi
Nourami's there for the support and we'll see where Komae's next move is as the talent flame secures
The surf is gonna get the surf gonna pin back that ulterior and the unite move from Rome does hit get
Yeah, and you can see that Rome used this not to get a huge KO
But just to charge up those aeon stacks
Here comes KOMI in the top path looking for a fight.
Talonflame in the big time flame sweep.
That's NoMu and that's a knockout.
No Trio Unite back to pad to get with the team.
You see that big triangle down.
Glaring Rapidash Unite toe sticks, the skies again.
Big U2I Unite, good a disjoint.
Sadie Division, good fight from KOMI.
Reggie Alecki hits and the scoreboard belongs to EU.
Good morning, KOMI.
Welcome to the World Championships Grand Finals.
Where have you been this entire time?
They just needed a little bit of a wake up call and it turns out their alarms were set to 5 minutes left in game 3, 2 0 5 to 4.
Koma in commanding position here. Zeta actually for the first time getting beaten in this series.
Koma looking incredible. It must have been the switch over to the Mew2y. You gotta believe in a Desu.
You gotta believe in a Desu. There's a little headache ticking off from side ups.
enough to slow down Zeta division at least for now.
And what I'm impressed by is how far behind Komai was
and how far ahead they are now.
Regi Rock now, just being taken by Zeta.
No one on Komai really ready to do much about this
and Talonflame actually taking as much experience
as they can in the top half.
Got a little bit of a fight breaking out here.
Role looking for a Unite move at Deso.
Mega, Mewtwo wise and peels out with Teleport.
Yeah, Teleport using that to just escape there,
not overextend as good.
Here comes Mizutama, their own team's Roptune,
Keeping them from pushing forward.
Here comes Rome lining up a target.
Mizutama can't use that smart strike to get a prime target
so they peel back for just an instant.
Get on half HP, Narami as well,
but they're holding pretty strong.
We talked about this when we saw the Lodios earlier,
but there is another game happening here
that really only Rome is playing.
They're trying to get as much A on power as they can
and they get that by hitting that dragon pulse
on their opponents or KOing wild Pokemon.
The more times this happens,
the stronger it's gonna be in the late game
We saw the power of that without quickly. They were able to do spatch of Gottlieu on the kukwable last time big fight starting
There comes the glaring rapids after the flank the topo forced out the Romney gonna put a bubble beam on them
We do have the rapid as you might move into the middle toast gets the knockout on do trio
It's a Tomo boost back as kukwable secures
They do grab a berry that chases on nice done
We take to the sky with fly and the door is closed on the rapid as finally here
There we go. They have the Regi Alecchi walking towards the side of Zeta Division. And Komae
is going to use this opportunity to make something happen in the bottom path. Already up on the
scoreboard. 250 now, 260, 303 to 79. No-Mu in trouble right here.
X-Diss are back on Geck, Votopo peppering in some damage with a try attack. There
it goes. Back to the skies. Fly, Toast gets credit for another. Ejects into the
bush, but Votopo predicts and gets a big charge in. Knockout. Geck goes down, and
Now Koma is overextended their welcome and Zeta Division is more than happy to show them the door.
Here comes Gokwamble. Do they decide to fight? No, Gottlieu intelligently brought the line out of there.
You know there's a part of Gottlieu that's thinking, I am going to fight everyone from Zeta.
I'm going to do, I'm going to springboard in the middle of their entire team. Not a good look. Gottlieu just get out of there for now.
Very heads-up play here by Comai, intelligently moving away from that fight because in 23 seconds we have Rayquaza hitting the map.
This could be our final objective of our world championships. Zeta just needs to win one more game.
Comai playing incredibly, but everything is on the line.
10 seconds left. The question is who is going to start this fight?
Can they stop Rome and the crazy amount of damage from this Ladeos?
And at the same time, can Zeta kind of get this match back under control?
Gatk hiding in the tall grass on the side of Zeta Division,
possibly looking to make a big flank here,
as Blasphois is now moving doop snacks around on the mini-map.
We see Zeta getting extremely aggressive. Here comes Gatk!
Gatk! Loot! U9 move right in the middle! U2I U9 to stun them down!
Hydro Typhoon hits a bunch!
But Tomo's taking care of Mr. Tomo's, y'all, low,
putting the triangle down, they're knocked out!
Everybody on Zeta Division is getting scrubbed!
Gatk loots the crowd, so they're sacrificing themselves!
And the team converging to Rayquaza.
Noamu's looking for a way in, but Rayquaza's getting low.
We've got Resta stepping up.
Can we have a hero play?
Raktump's too early.
Can we get a secure?
The whole team's gone.
Koma is going to take Rayquaza.
And Koma is looking to take game number three.
Koma coming back in this, but it is not over.
They have their Rayquaza shields a minute 12 on the clock.
Toast was knocked out in that final moment.
I think by Rayquaza itself possibly helping Zeta Division
secure a win here, but with a minute left Zeta needs to make a huge play and unlike our other objectives
They cannot steal these buffs away from Komae. All they can do is simply break these Rayquaza Shields
Komae in a great position here, but it is not over.
All right deck getting pinched a little bit going to surf towards a pad and going to create the chase onto them
Waste some of that time. They're going to go for the score. They're going to get pinned isolated and knocked out Zeta Division
and eyeing up what a comeback looks like.
Yes, a division looking to make something happen here.
Here comes Utopu with Desu.
It's a couple right now.
Multiple members of KOMI.
Oh, no.
That's two down.
Oh, my.
You can't go down here.
Gotlu is in a blender.
They have just a shrivel HP.
Oh, no.
Three players down.
We've got to cover the pads.
Toast is sitting there.
Race done for Utopu.
Looking to make a move.
And here we go with the Side-X scrambling
across the map with Resta not able to score with a double KO
from Talonflame.
10 seconds left.
Komei can breathe a sigh of relief.
They are still in this tournament.
We're heading to game number four.
What a bounce back from Komei.
That beginning of that game felt in shambles.
Just a couple cheeky plays.
Nice little secures.
And all of a sudden, the team has life.
This is very scary for Zeta Division.
Now, obviously, they're up in this series.
But this has been happening time and time again.
Zeta Division, reverse sweeping to get here.
Komei, reverse sweeping to move on through their bracket.
Zeta is also a team that was up in the grand finals
that they lost to a team coming back.
They have to be worried about how this is going
after game number three.
Ooh, we're watching some great plays
from this game specifically.
And right around that five minute mark
is when the Komei alarms were set to wake up
because they showed up and really closed this game out
in a meaningful and powerful way.
Yeah, and this is exactly what you're hoping for,
of course, in our grand finals.
If you're a Co-My fan,
this is exactly what you want to see.
This team does not shrivel when they are behind.
They instead get big head on in there
and fight their opponents.
Look at the aggression here from the Blastoise.
The flank, unite move, taking every tail they can.
And the patience here of this fight, so impressive.
Ripping through Rayquaza then once their opponents come back in knocking them out before the secure great stuff from Khomein
I'll tell you what whatever studying Khomein did overnight about this Galarian Rapidash
They certainly snuffed out that problem zero knockouts five feints one assist
Mizutama an absolute non-factor here in game number three. Yeah, I would say the Galarian Rapidash was the
completely useless Pokemon for them and I know the reason they picked it because they recognize that it was the kryptonite yesterday for
Comai, but they did not have the strategy behind it that C2 had
Comai wins a game and now they're slowing down and potentially snatching back the momentum from Zeta Division
I am shocked that Zeta Division didn't go back into the well of game number two for game number three because all of those
Pokemon were still available and they could have easily just ran it back and said you couldn't deal with it once
Let's see if you can deal with it now. Yeah
The question is how does Zeta want to react to a moment like this?
Once you lose a match it can shake a team. We've seen it many times. You've seen teams that are almost
Unbeatable brought an entire season of unite and then something happens a bad match happens and their mental falls apart
We'll have to see if Zedah can bounce back from a game like that after being so dominant in game 2. You have to wonder where they went
Yeah, I mean
They just took their foot off the gas belt right? I mean we've seen it time and time again
You're like oh, you know, we've got some games to give you know, maybe that you know, maybe they're cheekily thinking
Well, if we win this game what Pokemon do I want to be represented by as being champion
when in reality you got a win first before you get represented by something and
And we've got the Zorina band, the Zorak band.
Zashian has been unleashed from this band section,
and Gek is still grabbing Blastoise first.
I think it's a great call, a huge playmaker here.
We do have Zashian from Mizutama,
and given how he played the last game,
I'm excited to see them on a Pokemon
that they're more willing to play
or that they have more experience with, I should say.
Without a doubt, how do we react here
from the side of Komai?
Nomu on the Tree Pryo is crazy.
They are prioritizing Nomus pick every single game and clearly they are working through that player.
Gatlou, Narami, Poquaval, Sida. We're keeping it with the birds over there. All water types as well.
Interesting. We're looking at the Umbreon here from Zeta and we have a Mew from the side of Zeta Division.
So obviously we're moving away from the Lodios and Lodius that we've been seeing for a few games out of Zeta.
They're deciding that strategy is not working the way they want it to.
Comai here, now getting some late picks that are extremely powerful.
Adesu does get the espion all the way at the bottom of the draft basically.
That was the fastest lock in on the Lurchen War.
Yeah, it was the fastest Urshifu we've seen.
But the real question is, is this going to be as powerful
without the Covey as an accelerant for these Pokemon, right?
That's a huge deal.
Toast now with the talent flint.
They had a great talent flint game.
The best we've seen from them, I'd say throughout this series here.
a desu very comfortable here on this espion and god lou had an amazing game especially in that top path all the
loan with kupamal yeah well they got to have a good game and because they were left alone in the top path and if i'm zayda division i'm just
not letting him be on baby sat like don't let him take over take a look at our crowd here getting hyped for game number four between
these two squads Zeta still one game away from becoming your champions and
there is our battleground. Thea sky ruins grout on will be our map here Zeta
division two coal mine one coal mine needs to win two in a row right now
now do snacks. Let's get ready as we're getting into game. A good ready go. Ready. Go. Oh, my
your purple team Zeta Division, your orange team Zeta one game away from becoming the
final Pokemon Unite grand finals world champion. All right, Narami got Lou heading to the
top half the birds of a feather flocking together here is they're gonna see what
they can do in the face of Mizutama, Zashian, an early game, Manus quickly stunned, good
secure. Here we go, Gautler looking to stop, rest the right here, Gak in the
bottom half in some trouble, few incredibly difficult to fight especially
early with that electro ball. Yeah absolutely it puts so much pressure on
of course it has so many tools in its toolkit and that makes it
difficult overall. Nomu trying to out secure gonna grab up Harry as really
They just want to make sure they're getting their wild Pokemon down.
And they do here, and that means Adesu does evolve as they are moving forward right here.
They can evolve, they can try to out-secure the Mew, which is the plan.
Toast level 5, they weren't level 5 last game until 7 minutes in, so doing a lot better already.
Boosted Auto, step up, Adesu hit that on the chin, so Gek doesn't go down.
You can see the power of that Sci-Shark, right?
An incredible amount of damage while at the same time a huge stun.
Here we come.
Bote to Vitopo, back down to the bottom half.
Toast, baiting in Vitopo.
The side-shock misses.
Vitopo decides to peel back,
and that's what they were setting up.
Present Toast, allow them to retreat,
hit a side-shock, and maybe take a big fight.
Vitopo actually staying in this bottom half,
they did not expect it right here.
They pick up a KO, a desuance of trouble right now,
deciding whether or not they want to stay here to fight.
If Vitopo decides to dash forward,
they can pick up a huge win,
but we do have members of Komai here to counter it,
and it looks like Vitopo susced that out.
They say, ah, this feels too good to be true.
Yeah, I mean, Votopo really hiding out.
They got their prize, right?
They got it knocked out.
Why overextend and give up that value you just picked up?
Gatlut now doing a pretty good job keeping pace.
Actually outpacing Mizutama.
And they haven't been helped, though.
Here comes Resta for this sport on this Umbreon.
Yeah, Resta now up in the top path is the Umbreon.
I'm not sure which Umbreon we're
going to be looking at here, whether it is going
to be mean look or it is going to be foul play.
More often, we see the mean look,
So shut down your opponents, keep them in an area where you can tail them as a team.
Yeah, Umbreon, a mean look on the talent sign would go pretty hard right now.
Noamu getting chumped, Reston Vatopu moving forward.
Are they eyeing up a combat?
Noamu going to leash everybody along, fly to the skies.
That's a knock up, but Regidrago is going to go to Zeta Division.
Zeta Division takes Regidrago, but they do lose their Trevenant for that fight.
As they are now moving back down to the bottom path,
it looks like Trevenant is going to be here for the spawn of the Swablu Altaria.
7 minutes 20 seconds rest in some trouble right now. Yeah tons of damage down
But the wish from the Umbreon going to keep their HP topped off so that they don't get burst down by the big talent flame
We go deck a desu in this bottom path seeing what they can secure
Obviously we want to get as much experience as we can over to a desu
But deck only level six here still a war turtle. We need level seven before we get served
Yeah, look at the swap the guava going down the rest of my going up
They're showing a different look here and music Thomas thinks they've got a free nice pull by Narami the fly in the skies
Is gonna fall to a short they can't land on their target e-ball eaten by deck on the front line red dice stepping up
We've got the side shot, but it's the Romney that gets credit snatched is that Reggie red ice over to the side of
Cobai beautiful secure right here. They're actually moving forward despite another psychic catch
They're looking for rest of the guavo gets the KO
Ateo here on Zashian looking for it with Toast, but no, they just barely miss.
Solar beam does hit a day suit, but that's enough for Narami and Gottlood to flip the script and get a knockout on that 151.
And now Komei fading back, and they've got this slightest score lead.
Zashian way behind here in the top half, only level 7 right now compared to the Kowabal already at level 9 for Komei.
This match incredibly close between these two squads.
No one dominating early.
All right, nice pull on Nomu,
but I don't think they know that they are outgunned right now.
Big Solar Beam on Jack,
trying to figure out our position and our way in.
Yeah, here we go. Five members of Xeva
hiding in the tall grass right here,
not letting them know that Vytopo is there,
but it looks like Koma is pretty aware
that they don't see this Hershipu anywhere on the map.
We've got the Quakwavel Flank attempt,
but Topo susses it out,
and now Gottlieu just has to run away.
Yeah, Gottlieu has to run away
because multiple members of Xeva
could collapse on this Pokemon.
as you see Rome heading to the top path with Mizutama seeing what they can make happen.
Gottlieb all alone here right now, Psyduck is on the way, but here comes Utopu looking for the KO and they get it.
That's absolutely Fisher-Price, Psyduck coming out from the Psyduck and
going to lower the damage that's going to be dealt. Fly to the sky and that's a big knockout for Toast.
Flame sweep, it's a wall that's the only target it ever gets 100% of the time.
Here we go, Mizutama. Oh nice pull! Psyduck and they're looking for the KO here of the Zashin.
The unit does go down, but right back the other way, they take Talon playing.
What an exchange there, what a pull by Narami, Hornley's back into the gut,
three-position, Kaio Shigatou for Rome.
Narami's on the back side, give credit to Resta, three players in a heartbeat,
dispatch, and now Zayden Division takes control in the top path,
because we've got a Reggie spawning.
Here we go, Gottlieu looking for something right here, but
incredible positioning from Zeta and look at the Talon playing,
seeing what they can do.
It's a little too early, they can't get the secure,
Beautifully played by Zeta Division. Reggie Rock to their side giving them increased defenses.
Well, it wasn't enough for the Trevenant as they go down.
And we saw on the left-hand side of your screen, Anomu actually went in and horn leeched three players from Komae away,
giving them that window of opportunity to secure the top of Reggie. Meanwhile,
Potopo wasn't even strapping with them, sporing points downstairs.
See, Potopo, almost level 13 here as Gottlieb's trying to make something happen in this bottom half.
Looking for a big time. Unite, move, they go in!
The Topo went to the back side, right to the tribute,
big Unite move, picking up a bunch, hits her at 31.
The scales are continuing, Koma is falling.
The Topo's taking over.
They're taking that last performance personally,
and they are putting the team in their backpack.
Look at this here from Zeta Division.
These fights are beautiful.
Koma taking this opportunity to score
and keeping this close, 103-128.
Mizutama a bit of a non-factor this patch as well,
But Zashin is now getting online.
Resta, peeling back towards their squad.
So aggressive this player from Zeta Division is.
Regi Drago now just being ripped apart.
This is something Zashin can do so well.
With Metal Claw and the increased attack speed,
they take that, no problem.
Noma's gonna end this game
with like 400,000 damage taken.
It's like 12 spanks.
But all they're doing for Zeta Division
is buying time everywhere on the map
so that the topo can get huge.
So it's Mitsuzama, excuse me, Mizutama can catch up.
It's a great look right now.
In trouble right here, Gek has to peel back,
but Gek also doing this job of getting a lot of information
for the team.
Gatlu right now fighting over this,
and look, Dolan by the Umbreon.
I mean, what a look by Zeta division here.
Komai had some moments, but so does Zeta.
Votopo almost level 14.
Getting caught here, nice little pull.
Mizutama with great cover.
Here we go, two minutes, 45 seconds on the clock.
We do have an objective in this top path.
I don't know if Khomei wants to fight over
to get some experience.
It looks like they are sending Talonflame back.
Reggie Steel could be massive.
The increased attack and special attack
could change your fight in a huge way.
But are they able to get it?
Toast, eating a solar beam right there from the Mew.
No one looking for this fight.
Zeta, however, looking to set themselves up perfectly
for the final moments here with such a high level
or Shifu, this is gonna be difficult for Khomei.
Over the wall, we are looking for something.
No move, just getting chipped a little bit right here,
but everyone from Zeta is ready to fight.
These could be your final Pokemon Unite moments
in our championship series.
The question is, how does this fight start?
Zeta Division, chipping at the crowd on,
looking for their opportunity to move in.
Gotlu looking for a fight, toast on the other side.
Here comes Gek with the blasters,
peeling back a huge solar beam.
You into the mist, Hydro Typhoon, Eject button,
Gek get Votopo!
Got Luke collapsed and surf is there, but Mutombo gets out.
The rocks fall, we're looking for the move.
The forest on the top side curses their flame sweep.
Doesn't hit anybody, but don't get a reposition.
Fly out of the back side, Rome is gone.
Mutombo trying to work through the rest of the team.
Two players down for Saita Division.
Mitsuzama waking up.
They crash, Landau's toast.
Looking for a couple more.
The rip is happening on Brown on.
Mitsuzama the whole way.
They're completely alone.
No one is with them.
Saita Division, it's gonna take Brown on.
Zeta Division is running the score.
No betas for Zeta.
They're looking to be out for today.
103, 228, one minute left on the clock.
Komai is behind it.
It all comes down to this.
Zeta Division with the crowd on bust and a beautiful fight.
The fly on toast just barely misses Vitopo.
And because of the entire fight,
Ghost Sideways a beautiful rip there.
From Mizutama, 50 seconds left.
Komei is going to need a miracle play to stay in this tournament as they are looking for this fight.
Narami, Gotlu, Toast, Adesu get all positioned here, 40 seconds left, the solar beams fly, multiple members of Zeta looking to score, 30 seconds left, Dupesnaks!
Serfing in, we're trying to make a play.
LeCouple on the backside getting roam.
Toast doesn't land on anybody.
The defense between Ressa and Nomu.
They're anchoring it down.
They're standing tall.
They're peeling back.
They'll give up that goal zone because they just
counter scored.
Oh, Hondo Burger back the other way.
10 seconds left.
10 seconds left.
The defense, a huge hydro typhoon.
But it looks to be too little, too late,
as the clock is counting down.
and Zeta Division fights on their Tier 2 goal zone.
Zeta Division are your final Pokemon Unite World Champions!
The comeback story.
second place last year, the bottom seed out of Japan, and now your final champion.
Japan, a region that loves this game, that supports this game, that invests all the time into this game.
You want to talk about how strong a region is. Japan is without a doubt the strongest.
Their fifth place team out of their whole region just crowned themselves world champion.
Amazing. Amazing stuff. What a story for this squad being counted out by their region.
And now here they are, the victors.
You can see the excitement and well-earned, well-thought, well-deserved, and what a set of games.
Unbelievable for these two squads. Both of them.
Second place runners up. Zeta finally securing that victory.
We're going to take it down to the big stage with Soinks for your winners interview. Take it away.
All right, congratulations again to your world champions, Zeta Division!
Pino Bo, you did it, the final Pokemon Unite World Champion.
You do it on stage.
get a second chance after last year. How good does it feel to win on the world stage?
I'm really proud of myself.
I've been doing this for a long time, and I've been able to reach one step at a time, so I'm really, really happy.
looked incredible. How good does it feel to work together as a team and become the world champions?
It's incredible. Working together we were able to achieve our goal.
goal which is overjoyed. All right amazing one final question anything to say to everyone who
is supporting you here in America as well at home in Japan.
We're just so grateful for your support thank you so much.
All right, let's give it up one more time for Zeta Division!
Analysts, take it away.
What an incredible grand final set to close out Unite at World 2026.
I am so happy for Zeta Division, extremely well earned.
Of course, we've got the rest of our casters here on the desk.
We saw us all a little bit earlier in the pre-show,
but Kello will be joining us this time as well.
Hopefully we can see everybody else pretty soon.
But wow, what an amazing tournament
and a great way to close out what I think many would consider
the greatest Pokemon Unite tournament
that we have ever seen.
And, Danily, of course, you've had a chance to.
We were kind of watching it together.
How do you feel, just in general,
about how both these things played?
I put my money on Zeta Division.
I knew, coming into the Grand Finals,
They looked so clean in yesterday's games.
Like, there were times where they kind of faulted,
but I think it was especially that semi-final matchup
where that was where they solidified their position
at Worlds, their form, that perfection.
They'll line up their Pokemon that they played.
Like, we see there are definitely Pokemon
that they can play at that top level.
And as soon as I saw that drafting game for it,
I thought that was it.
This is the championship winning draft.
They got it.
It was clean.
It was smooth.
Zeta Division just impressed
at the Lost Worlds for Unite.
That's right, and it does seem like,
before I get to ask a few anymore questions,
I do think we are going to have an announcement
for something that's coming up very soon in Unite,
so I'm very excited to see what that is,
because to be honest, I don't think any of us
have had a chance to see it,
so let's check out something new.
It is perfect that we stopped right before KelaSaurus before we got to that video.
Hello, we've got all the EVs!
All the evolutions! I'm so happy, and I can hear that the crowd is happy about that announcement as well.
The fact that we have the complete set of EV illusions now, Flareon and Jolteon are going to go and join Vapeforion.
So that generation one is complete.
Genuinely? We didn't see this or know about it before this, to be honest.
I didn't even know I was going to throw it all, to be honest.
That's a great way to surprise us, so that's very, very exciting.
I mean, we were all hoping eventually we're going to get everything,
but what a great set of announcements.
So if anything in there you're excited about?
Uh-huh.
I'm a big fan of evolutions as well,
and I know everybody much like myself and Kelly
are so excited about Jolteon and Flareon.
Personally, Flareon.
Which one are you guys from the two of them most excited about?
Flareon.
Flareon, too?
Well, I like the player Flareons,
but Jolteon is actually my favorite evolution.
So I'm really excited, we finally got it.
I mean, Sylveon might be close there.
So I'm definitely a Jolteon enjoyer.
I'm gonna be excited about that one.
But speaking of electric types as well,
I've been talking to you, it was an awesome choice.
I mean, that's a book I really liked.
Just lots of really cool picks within it.
Actually, it was a lot of electric types.
I know that I think about it.
I've been talking to you.
A lot of electric cars?
Exactly, exactly.
So I'll just, I mean, all of those are very exciting.
Can't wait to see how those play out.
But I mean, wow, that was a little bit of a surprise.
definitely at the end of an amazing set, I mean, anybody
having fun thoughts on those VLC announcements before we move
on to the set? You didn't say which one you were more excited
about. Oh, you can't make me choose. You can help. No, I
mean, I'm sorry. I'm excited for both. All right, well, it's
all it's all for it. If anybody out there knows calo, it's
definitely all but okay, going back to it. Of course, I mean,
we've got to give so much love to set up the vision. I
I mean, what an ending to an incredible story and the story.
I mean, it's the entirety of Pokemon Unite at the World
Championship series.
I mean, truly, the fact that we got a second chance
for some of these players on Zedidivision
who have been playing for such a long time.
And then also a second chance, of course,
to Gamae, who did an amazing job with you,
so much love to them.
They played their hearts out on stage this entire weekend.
They made it not an easy fight, right?
They definitely didn't go down without a fight,
didn't get swept.
so it's great to be able to see that.
But, okay, I can ask you, Denly, already,
your thoughts on some of this set,
but any thoughts on these teams and their paths
throughout this weekend, Kello?
I honestly, having interviewed Sari,
their coach, a little bit earlier,
I know that they must be feeling really proud
of them right now, but just, you know,
not only this weekend, but it's this whole season.
The fact that, you know, they didn't exactly place
the highest in terms of the Pokemon Japanese Championship
in order to make it here, right?
The fact that they have actually put in the work,
put in the effort, it has clearly been demonstrated here
just that that hard work.
And honestly, I'm feeling proud of them, I'm sure.
As I said, everybody there
supporting in this feeling, proud of them.
And I'm hoping they are feeling very proud of themselves.
Oh yeah.
I mean, it's such an incredible showing,
especially from Europe in general this year.
And just to kind of actually step away
from the arena for a moment.
So I wanna ask you, of course,
You had a chance to see Brazil, you know, a reason that you are very familiar with
plays extremely well as well in this final thing.
Well, you know what, real quick, real real quick, you felt just a little bit of love to them.
A lot of love for all of the regions in Boca Món, United.
A lot of love for Japan.
And shout out to the Japanese fans that are here in the arena today
and everybody in the audience as well at home.
And of course, I'm always going to be a crazy Brazil region fan.
But that's about it for me for now.
All right. Well, we've all got our thoughts in.
Let's head up to our champions, of course,
on the stage to receive their awards.
The tenacity of these teams was terrifically tested
across four full games.
And now we must recognize our finalist in Pokemon Unite
and crown our first champions
of the 2026 Pokemon World Champions.
Let's get into it. First up, we have our runner-up team, the Pride of Europe,
but they can stride onto this stage with their heads held high. Give it up for Komar!
Congratulations to Mirami!
We have toast.
It's got you!
And a desu!
And finally, yet!
Our next team not only pulled off back-to-back stage appearances, but can now add champions
to the resume.
Everybody give it up for Zeta Division!
First, it's Rizu Tama!
We've got Noho!
Come on down a raw.
It's resta!
And finally, the top ball!
Everyone in the chase center give it up one more time for your Pokemon Unite by the last.
We want to thank every one of you that has supported the world's journey, whether it
It is our devoted developers, staff, competitors,
and all of you traitors in the arena.
This may be the end of Pokemon Unite's tenure
on the world championship stage,
but it is not the end of our journey.
Our analysts are prepared to reminisce
upon the wonderful memories we have created
throughout these years.
I think our mark has been undamaged.
Wonderful memories they have been indeed.
These last five years has absolutely blown by and that cannot go understated from the fans to the players to the energy that is just brought to the broadcast and passion exist throughout all of those categories.
I think our mark has been undeniably left on the World Championship Series in one way or another.
It is the 30th anniversary and if Pokemon has taught me anything in the last 30 years, it's that a trainer's adventure never truly ends.
And with that, cowboy, take us into the sunset, brother.
Yeah. This is a huge moment for all of us.
love the United Championship series and what we've been able to bring you. So just a final bit of
gratitude from all of us here at Unite. Thank you so much for this. Thank you to the players for
competing at the highest level and showing us what that looks like up on the big stage in front
of thousands of people here and an arena with everything on the line. Thank you so much to
my fellow casters who are amazing and care deeply about this game and making something that
you enjoy. Thank you so much to our crew that puts up with us when they definitely probably
shouldn't have. Thank you so much to Pokemon and TPC Eye for putting on this tournament
right away. It really feels like UNITE came at the perfect time for so many of us in
this community. So it means a lot that they created this series for us. Thank you to
our incredible producer, Will, who is an amazing leader and an even better person.
And most importantly, thank you.
Thank you for watching.
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for showing up live to events like this and cheering on these players.
Thank you for every comment, for every like, for every time you share it, it's time to
take a picture.
Just reminisce about this game and this community.
It means a lot.
Thank you so much, everyone.
I had the privilege of welcoming you to the Pokemon Unite Championship Series just
a few short years ago.
Now I have the honor of saying goodbye to all of you.
So this has been the Pokemon Unite Championship Series.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Hello everyone.
Welcome back to the Pokemon Unite Championship Series.
Here we are.
This is the final stretch.
Ready?
I'm in the high place!
It's the real Queen!
It's the real Queen!
Wow!
Wait!
Look at these bills!
Yeah?
Oh!
Get a snow!
They're going in the school hall.
I-I don't know.
This is too risky.
Get out of the way!
With 10 seconds to go!
Now they're being cleared!
And they're gonna see!
They haven't done it!
They have worked in the story with a school hall!
They hide their way in!
Bring Queen to school!
It's dirt!
It's dirt!
It's dirt!
Fuck off, you guys!
I can't work!
I can't work!
I can't work!
your world champion!
You'll beg for his help, and his low beam of the charge
will move the Ice Age back the other way!
And the legendary dog doesn't!
The Asian Champion, Senbo!
The room finally does it and becomes your world champions.
And they, I assume they were going to go from that camp because clearly it is the other
the camera but I'm not turning around nobody deplates a moment like old
straggles and snacks holy smokes of course we have the stairs these ones this
is a solid angle yeah we're gonna sleep oh we're so gonna sleep
You don't know!
You take that as a yes!
I'm not sure. How you doing?
I am a Kramran enthusiast, so that it does work.
Enthusiast is not capitalized, though. It's not my title.
It's just a description.
Zoinks now currently erasing his power rankings behind him.
You can see how difficult this is for him,
but not only apparently physically,
but also emotionally.
I'm going to...
Do it more days later.
The coin is here.
later. The point is here.
Exciting for you right now. We have an interview lined up. Thank you so much.
Destin for now to everybody. Thanks.
I think Oscar, I think he's scared. So sometimes I just get scared at night, but it's just
because I don't have a light on. Oh, hey, so why don't you bring us home here? Always glad to share the stage with you.
I think I've learned a lot through this fight.
I learned to be new friends, and I trust my teammates a lot.
Let's go!
What a wild ride.
And again to everyone who helped build the Pokemon Unite community,
and give it your all, thank you so much.
While this may be the end of our Pokemon Unite World Championships,
the action don't stop, won't stop.
another title, another opportunity for glory.
It's time for Pokemon Go.
Trainers from around the world have come together
for an incredible weekend filled with Pokemon Go competition.
And now everything comes down to this.
After we've seen so many incredible plays,
unforgettable moments, and trainers making their name
on the stage, we still have so much more to come.
And this stage is ready.
Our trainers have been preparing for this exact moment.
And in just a few moments from now,
our Pokemon Go finals will be underway.
I apologize.
I'm getting something seems to be happening.
Getting an alert, oh, okay.
Yeah, so I think we need to go over to the desk
for some more information.
Analysts, you got us covered?
Attention, trainers.
We have a Pokemon emergency.
We've just detected a very powerful psychic type presence
in this very arena.
It's Mega View 2X.
It's an unexpected challenger has entered the arena
and it's standing between the Pokemon Go Grand Finals and us.
There's only one way we're taking it down.
Every trainer in here, we have one goal together.
Let's defeat Mega Mewtwo X.
Take out your phones, launch Pokemon Go,
and get ready to join the fight.
Bring your strongest Pokemon.
We need every single trainer here to stand together.
Let's show Mega Mewtwo X what happens when trainers stand side by side in battle.
And take a look at that countdown.
We've got just a couple of minutes until it attacks.
There's only one way we're stopping it.
Every trainer, one goal, one battle.
Take out your phones, launch Pokemon Go, and get ready to join the fight.
We are going to need every trainer we have.
Trainers, this is Mega Mewtwo X we're talking about.
One of the most powerful Pokemon we face
has just taken over our arena.
And it's going to take all of us working together
to bring it down.
So if you haven't already, get those phones out.
Open Pokemon Go because we need you for this fight.
And that clock is still ticking.
Look around this arena.
We've got trainers here from all over the world.
All here for Championship Sundays.
No matter if you're team mystic, team instinct, team baller,
we need you to band together and be on the same side
to defeat Mega Mewtwo X,
because it picked the wrong arena to challenge.
So get ready, trainers.
Bring your strongest Pokemon.
Bring your best strategy.
And most importantly, bring everything you've got,
because taking down Mega Mewtwo X isn't going to be easy.
We're getting closer.
If you've got Pokemon Go open,
you are exactly where we need you.
Keep your eyes on the big screen
and get ready for your next instructions.
This arena is about to become one giant battlefield,
thousands of trainers, one Mega Mewtwo
and one chance to take it down.
Trainers, get ready to enter that raid lobby now.
Make sure that you get into the battle,
select your team, and prepare to take on Mega Mewtwo X.
Wait, wait, hold on, hold on.
We're getting another alert.
There isn't just one Mega Mewtwo X.
There is multiple Mega Mewtwo X have been detected
and with battles taking place across the arena
and sightings near Moscow.
So trainers, your battle may not match
what we're seeing on the broadcast.
That's because there's multiple Mega Mewtwo X-Rates happening simultaneously.
Don't worry, you're in the right fight.
Every battle counts, every victory matters.
Select your strongest Pokemon and get ready.
It's almost time.
Thousands of trainers, multiple Mega Mewtwo X.
One goal, take them all down.
And who knows, maybe we'll even get the chance to catch one.
Get ready, trainers.
When that clock hits zero, we take back the arena!
Alright trainers, it's time to battle Mega, Mewtwo, X, everybody to gather, give it everything you've got!
Let's go, Pokemon trainers!
The timer is taking down.
If you are in one of those original raid lobbies, you might have 40 seconds, 50 seconds on the
clock until we take on this Mega Mewtwo X.
Anticipation is building.
We are moments away from taking on this challenge, but if everybody battles together,
We can do it!
Nineteen, eighteen, seventeen, sixteen, fifteen, fourteen, thirteen, twelve, eleven, ten,
nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, let's go!
It's time to battle Mega Mewtwo X!
Make sure to work together and take down this Pokemon!
It is not going down easy. Make sure you are brought your strongest Pokemon to take it down.
Over 240 trainers are trying to go for this single task!
We're getting closer and closer to take you down.
We're over halfway there, traitors. We've got this. Keep up the pressure.
We're not giving up yet. It is starting to go into the red health bar, but we need to keep on pushing.
Are we doing faster as we nearly did?
We are so close to taking back this arena!
Little more trainers, don't give up now!
We can do this!
Mega Mewtwo X is ours for the taking!
We are almost there, Mega Mewtwo!
It's almost end of the end!
Sending your strongest Pokemon fight to the very last victory will be ours!
Now we have to band together for our unity attack!
Hold your devices into the air. Do it together.
There we go. It's amazing seeing everybody in this arena get involved.
Last moments here to take down the Mega Mewtwo X.
Charging is complete.
Complete!
Hold up those phones. Trainers charge off your Unity attack. Mega Mewtwo X must be defeated.
We're so close now. We've just got a little bit more to go over the finish line.
The shield is square and down. We are almost there.
one more time hold those devices up trainer we have to save this arena and
the Pokemon go grand finals for a third unity attack it is an excellent one as
we take down the final shield for mega view to X
Let's go!
You did it, Trainers!
Together, you defeated Mega Mewtwo X and saved Championship Sunday!
Give yourselves a huge round of applause!
What an incredible sight, Trainers, across the arena and beyond, all battling together
to take down Mega Mewtwo X and trainers, the battle might be over, but don't put those
phones away just yet. It's time to catch that Mega Mewtwo X.
Wow, what an incredible moment seeing everybody with their hands in the air in this beautiful
arena joining together to catch Mega Mewtwo X. What a moment.
And I even got the shot!
Let's go!
Let's go, Caleb!
Woo!
Let's go!
What an awesome time and thank you all for being a part of it because Trainers, we have
now defeated Mega Mewtwo X together and hopefully you made the catch because now it's time
to turn our tension back to the stage.
We just had thousands of Trainers band together to take down Mega Mewtwo X in an epic battle
And we have our top two trainers in the entire world
about to face off on the biggest stage in Championship Sunday.
And it finally comes down to this.
Butters, how do you feel about these grand finals?
I am feeling amazing.
This is a grand finals rematch.
They played each other in the winners finals just yesterday.
Of course, Hiro Maru did win that decisive game,
number five to come in on that winners side of the bracket.
That means our former Pokemon Go World Champion,
Amy Weedle is on that loser's side of the bracket.
And what's most fascinating to me,
Homeless Henry, is how about Hiromaru
using the exact same line of three
for four straight battles.
And it was a spicy line of three at that.
What I really like about Hiromaru is,
Hiromaru has chosen to try and break the meta
rather than bringing a Pokemon,
my Shadow of Hound on,
that maybe not necessarily every trainer believed in.
But taking a look across the most used Pokemon, this Pokemon, like the Kanto Ninetales, that
ME Weedle used in that finals, and Paladon did very well there.
Now Hiromaru was able to emerge victorious there.
It was a traumatic Best of Five series, but at the 2025 World Championships you will remember
Pato Man entered from the winner's side and Billsavoy won two Best of Fives.
Getting that bracket reset and becoming a World Champion will history repeat itself, or
will Hiromaru become the first Pokemon Go World Champion for Japan.
There's so much incredible history to be made and we're only a few moments away from seeing
which of those two incredible trainers will be our world champion at the end of the day.
If the winners finals was anything to go by, this is certainly going to be a treat.
It's a great point because it did come down to the decisive game number five.
It was incredibly close.
Amy Weedle said it yesterday in his interview that he had four elite battles and after
that it was tied two to two.
He said he had a rare misstep in that game number five,
but he had the entire night to think about it
to adjust to his strategy.
And it is time for the Pokemon Gold Grand Finals.
It's 2026.
Two-two has fallen. Hundreds of trainers entered the battlefield. Now, two remain. And only
one will be crowned the 2026 Pokemon Go World Champion.
Unless we are finalists, shall we? First up, making a run for the record books.
We will be getting ready to be introduced to our finalists soon enough.
We've got one coming for the record books and now we are going to be throwing to get
us set up for the match ahead.
to go for the swan.
Beautiful, he plays by K-O-W-T-Z.
He wants to hang out as much as possible,
but then the stormy voice is there.
He is one of the Pokemon Go-P-V-P goats for a reason.
It's got nothing left, but an incredibly well-piloted game.
What a series from her.
He doesn't go long.
He's got this, the weather ball,
absolutely huge from the World Cup.
No, it survives.
Jim's can't believe it.
He's full, I don't even know how he got that with God.
It knocks out, they do it all the way.
My God, they're fucking mad.
Even Marshall Galvin's absolutely in shock.
Hero Marvel is in some attached position.
Does he swap?
No, he throws the energy ball.
Hero Marvel has changed the script,
and he's making it to the grand finals.
Kill and watch one shot away, and every leader will secure
This fight, get it, get it, he's going to win!
Across the globe, our trainers have been battling all season,
using new and exciting Pokemon in ever-changing and unique matters.
but all of those journeys ultimately came down to this.
Before Pokemon Go enters a new chapter next season,
with the introduction of 3v3 battles at Worlds,
this final 1v1 match will crown the last Pokemon Go World
Champion of the current era.
History is the main thing.
For hundreds of Worlds competitors, only two remain.
GG's 489 Hiramaru and M.E.
Going for his second ever World Championship title,
the first in the planet you ever possibly
achieved that impossible.
2022 Senior World Champion is back on the big stage
with the opportunity to not only become the first ever
two-time Pokemon Go World Champion,
but also the first and last World Champion
of the current 1v1 era,
any weedle has everything to play for here on Championship Sunday.
Qualifying for his first ever world championships after a top 12 finish in the Japan Championships,
Hiromaru was one of a number of talented Japanese players looking to make their mark in San Francisco.
Having played and beaten any weedle on day two,
This grand final is a rematch to Ranish.
Hiramaru cemented his place in Championship Sunday on the winner's side of the bracket.
Covered on the boss.
However, Pokemon Go is no stranger to a bracket reset,
and any Weedle is ready to write history.
Your hip is still gonna be hungry after our battles.
Fireball Trainers, this show's just getting started.
Now we are right and ready to get going with our Pokemon Go World Championship.
Let's go ahead and meet our finalists. First up, making his first World's run.
He's already taken down champions to get here. Let's give it up for Hiro Maru!
up next. He's already gotten the taste of world championship
caliber in 2022 and now looking to do the same thing in
2026. Welcome to the stage and me.
The word is that your Hisune Electro has been putting in work.
What do you think your greatest strength as a player has been in this tournament so
far?
It's the power of... yeah, it's been said again.
Yeah, he wanted to trust his might he had held on.
The trust is real, the trust is real.
Now, Emmy Weedle, I know you were saying in your post-game interview yesterday that you felt like you had four strong games.
What are you doing to make sure you have full confidence going into every single game today?
Nothing different to be honest, I feel like if I keep up the performance that I had in those four games that you mentioned,
then I have the potential to flip the bracket, win the whole thing, so I'll give it my all.
I know you'll both give it your all. Thank you so much.
Go ahead and sit down at your battle stations, and we'll be getting into your match soon enough.
Alright, casters, I know we're ready to get into this match up. Take it away.
Going ahead, these two Titans in our game,
they started out with 16 different groups on day one of Worlds.
Now it's down to the final two here in the Chase Arena.
We're about to see who's going to become the 2026 San Francisco World Champion.
Elite talent, perfect plays, and not just over a single day,
but two long, grueling days of competition.
These trainers have shown us they have everything it takes to be on this stage.
Amanda, as Mewtwo once said, the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant.
It is what you choose to do with the gift of life that truly defines you.
And what transpires here in this arena will be remembered forever.
From the first Pokestopspon, the first egg hatched, and the first Legendary Raid Boss defeated.
For 10 years, Pokemon Go Trainers have been chasing Pokemon around the globe,
and now two trainers will be chasing their dream of being the world champion.
Kuroomaru, the heart and the hope of Japan is in search of his first title. Meanwhile,
Emi Riddle. Yeah, well Emi Riddle, our 2022 senior world division champion, is searching for his
second crown. They were able to take it to game five in their first best of five matchup.
M.E. Weedle is getting knocked down to that loser side of the bracket.
Coming back up to be able to play here, and the real question is going to be
who will take it all?
Yurimaru seems so calm, cool, and collected. M.E. Weedle with a bit of a stumble.
We came very close to an all Japan Grand Finals, but Kanto no could not hold off M.E.
Weedle's determination, defeating him in Game 5. Another incredible series that we capped
off yesterday with, and it all comes down to this.
Amy Weedle has fought so hard, two best of five,
it's coming up just short.
Kiro Maru needs to win two sets, excuse me,
Amy Weedle needs to win two more sets straight,
whereas Kiro Maru only needs to win one.
Absolutely, if Kiro Maru can take this first game of five,
he will be immediately crowned that champion.
Amy Weedle will have to flip that bracket,
but if anyone could do so, it's someone
who has that amount of, Steve's that amount of clout
behind his name. He has been someone who has been on the stage before. He has what we call
the gauntlet. He is a world champion. He was our Stuttgart regional champion and he was
also the EUIC champion. One trainer in search of another crown. Another trainer in search
of their first and maybe that dream is a pie in the sky but they're going to fight
as hard as possible to turn it into a reality. Such fascinating Pokemon we've seen over
the weekend again. Keter Maru with the Shadow Hapaldon and Fesuina Electrode has been absolutely
electric all weekend long, but does he have what it takes to bring down Emmy Weedle again?
Absolutely. Some of these Pokemon we saw all weekend that Tinket Tongue was everywhere,
that Shadow Kanto, Ninetales everywhere, Licky Licky, but Shadow Hapaldon, trusting
in the Hapaldon to take everything you heard in his interview, I have no doubt that
we're going to see it in some of these games.
And don't forget about Jellison, either a water and ghost type Pokemon that was largely
overshadowed by picks like Galarian Corsula, but it had such unique coverage and it really
helps you tomorrow to shore up some of those matchups and address the core breakers that
Amy Weedle is trying to bring.
Going ahead, taking a look at these teams, yes, Faith, really relied on a certain free.
We have to wonder if he's had some time to think about that, if he's recognizing
that those three will still be his strongest against the opponent that he played in the
winners finals or if he's going to do a little bit of a mix of change up his
plan now that we're here in the arena. Everything comes down to refinement. When
you watch the winners finals yesterday you probably notice a lot of similar
Pokemon being used matching and match out. Each of these trainers through their
five battles actually use the same team four times. These Pokemon are
absolutely instrumental and for any Weedle he relied so heavily on the
Shadow Kanto Ninetales, Shadow Quaxire, and Licky Licky.
Well, Emmie Weedle told us a little bit earlier on
was that actually up until the first game
that he played against here tomorrow,
he actually used Empolion for every single battle
to get him into those winners finals.
However, that was not a Pokemon
that he's really relying on against here tomorrow's team,
relying more on a Pokemon like that Shadow Quaxire.
It's one of the more fascinating things
about Show 6, Pick 3,
and the championship series for competitive Pokemon Go,
you can bring different tools to address different opponents, but it kind of makes you predictable
if you keep running the same picks over and over. So let's see which trainer made the best
adjustments and who has the best plan going into the most important games they've ever played
in their careers. And we saw that taking a look around the arena, taking it all in,
as this is the largest Pokémon GO tournament, 30 years of Pokémon, 10 years of Pokémon GO,
and five years on the competitive circuit.
Emmy Rito, with such a fascinating opportunity here,
could be our first Pokemon Go Senior World Champion
and the last individual Pokemon Go World Champion
before we switch to a team format next year.
What a legacy that would be.
He is coming in from that loser's side of the bracket
in our double elimination tournament.
That means he's going to have to win this first best of five
to be able to play one more time with a bracket reset.
But as we've known, as we've seen,
this man is no stranger to a bracket reset.
He's had plenty of time to be playing this game.
No mental mistakes.
Perfect execution.
Our trainers got a lot of rest last night.
I'm sure that they're ready for a big heated competition.
This could go three battles or could go the distance
all the way to 10 games.
Kierner Morrow is going to be tested
by a former world champion.
And again, this is just his first world championships event ever.
And he's done so well.
You're a moral calm and collected throughout this entire tournament.
While his expression might not be so much his skill expression
and the game has been absolutely top notch.
We have to go in sweep his bracket day number one.
Stay on that winners side.
And now we're going to see what he can do here on championship Sunday.
The mighty hip-hound on, going to be taking on M.E. Wheel's shadow, Kanto Nine Tails.
It's going to be dynamic, it's going to be fiery, there's going to be fireworks, galore.
As we take one more look at the teams, just compare the accolades.
M.E. Wheel with so much hardware, medals, trophies and beyond.
Meanwhile, Kuromaru, heart and hope of Japan trying to bring that trophy home.
And I know that you just see these teams of six,
but actually here tomorrow is doing some unique things
that we didn't see very often in that tournament.
Not only that shadow he pouted on,
but also the Jellison was something
that we really didn't get an opportunity to see very much.
Exactly. Jellison, such an interesting Pokemon.
We piloted it briefly before,
but I think it's going to come out pretty much every game
in this series. It's too good to leave on the bench.
It's up to Amy Weedle to address that
and find ways around it.
Both of these trainers looks like they're getting locked
and we're getting ready to make some noise for getting number one here at the World Championships.
Licky Licky lead from here to order into M.E. Weedle's Shadow Flag Sire.
Mud Bomb is gonna get the same size of Tech Bonus as does the Aqua Tail,
but this Shadow Bomb does hurt quite a bit and the Shadow Flag Sire cannot absorb two.
Going ahead and actually taking that first from here on out has noticeably bombed for
that Shadow Bomb quite a few times with that Licky Licky Winky Desk Up the Body to
Stand already loaded. M.E. Weedle, one of the few people wondering a Shadow Flag Sire
with mud bomb and it actually does a little bit more damage to that Licky Licky no protect shield used by Hero Maro.
These trainers build their damage calculations inside and out. Second mud bomb going to connect here.
But gotta be honest, I think Emmy Weedle needs a few more mud shots to get the job done because this Licky Licky is so bulky.
Meanwhile, the second shadow ball is ready to go.
Not fooling around here, going for the big attack each time. No picket shield used by Emmy Weedle and this shadow parkside is going down.
That's the first knockout of our World Championship finals here in 2026.
Out comes the Shadow of Maldon, the key Pokemon for Hiromaru in his first two days of competition.
This hippo might be hungry, but he is not going to be able to take this energy ball very well at all.
He will be able to put a protection and then he doesn't.
Last second, great protection up there, recognizing how much damage I could do while he continues to soar up extra energy, throwing his first attack now.
Such a great call.
I think Mewito could have aided the weather ball fire there, but chooses not to.
Weatherball rock firing back the other direction that would definitely knock out the Kanto 9 tail
So any we know why is he protects it here comes another charge step
Don't talk about that bait now the bait call has not been called as a second shield is used in this mid game matchup
Here tomorrow has no protection so quick give it up by any wheel into the licky licky switch time or not yet up for Q
Tomorrow you can't go to that trusty his to lead electros
He's gonna throw the earth power big shield cover any we know let's it through so much damage each time
Shotable, shotable, now the Iqbal going through.
Emi-Rilo's Pokemon are getting desperately low,
but he's starting to throw back some attacks of his own,
and with no protection,
the remaining for Hiromaru is going to have to take the brunt of it all.
I think the Hiromaru wants to preserve his Switch,
and he thinks he can get maybe one more charge attack.
In comes the Hizuna Electrode to start gathering up that energy.
He can definitely absorb one shot of all and a couple of body stamps,
but the first charge attack will be energy ball here.
This is all about pacing.
Emi-Rilo does have one protection,
but he's using it on the Licky Licky here
because he's got quite a bit of energy and now he's going to go for an attack.
No, actually, Swampy coming to his start with Kanto Naito's
and he's going to be able to take this attack.
This is so critical because Peter Mara throws the wild charge.
This is going to deep up his Hesuin Electrode
and it gets much more susceptible to any charge attack
than any Wido decides to throw.
He needed a helping hand and the Kanto Naito's offered just that.
Great timing by Emi Wido.
He knew that that charge attack was thrown
and the Hesuin Electrode would need to build back up energy
before throwing anything else.
Since its attack was lowered, it's essentially knocked out right there, but the Hapaldon already has an attack.
Well, in spite of all his heroic cuteromaru with the rock weather ball, able to pick up the KO, and with that, he takes game number one.
Really relying on that Hapaldon. He borned Emmy Weedle in the beginning. He said this Hapaldon's gonna take you down if game one is any reflection of this. I think that Emmy Weedle should have been taking notes.
So creative. I really like how Emmy Weedle forced that Cantalini tells back into the battle to absorb the wild charge
It definitely gave him a bit of ground, but it just wasn't enough
It was a road too far for him to travel because they have out on stored that energy banks that weather ball rock
It was able to come right back out and fire it off now in a typical game for Pokemon ago
We play best of threes but here on this big stage in the chase arena
we are going for a best of five. So this first game is a good fact finding mission for them. I know
they played yesterday in the winners' finals, but it's going to be a little bit different on this
main stage with all eyes on them. Hiromaru has a great lead here with that 1-0 victory. If he
gets two more, we will crown him that champion, but Ami Wido said that he knew that he played
great before. He just needed to do a little bit of refinement and it wouldn't surprise me to
to see him start putting on some points on the board.
No, exactly.
Emmy Weedle has been under the bright lights
our first senior division world champion.
We're going to jump right into game number two, everybody.
This time, Fjord just takes the field
for Emmy Weedle leading into that jealously.
Now, Emmy Weedle said once before that he actually
has an attack where the Fjord is going to use a Fjord
to better Fjord with his licky coverage.
Take a peek at here, Harvester.
There's no licky licky to be found this game in.
Although, I mean, using that trusty jealously
and already throwing his first charge attack.
This forges actually is very close.
There it goes.
Disarming voice getting fired off here.
It's gonna need two charge stacks
to bring down the Jellison,
but the pacing is slightly in the forges' favorite
as well as disarming voice number one connects.
And number two is ready to go.
One outpace the Tyromosh,
and you see if he wants to put up a protection
as this next charge attack will be able to go,
it looks like it's going to connect,
knocking that Jellison very down low, but still.
Jellison has a little more gas in the tank,
gonna go for one more serve.
Yeah, here tomorrow, waiting the turn,
does not want to get caught on,
so he expects the Jellys to stay
so he can fire off the serve for the Jellys in.
Now he's taking control of switch advantage.
Outputs get to Knights.
He's gonna right back up again
to go back to shout out Hapaldon.
Hapaldon did so well for him game number one.
Last time, and he needed a rip for the energy ball.
Will he be able to call to me here?
He calls the bait!
This is huge room!
Yes, it doesn't touch him,
but it doesn't rip and knock out like that energy ball.
And now Hapaldon's gonna start chopping away.
insane call-out in the most important battle of his life.
Heap out on me while throwing back the Earth power.
Galarian Corsair protects Shields Up.
No defense fall either, so Galarian Corsair
might be able to assault him all the way down.
It's gonna be so close, everybody!
No, he doesn't get there!
Oh, you see how hurt he is by this.
He wanted to throw a weather ball
just for a little bit of chip damage,
but decided a little too late.
This Corsair is standing strong,
and I don't know if this is who an electric is.
It's a freaking ghost.
Galarian Corsola is laying down on Hiromaru. He has the Jelicent in the back. Yes, but it's got very little HP
It's nothing more than a sacrificial shield a third shield that he can swap into a throw the charge tech
So he's got to be very careful how he plays that poke monster here on out already throwing yet another night shift into the
Sisu Electrum giving the potential up with Hiromaru's side. He's really been lying on the Sisu Electrum for these past couple games
Now going for an energy ball.
It's going to do a little less damage,
but it also doesn't lower its own defenses.
And Iwido feels so safe.
No protection here on his ghost-side Pokemon.
Makes a pivot out in the shadow of Kento Ninetales.
This is a little bit curious, but I think that Kento Ninetales...
Oh! Oh! Oh!
Oh, Iwido!
And Iwido's head in his hands
has a really good atoprum,
starts to slide away with this fantastic catch.
And Iwido has tons of energy on the electro,
and goes for a bait of his own with this energy ball.
and the energy ball, no chances this is huge.
Massive call by Emmy Weetle, he is not stumbling whatsoever
as he's able to call the energy ball,
does get the defense drop, but the embers
and the fireballs are coming through.
We're gonna see another charge attack connect here.
Emmy Weetle stumbles but does it fall down,
weather ball connects, he takes out a sewer electrode
and he ties up the series.
What an insane turn of events.
The swap between the gels that we called that out
is being one of the only win cons there for Kira Maru
But calling the energy ball in the Cantalini tales,
when you were at risk of losing your most important Pokemon,
Emmy Weedle is playing so well.
You saw it on his face.
He kind of gave a shrug like, well, if this is it,
this is it, but what a call to make
and what a time to make it, starting out strong.
Emmy Weedle was really in the driver's seat
for most of this game, but the hero, Marl,
doing everything he possibly could
to get back in that match with a great catch
onto that Jellison to soak up some of that energy.
These trainers are taking mental snapshots
throughout the game.
They're trying to project forward.
What is my winning condition?
How do I execute to get another win on the board?
And right now, everybody, we are tied up one to one
in this best of five.
Seeking up the board.
Take a look at that stage as we zoom down.
We get to see that whole team of six for each of these.
This arena is absolutely incredible.
We just took down new two X,
and one of these trainers is about to take down
the other to be the first San Francisco world champion.
The stage is bigger than ever.
The lights are brighter than ever.
Again, any Lidl with so much experience.
But here tomorrow, the challenger,
we're going to see a history of electro lead
into the Shadow Kintanitos for game number three
and a swap into the Licky Licky.
Licky Licky was that top used Pokemon for this whole
weekend and it has this freak in a lead.
Also in that safe swap position,
being able to soak up energy will also
be able to deal out energy quite quickly,
immediate pivot now by Emmy Weedle into his own Licky.
They're gonna be sticking their tongues out at each other
for quite a while, Will.
We like to call that the chip and dip, right?
Emmy Weedle knows the mirror matchup is gonna be close,
so he fires that weather ball, connects the damage,
and then makes a pivot out.
Now, his Licky Licky has an advantage,
but keep an eye on the switch timers, everybody.
Kuromaru will be able to switch his Pokemon out first.
Now, should they try to build an attack at the same time,
that could be a charge attack priority.
The one with a higher attack will win that first Emmy Weedle,
straight for the body slam doesn't want to let your mom get off any more damage
first this is not enough to knock out so we could see if we pick out that's
exactly what's gonna happen
yeah maybe a little indecisive there reach for the canton nine tails kept
decided to defer to the hip-out on he needs protection the shadow ball doesn't
that's a lot of damage coming through half of her paladon's health is already
gone this is a dance quick quick swaps but both of these cameras
minute that the timer is up, but Hama is going for an attack and look at Ami really
poses like he doesn't put on a shield and this doesn't do much damage at all.
Absolutely insane. Definitely could have been an earth power there.
Kuro-Maro trying to get to one here and he fails again, unable to get to the
target. This is the sort of the thing when you've been in the arena before
when you've been playing on the big stage you know that sometimes you can
make a mistake but bounce back. Does Kuro-Maro have this in him being a
the first type of editor here.
Nightshade will connect into Hussuina Electro,
but the options are starting to dwindle down
for Hiromaru, that Kanto Ninetales and Wikidwiki
in the back for Eniwido are still relatively healthy
and the glaring Horselot has been so problematic for him.
This is the big thing with Hussuina Electro.
You have to go for these energy falls a lot of times
because you can't swift swap out.
Those Horselot would really lower your own defense.
It's still enough to knock out the Horselot,
but there's still two shields
I mean, you've got the shields, but you don't have HP.
Right, we've got to manage our HP and keep our Pokemon in the battle.
Energyball will pull the shield away here, but Eniwito realizes he's applying so much pressure with the Kanto Ninetales.
A little bit of energy on the wiki and a counter-flop into the mirror.
Huge hoping to land that on the Kanto Ninetales.
Unsuccessful as that licky-licky pops into the battle to absorb it all on the chin.
Here Amara going up just a little bit more, trying to get off as much energy as possible
as possible before throwing his next bodyslam right at the last second.
Yeah, it reaches the double up here.
If any beetle shields, he will get the knockout,
but instead, off to let his Licky Licky go,
put it all on the Kanto Ninetales.
That Pokemon comes out right away,
and the Ember will knock out, but the bodyslam was queued up first.
Going ahead, using that last protect shield here,
the real question is how much of a lead you take for that
and soon an electrode will be able to get farmed down to the next
and once it falls over the load, it doesn't even throw them.
It goes for that fast attack farmed down taken, game number three.
Three embers was enough.
Emmy Weedle now up to one in this grand finals.
One final reminder everybody, this is a best of five.
And if Emmy Weedle wins this next battle,
he will force a bracket reset and a fresh best of five.
Coming in from that losers side of the bracket,
Emmy Weedle had quite a run in this tournament so far.
In the group stage, day number one,
He two owed everyone except for one player.
And then in the final stages of day two,
he took out so many well-known and talented trainers
getting up to this place where he went two, three
to Hiromara to be here on the main stage.
Both of these trainers carrying the torches for their region.
I feel like whenever you beat a trainer from your region,
you have to take their energy, take their skill,
and win it for them, win it for your friends.
And these trainers have so much riding
on this series here at the World Championships.
Kanto Naitel's and Glaring Corsair's.
Such a problematic duo for Hiromaru.
Let's go into the next game here everyone,
as soon as our trainers are locked in and we are ready.
This is more of a better leap for Hiromaru at this part
as the energy fall is only thing
that really just going to start threatening the HP of it
and it paces a little bit slower
and actually any riddle going straight for it
at the very beginning part of the matchup
and Hiramaro puts up a protect shield.
Yes, such a great call out early.
Do not want to take a lot of super effective damage
from a shadow Pokemon on your first go-around,
but the swap and the catch,
this is actually fine because you want to throw
certain into the Licky Licky,
not the double resisted shadow ball.
I think Hiramaro's saying, okay, you know what?
That's fine, I'll take that.
Licky Licky usually has a great matchup against the Jelson.
Jelson goes for one more basket
before swapping into its own Licky Licky.
We saw this in game number three,
going for a chip and then going ahead and dipping out,
Absorbing the energy of the licky-licky onto the other.
I will say that the weather ball from Emmy Weedows-Kanson-Night-Tales last game did a bit more damage
and made this mirror match a bit more comfortable for him.
So, he tomorrow has a lot to work through as he fires off yet another body slam.
These two trainers have probably had this mirror match quite a few times in the games that they have played against each other.
I wonder if they do know who wins charge attack priority because that does change how you play out these matchups here.
Body slam still coming through, a lot more energy here throwing the next one
On the side of Pierramaro, I don't think Emil Wiedel's going to protect shielders up
No, I don't think so either, he can withstand this body slam plus a couple more rollouts
Even though he's even to the red, these trainers know their Pokemon so well
Another body slam getting fired off here and we're getting very close to ending this mirror match
Truly welcome to the slam as we see it over and over again
Looks like Emil Wiedel actually throws that body slam and catches here on the side of Pierramaro
This is a not very effective attack against a ghost-type Pokémon.
You're going to be able to just get a little bit more injury.
And Amy Weedalachia says, this is fine.
I'm coming in with my other Jealousy encounter with my Galarian Corsula.
In Pokémon Go, Ghost-type Pokémon can learn so many different fast and charge attacks.
And the difference you're going to see here is the Hex Jealousy
versus the damage-oriented, astonished Galarian Corsula.
Look at it just chipping down that HP with every fast attack.
Now, going ahead, using that first protection on that bait of the Serpent
Actually using both protect shields now on this glaring force look,
correctly shielding up that shadow ball and just continuing the fast attack completely down.
This force look is loaded with energy.
This is very nice. We do have that casuing electrode that is healthy.
The licky-licky is very weak. Waiting down that switch timer so he can make the swap out.
Oh my goodness, fires off the nightshade into the electric and brass type.
He fires it off immediately, takes a look up. We're hoping that it didn't go into that licky-licky,
But no, the Sasui Electric has to take it, has to start trying to ramp up energy.
Quick pivot by both of these trainers! Blimp, can you miss it? And this Night Tales comes back in!
You swap, I swap, please swap. Shadow Ball into that Shadow Kento Night Tales takes it deep into the red,
but it will eventually take this matchup for the Licky Licky.
This is huge coming out with so much energy,
and you eat it already, pumping his fist in the air as he gets that last protect shield with that first fire, Weather Ball!
He's got a second one ready to go.
It's super effective damage.
Emmy Weedle thinks he's got this game in the bag.
And with it, he will force the bracket reset.
You want a bracket reset?
You got a bracket reset.
Emmy Weedle takes the first get-match of five matchup.
Shaken.
But a stumble doesn't have to mean a fall.
Kieromaru and Emmy Weedle are now
locked in a fresh fest of five, everybody.
No more resets from here on out.
This is it.
Whoever wins the next three battles will be
your Pokemon Go World Champion.
It's so great to see these two trainers
playing off against each other.
If you take a look at the lines that they brought
in this third game, or this fifth game actually,
Jealousy was a Pokemon that here
tomorrow really relied on.
But there were two heavy Jealousy counters
in the back for any needle with that Galarian
force law and also that Licky Licky.
So as long as he got the Ninetales off of it, he was completely fine throughout this matchup.
Exactly. And speaking to the point of alignment, I think Amiwido also found that he was in the right spot at the right time.
So often his Kanto Ninetales was lined up against an ensuing Electro, and I think that really the only way that Hiro Maro can absolutely reign in that Galerion Corsola is to put his Licky Licky on the field against it.
And I don't think Amiwido wants that to happen.
happen. Well, I mean, we don't
didn't say that he built his
board just specifically to
counter Licky Licky. So he
definitely has a plan to be
able to outmaneuver the top
used Pokemon in the world
championships. Hiromara is a
trainer that we have not had
the opportunity to see play
very often. This is his first
worlds competition. He was
managed to be able to
qualify for worlds getting in
the top 12 of the Japanese
qualifier. So I think a lot
of trainers recognize that he
is a very good trainer, but
They haven't got to see him very often.
It's so cool to see him on the main stage.
But a little fun fact about these trainers
is although they've never played against each other
in an official competitive circuit,
they battle against each other and go battling all the time
as they fight for that number one spot on the leaderboard.
It's incredible, right?
You can queue up against anyone else in the world
and try your skills.
You know, they picked up on some tendencies
and noticed what each other liked to do in critical moments.
A few tomorrow's no stranger to taking down world champions having beaten Bielzeboi in round one of day two and
Emmy Weedle to end the day. He's got to beat a world champion three times if he wants to win the crown this weekend
He says okay. I see that crown that was on your head. It looks pretty nice up there
I'm trying to take it for myself de-throning champions after champions
He's got to be able to take three games to do so but even so this is the first time
Japan has anyone in the finals absolutely incredible plays by all the region
I believe eight of them were in the top of day 32. I mean that's absolutely incredible
I think that you tomorrow needs to get more value out of his shadow of power done not once but twice
We saw it get astonished down a farmed down by any reedle and that Pokemon that is so instrumental to his success thus far
just came up flat. He needs to find a way to get it more involved, to fire up more
charge attacks, maybe even shield it more often and try to get more value
because that is the Pokemon that he believes is the key for his success.
Both of these trainers take in a moment to mull it over but now it is time to go
to the grand finals reset. We have the Jellison again in the lead by Yurimaru
Upakins and Shadowquakes are on the side of Emmy Weedle.
Water types on both sides and competitive Pokemon go. Water typing has
He's always been very strong, and the Mudbomb here helps the Shadow Cragsire in the matchup
so much, he's going to fire the first one here and this will connect.
I know that Hiromaru is going to be able to take it all, he's actually hoping to put
him on the bench for the first game of this bracket recent.
One for the surf against the Shadow Cragsire, no project shield by Emi Wido.
I think you need two charge stacks regardless if you're playing Jellison like Hiromaru
is and Emi Wido is unafraid of either one of them.
Second Mudbomb will connect, Hiromaru knows his damage calculations.
jealous and can hang in there knows it no problem going ahead taking that and I
think we'll have enough time for another one now going to serve does any wheel
let this go down this is actually the perfect opportunity for a farm down
here most seems to recognize it as well as he feels I had under charges the
thing helps and to get a couple energy advantage of his own with his nine
tails wow what a great under charge going into the shadow can tonight as
this is also good news for him because that catcher nightels were in the
Emilio keeps fighting his Vaseline Electro, and right now it's on the field in the mirror match.
Going ahead, now just throwing the fireball. As you can see, fire and firing is not going to be doing
too much overall, both of them charging up a little bit extra. Emilio actually
opts to go for the energy ball. It hits a little bit harder and has a potential for a defense
field on the opponent's Pokemon. Also very valuable information. Emilio did win the
charge tech priority tie, so if these Kanto Ninetales pace at the same time again,
He will go first in that exchange every single time.
He looks like he's very far ahead in terms of energy,
so maybe he doesn't need to worry about that yet.
Looks like he didn't even bother to opt for any more.
Go on and go straight for that charge attack here,
hoping maybe to get the farm down at the end.
You can see that didn't do as much damage
as he was hoping for it.
Actually, Hiromuro can take this mid game matchup
if Emileedle doesn't show up,
and that's exactly what happens.
And do you see the trend here?
Emileedle led his quag circuit week.
He led his Kanto Ninjas new week.
He wants to farm down Hiromuro's Pokemon,
and Hiromoto is not allowing him to do that.
He piqued it immediately into his electrode.
This is Corsola against the world.
No protect shields used for the quads.
No protect shields used for that Antoninus.
And no protect shield on the first attack
from the soon electrode.
Recognizing it is most likely not going to be that wild charge,
that heavier hitting attack,
letting the first one go through.
But he's going to need to shield this one
if he doesn't want his Corsola to go down.
And trying to think about win conditions here.
Emmy Weedle might just double shield his glaring Corsola
and try to fast attack all the way through,
it's gonna be really tough,
because if he throws charge stacks,
he needs to throw two night shades plus a third,
because there's another energy ball
and Emilito thinks he won't win the pacing battle.
Well, the big problem is when you only have one Pokemon left,
you don't know what a switch timer is now.
I think Emilito's very, like, reluctant.
He doesn't want any of his attacks to get caught
on anything else.
Now, just giving a little bit more energy,
he's not gonna throw an attack.
He's coming in.
He's trying to fast attack down everything,
but he's not able to do so.
Just by a hair, this Hussain Electro gets to the energy ball and that is the final charge attack that Hito Maru needs to bring down that Galarian Corsula and win that battle.
Now Will, I think maybe some people at home or maybe aren't super familiar with our game are wondering why? Why did Emmy Weedle not throw any of his charge attacks? He had so much energy.
He was at the most energy that he could possibly have. There were three Pokemon left on the field. What gives?
So every time you use a charge attack in a Pokemon Go PvP, it takes a turn and that allows your opponent to also take that turn.
So if any Lidl's biggest priority is not allowing that vicinity electorate to get to another charge attack,
he's not going to throw a charge attack of his own because that just means another Thunder Shock piling on to that energy that's already accumulating.
So these two Nytales being able to take down each other right at the very end there.
And I mean, at this point, he knew exactly what he needed to do.
Hiromaru knew exactly what he needed to be able to win this matchup,
and that was get to enough energy to knock out the Corsola.
Exactly. This Pokemon has been so problematic for Hiromaru.
Personally, I'm shocked that we didn't see the Licky Licky from him,
but he still found a way to get past the ghost type Pokemon even without it.
So going ahead, Hiromaru took game number one of the first game of this championship Sunday.
He ended up taking this game as well.
Will Emmy Weedle have a repeat of what he did before being able to take back that series
winning the next three games?
It's so hard to say, right?
Currently we are taking a look back at that matchup that just occurred.
Everybody a turn in Pokemon Go PDP is just a half second.
Just a half second and if you miss one of those, it can totally derail your plans,
your pacing and your ability to execute on your win condition.
So we have an incredible judging team here.
They're taking a closer look at how that last game went down,
trying to see if anything was a right.
You did see Emmy Weedle kind of throw up his hand at the very end.
They're recognizing that he believed that he missed some attacks.
And that is very big.
When you have the strategy that you
need to be able to get all of your damage
into a certain Pokemon to get it off the field,
not being able to get even one of those attacks
could be absolutely detrimental to your game.
Yeah, and just look at how close that game was, right?
that Glare Corsula almost able to farm down all three of the remaining Pokemon
because the jealousy that Hiromaru had in the back didn't have any energy and he
was deep deep into the red it might have absorbed maybe one maybe two
astonishes and it would have been over so Glare Corsula came very close to
sweeping that game. Yes so while this matches under review let's go ahead and
review how Hiromaru did in the championship series so far keeping in
mind that this was his first ever tournament on the group stage he too
won all of his opponents to be able to make it into day number two where he then
took down our former champion Bielsen Boy also brought any needle down to that
lower side of the bracket and unfortunately for him had to bring
you know knock down another one of his fellow Japanese trainers and Dunebug 97
a very very popular trainer within the North American circuit. Yeah our third
place finisher Kansano with his shadow glidescour shadow poly-toe team
with so much fun to watch yesterday.
And we came very close to having a all Japanese Grand Finals,
but N. E. Vito just would not be denied,
fought so hard that losers decided to bracket,
and he is here on the main stage.
Yet again, as our judges continue to debate that previous game.
So I know we kind of talked about it briefly.
A lot of people haven't had the opportunity to see it before,
but Licky Licky has been the most popular Pokémon
day one and day two usage. It is also on the team of Hiromaru and on the side of
Emmy Weedle so it doesn't surprise me that we've seen it quite a few games so far.
Little nuance here. I don't know if you noticed this Amanda but that
Licky Licky from Hiromaru is an extra extra large.
Be a big boy. Yeah it's a lot taller than Emmy Weedle. It's not that that makes a
big difference in terms of combat but I just want trainers out there to
know that if you're out catching Pokemon and you find an extra smaller
or an extra large.
When you bring that Pokemon into the battle,
it does visually, I guess, show that in the games.
Another Pokemon that has been very popular so far
in the series is once that we actually saw
a new magic book in that middle matchup
where we learned that any beetle wins that charge attack
priority with the shadow, handle, nine tails.
It's the main reason there's been quite a few
different shifts in the meta,
and it's the main reason that I think
that Hiromaru is keeping his Tinkatone on the bench.
We talked earlier about how these trainers
were running the same teams of three
in most of their matchups yesterday.
Any Lidl had one deviation though.
That was a Shadow Quacksire, Licky Licky
and Galerion Corsula team.
And maybe he said, you know what?
There's something to that.
Maybe that Galerion Corsula is the key
and I believe he's brought it to every single game thus far.
He's quite well for himself being able to flip that bracket
coming from the losers' side of the bracket there,
losing game number one in a huge stadium.
I could do a lot to shake your nerves, but any way to look unshakable there.
He knew from the get-go, he knew from game two that he was rock solid.
You saw him pumping his fists, you saw him looking around,
said, I know that I have what it takes to be a champion.
He's so dialed in, if you watch his eyes, he'll look across the stage at his
opponent to finish for any reaction.
He wants to know if you're bothered, if you're frustrated, if you're feeling
confident, he's trying to feel out the player just as much as he's
feeling his way through the match-ups on the screen.
Well, lucky for hero Maro, he looks unshakable as he plays these matchups.
You barely see him having any sort of a doubt in his eyes or
any type that he's making any sort of misplay.
Yeah, exactly, very confident.
And he's got a lot of reasons to be.
We talked about his record so far this weekend.
I mean, when you come to your first world championships and
you not only beat the reigning world champion, the Elthaboy, but
you also take down the first world champion, Amy Weedle.
That's a pretty good resume to start things off, right?
Both of these trainers have some interesting resumes,
making a lot of purse for the hero model
is the first Japanese trainer to be able to make it
into the finals of the World Championships.
And Emmy Weedle, if this is the first time
a previous world champion has been back up here
on this main stage.
You're exactly right.
And given how competitive Pokemon Go PDP is
in the championship series,
a lot of trainers think that that would never happen,
right?
You never have a repeat world champion
because the best trainers are lined up
against each other constantly.
and eventually one of them will be eliminated.
So this is definitely a fascinating story
and I don't know if Emmy Weedle was on a lot of trainers
radars coming into this weekend either.
I think Emmy Weedle has always been a very powerful trainer.
He has a lot of different assets to his name.
People know that he has a lot of titles,
but he hasn't really had those top foot finishes
this season that he's been looking for.
But I think that he would definitely take that trade off
and be like, okay, maybe the regional competitions,
maybe some of the other things I did perform
as well as I hope, but now on the big stage,
he gets a chance to shine.
As our judges take a closer look at this matchup,
we will defer over to the Bragg.
Let's take a trip down memory lane
and see where these trainers have come from
and the talented competitors that they have faced
over the weekend because, I mean, my goodness,
I really feel that metaphor, right?
If you defeat a trainer from your region,
you have to carry on that legacy.
You know how talented PvP David is.
If you're Amy Weedle, you have to say,
I have to do what he would do in this situation.
I have to fight as hard as possible and try my best to win.
Absolutely, not even for that.
And he lead a play against Boom 20,
who is actually running the same team as PvP David.
So maybe giving him a little bit of a leg up to be able to do so.
Going for two, one there.
Playing against Marjo Galday, one of our most decorated trainers
from Latin America before he played off against Hiromaru.
Hiromaru started off that top eight
by defeating Dunvog from the North America region
region and then took on and Contano, that was such a fun series to watch the
ground types came out to play in the shadow of how dawn and shadow glyzor and
another nail biter finish that you tomorrow was able to walk away from
victorious. So it's really funny because for Pokemon Go it's not that
there's unnecessarily big rivalry but of course people like to cheer for their
regions to win. This would be the first time someone from Japan has been
able to call himself a world champion but any real is a completely
different story. There's been new winners already. And I was gonna say that, but I'm like, he's with him.
He is the new winner. It's him. He's him, literally. Well, we're gonna get back to those games as soon as
our judging team reaches the decision, everybody. But I just want to thank you all for joining us in
that Mega Mitsu x-ray here in the venue. That was so much fun. I hope everyone got
Chinese and maybe some good stats as well. But the background, you got that regardless.
Absolutely. I know that Caleb said that he got the shiny Mewtwo. I would just love to let him know that I also got the shiny Mewtwo.
And also it took some really fun photos because if you looked around the arena, you saw everyone raising their phones at the same time.
Everyone working together to catch that Mewtwo X. It was such an amazing experience.
I mean, this relates back to what you were saying about these trainers matching Indigo Battle League.
We have such a tight knit community and even though you might be an ocean away, a lot of trainers are familiar with each other.
they have battled against each other.
They kind of have that second tier of knowing
before they actually meet.
So the world championships are such a great place
for everyone to come together to put a face to a name,
as they say.
That trainer that beat you with Vasidon,
that's them right here.
OK, yeah, and not only are they competing
for the prestige, for the crown,
these trainers are also competing
for some fantastic prizes here.
First place is going to go home with $20,000.
That's a nice chunk of change.
But I wouldn't even take that 15,000 for a second if
whatever doesn't want it, they can give it to me.
Oh, you would settle for that?
I suppose. I suppose.
So much on the line. Not just the title.
We talk about that quite often, but I mean, this could be life-changing
for a lot of trainers, especially if they travel far to come
and compete here and look at this gorgeous venue.
And our gorgeous fans, let's hear it everybody in the stadium.
Let's wake up.
Competitive Pokemon Go World Championship is 2026.
You just gotta be there.
Yeah, we see you coming here, Miss.
We're pumping all of Miss as well.
Thank you for coming out.
See who's going to be our world champion.
We are so excited to be crowned in one.
These two trainers have performed well all weekend,
and they deserve all the praise that they
are getting here on stage.
Such talent on the stage right now.
And I mean, we don't make those corrections.
Ran that Galarian course law, and it's been so hard
for Hidomaru to weather that storm.
Can't wait to get into the next battle, I want to be honest.
Yeah, I hear you, Harold.
While we're still looking through this,
a match under review means that even though one person may
have won that first match-up, there
could have been something within that match-up
that maybe didn't go according to plan.
So the judges will decide if it is going
to be favorable for any needle, that first game
will essentially be erased from the leaderboard,
and we are starting over with a fresh new game.
I mean, this is literally the biggest competition
of these trainers' lives.
We want to get everything right.
We want to have an equal and fair playing field for all of our competitors,
and especially our two finalists here at the World Championships.
Hi, everybody. How's it going?
It's good to see you all. You're looking good.
Now, real question.
We were talking a little bit earlier as casters.
They were asking for some caster predictions.
And I know that you said that you were really impressed
with hero Maro's gameplay throughout the weekend.
And you think that he potentially has what it takes to take the series.
Exactly, just so decisive, especially his Hissuin Electro played, just was outstanding,
and I felt like any needle, you know, fought really hard in their series yesterday,
but kind of ran out of answers. The moment that sticks in my mind, Amanda,
was that game five when any needle was just completely out of shields,
and that Hissuin Electro from Kiro Maru was able to land the energy ball in it to the shadow by XI.
You could see any needle, you know, grimacing on stage.
It was so painful to watch that. And I think on his mind, right, he's thinking,
I just can't allow that to happen.
I can't allow myself to be out of options,
especially in the biggest series here at the World Championships.
Well, at the first Best of Five,
he was put on the back foot there on the side of Emmy Weedle
as hero Marlowe took game number one.
But Emmy Weedle took his foot, put it forward
and won the next three matchups to be here
in the grand finals reset.
I had Emmy Weedle as my prediction
to be able to take it all
because this man has done quite a bit.
Not only has he been a regional champion,
not only has he been an international champion,
He has been a previous world champion.
He wants to do it again for our last year of individual world champions.
I mean, and he's adored by the community, right?
We remember at EUIC, the crowd surfing kind of lifting off to the air.
Emmy Liedl has had such a story career for such a young trainer.
And the talent doesn't lie.
We see it in every single performance.
And like you pointed out earlier, might not have had the strongest individual season.
but I think in my mind a lot of it comes down to peaking at the right moment right you can have a
great start to your season but if there's a meta change or a new pokemon comes along and it doesn't
quite click for you and I think you want to be firing on all cylinders when you get to the end
of the season. A lot of trainers have said that there you know this was a quite open meta a lot
of different pokemon to choose from as we can see from what the trainers have brought and we
actually can see that the highlight of what the dispute is going to be here we see the
going through here. Now keep in mind there's a bunch of shields in play.
Yeah we're gonna take a closer look. So this is what the judges are reviewing
right now everybody. I'm curious to see which moment is being called into
question but I think it's got to come down to the fast attacks and how that
damage is applying. Astonishes coming down. Again this the
thundershock on that history electrode is two turns which is one
second whereas the astonish is 1.5 turns or excuse me 1.5 seconds and
and three turns. So in that regard, you know, it really comes down to the slimmest of margins. A half
second difference really makes a world of difference being competitive Pokemon Go.
So as a refresher there, we saw two shields for both opponents. Emmy Meadl did not want to throw
that energy into the Hesuin Electro because he did want the Hesuin Electro to be able to get
extra fast attacks through while he threw because he recognized that Hesuin Electro,
if it had enough energy, would be able to knock out his only remaining Pokemon.
Absolutely right only two shields to spare and he spent both of them on that glaring force that we saw just how close that matchup
Got he was able to fast-attack down one of Kudo Maru's three Pokemon and the jealous that was not far behind
So if you would have gotten past the history of the electrode game like we would have had a different outcome
So as our team continues to look at it also
Thank you production for allowing our fans to see just a bit more closely at what we were taking a look at
And again, like you pointed out, well, the turns in Pokemon Go are so quick, 0.5 seconds that every literal, not even second, 0.5 seconds matters.
So it does, you know, I take no fault for them taking a little extra time to figure out exactly what went on in the matchup and make sure that everything was fair before we awarded Game Land.
Wow, Amanda, you mentioned this, but let's put it in writing. We had some cast of predictions about which trainer we thought would win.
I would love to see everyone in the chat get involved as well.
Who do you think has the momentum in this series right now?
Who do you think is going to become your next Pokemon Go world champion?
Just like the hardware.
It looks like any Lido side of the scale is a little bit heavier.
Well, I will say that I think Butters is missing from this
and 2-0 Butters also believe that here tomorrow was going to be winning.
So, making it a little bit more even overall,
I truly think it could be anyone's game.
Every single game between these two trainers
have come down to the absolute wire here tomorrow only winning with the three to
victory it wasn't like it's solid sweet like it's going to be little in day
number one and now I mean we don't take enough that second game in the grand
finals and winning three one it's still anyone's game yeah definitely a
dominant series I would argue from any we though so far today and keep those
predictions coming in the chat and remember as well as your last chance
to get all those sweet drops that we've been offering this weekend during
the world championships. Oh sweet sweet drops. One more thing I wanted to mention Amanda is that we
have our judging team on the floor but we also have a head judge that's available and this is the
world championships the biggest stage for the championship series but even if you're at a local
car shop or a regional event you do have a judging team that is there to help if you
feel like something didn't quite go right you do have that ability to reach out to them to
ask questions and never feel like you're inconveniencing anyone because again the most
important thing is a fair and equal playing field for all of our trainers.
Absolutely, and GO is an extremely fast-paced game. So sometimes like this
when a match is actually under review, we actually get a little bit of time to
pause and think and reflect about everything that has happened so far in
not only the world championships, but this competitive season. Well, I know
that you've been casting in North America. We've got a chance to cast
together at the European International Championships this season. Is there
Anything that's really stood out to you this year, which is a big year for Pokemon Go.
So this is a big anniversary year, right?
Ten years for Pokemon Go, 30 years for Pokemon and five years for Pokemon Go in the championship series.
We have every year, right? We have some trainers that are new.
Maybe they're a bit younger, they come on, they took onto the scene and they absolutely crush it.
But one thing that stood out to me were some of the old-timers still winning competitions, right?
We had Arrow win in Los Angeles and we had Stone Collection win in Seattle
Those are trainers that competed over 40 events without a title until this year
So all of our elderly Pokemon go players we can still win. I'm feeling it on my back's hurt already
I know that Arrow and you've got performing at the World Championship
These are the top Pokemon used for day one
But this was really what we saw for the bigger field, the top 32 players for day two.
Licky-licky in that number one spot like we talked about in day one and day two.
But Shadowcantor Ninetales in that top second spot, Larry Horselove in the third.
Exactly, such a unique meta. I know a lot of trainers in the video game of the training
card gamer Pokemon Unite, they say, what's going on with the Pokemon Go meta?
All you need to know is that Thondoza was top 10 on day number two, which is pretty cool.
We also have an update for everyone about the action down on the stage.
We did have a rematch ruled. There was an appeal and the rematch was upheld.
So we're going to start fresh here everybody on another series between these two titans.
Here tomorrow on that left-hand side, applicants and E-Wheel.
This is now officially game number one of the Grand Finals Reset.
Both of these trainers have had a little bit of time on stage to think about and reflect
how they played that first game,
happened immediately into this now,
going up with the Sui Electro,
it gets a push low.
What kind of, that other one is now starting this game?
And in the lead is typically the position
where we see Pokemon like this Sui Electro,
because that wild charge does double debuff
your Pokemon's defense,
so you can throw a charge attack like that
and fail out, but this time the energy ball
is used by Kudo Mario.
Kudo Mario going for the energy ball,
could have opted for a wild charge
and immediately popped out,
but energy ball still does a decent chunk of damage
as we see, no potential to be moved by any wheel, either way just gaining up a ton of energy now throwing it's first night shading that soon electrode.
Both trainers willing to let those initial charge attacks through, now to pivot into the Licky Licky Mead.
A little bit early, not a ton quite yet to catch the Night Shade, but now we're in the Mirror Matchup.
And honestly, Amanda, this is the closest Mirror Matchup between these two Pokemon that we've seen so far.
I actually really like that play by any wheel because it's not the fast attack of the Licky Licky that threatened the Flare and course were there.
that shot of all potential and so being able to just go ahead stay in yes for
assumptions aren't going to be doing too much but now he's got some energy that
he came before he popped out into his own licky-licky to be able to start soaking up
some of this damage. Exactly here now in the mid game and controlling switch
advantage does matter quite a bit in this game number one of our bracket
reset another body stand getting fired off here by any needle but I think that
uh Tigger Maru looks like he's a little bit ahead. Going ahead now just keep
Roll it out here and now here I'm all going for another check
We know that Emmy we both shadow came to nine toes wins that charge type priority
We still haven't seen it despite seeing so many licky licky mid game matchups here
Exactly right another charge attack yet again as these two Pokemon will down each other's HP
So many fast charge stacks back and forth neither trainer willing to swap out actually just going immediately for another check
Doesn't even bother going for another roll out first
You want to make sure you'd be able to get that off.
Shoot Hiromaru, throw his attack first.
Both of these down.
Desperalo.
Immediate pop out here by the Hipadon.
And now, and we'll respond some time with this shadow.
Kento Ninjills.
Yeah.
And the pacing is just so fast.
That weather ball is only eight turns.
Niwa, the shadow, Hipadon is a little bit slower to reach the weather ball of its own.
Although, we'll tell a lot of super effective damage and likely knock out that Kento Ninjills.
I mean, these weather balls are going to be thrown back and forth here as that first one goes through.
It's up for sure because in that energy ball we're putting the knockout, but even a weather ball does 500 damage to the shadow Pokemon.
Now I'm going out and just charging them, throwing right before the next one is available.
Yeah, I really like the swap out there to get a couple sand attacks in and try to match the pacing of the shadow Kanto Ninetales.
Another weather ball pulls with a final shield for any Weedle.
And you've got to remember, they're still in the same electro on the other side, and any Weedle is now exposed to all incoming charge attacks.
going for the heavy, heavy energy, but actually getting that side-contact shield from the hero of
Miles said as well, maybe not what Emmie Weedle was hoping for, but this is exactly what he wanted!
What if I talk about catching this world ball onto the low-high, flicky-licky, looks like
here Miles is completely untapping, hoping maybe he could get the same type of shield,
but unfortunately unable to do so, now out of energy and now out of shields.
Switch timer is now locked for Emmie Weedle for probably another 40 seconds or so.
He cannot swap out, but he does get to the night scene to get set out on.
This is the final healthiest Pokemon for you tomorrow.
This is why Emmie Weedle didn't immediately pivot when that Licky and Licky came in.
He went and got one more Astana's first, because now it put him ahead on.
Emmie was able to put that bob on down quite low.
Licky and Licky on the side of Hiramora coming in, going for that heavy hitting shadowball,
trying to knock out the first one.
And again with the underdrives, but he was kind of shaking his head.
No, it was still enough to knock out.
He's got the body slip!
One more roll out and the body slam is there.
Q-tomorrow is able to KO this catch on 9 tails and take back game one from Emmy Weedle.
This is how Hootie is helping the Pokemon.
They're working with what we call a free ball flex there.
All three Pokemon remaining in that game number one as he takes it away from Emmy Weedle.
There's always upsides and downsides, right?
We saw Emmy Weedle make that inspired catch of the rock weather ball from that Shadow Hup out on.
And we thought, oh, it's a genius play.
It was so clever, right?
But then he shook his head.
And a lot of trainers were probably wondering why.
The reason was because of that switch timer.
Because after he makes that swap out,
that switch timer is going to take down for 45 seconds.
And at that point, Amy Lido really was out of options.
He kind of exposed himself there.
It was a good catch.
All the energy had to go somewhere.
If it was anywhere, he wanted it
to be on that low health Pokemon.
But in the end, Nero Morrow being
able to hang on after knocking out
that Corsola want more roll out to knock out that nine tails
with the body slam, secures him.
Game number one in this grand finals reset.
Keep it in mind, he also won game number one
of the regular grand finals.
So, Amy Weedle has the opportunity to once again
pull it back and win the next three.
Exactly, but it's gonna be tough, right?
I feel like Kudo Maru in this grand finals reset
has made so many adjustments.
I think he's playing better than ever.
Let that Hissuin electrode usually likes
to keep that Pokemon in the back and kind of spring in on any leader when it
finds an opening but just growing it out there in the lead and saying you know
what deal with it deal with the wild charges and energy balls that's definitely
tough for any leader to contend with that's true we've been also quite often
seeing that have out on coming in when there's just a little bit of help look
yes he seems to fight for switch advantage then completely give it
off as a power comes in trying to get a little bit of an energy
advantage because that can outpace his opponents Pokemon. Well, I think the
number one Pokemon that Hugh tomorrow is worried about, maybe it is a little
spooky, that Galarian and Corsola, because that Pokemon, all of us fast attack
through his entire team in a previous game, and if he leaves a week into
Paldon or a week in Jellison out on the field, just one or two
astonishes and that Galarian Corsola suddenly not only killed a Pokemon, but
is now ahead on energy. So these two trainers have been playing against
other quite a while not only in this championship series but also in the go
battling have to see how they want to do now that they've had an opportunity to
see each other face to face battle against each other one more time we have
a match under review for this game number one production has it we would love to
take a closer look at the situation that is currently being looked at but
again it's the world championship stage want to get everything right for
competitors the best, fairest shot at who wins the title. And this is a big
moment for both of these trainers, right? A lot is on the line. Hiromaru coming in,
his first ever competition, making it all the way to Championship Sunday is
absolutely a huge feat. Meanwhile, Emmy Wiedel, someone very decorated within
this circuit, knows what it takes to become a champion. He's done it once
before. He wants to do it again. Both of these trainers deserve their time to
shine in the spotlight.
Exactly.
I think the argument, again, has been kind of like the newcomer
versus the experienced trainer.
And one of the most inspiring things
about Pokemon Go PDP is that it is relatively
simple to pick up.
You've got three Pokemon on each team,
and your fast attacks move at the same pace,
and you're able to learn your counts.
As much as it seems like a tap-tap game,
there's actually quite a bit of math and calculations
that go into this, and knowing your charge stack
quality ties, and knowing what's super effective,
and when you can swap out.
are all critical parts. There's definitely a lot of strategy within the game. If you've been watching
throughout the weekend and you've been able to get a chance to win specific Pokemon, I know sometimes
people are like, oh, but I don't have a good Tinkerton or I don't have a good Pokemon that I
would like to play with. Well, they gave away Beelzeboy's actual Tinkerton that he used last
year in Anheim to help him win the series with the exact same attack spread. Exactly. Our
team is just always upping the ante and trying to give our trainers the best rewards. And
I think that adding a strong Pokemon like that to your roster is very valuable
You don't want to miss out on that make sure to capture every single Pokemon review them later
It keeps on the strong ones
You know, even if I don't think I'm in a battle with something most Pokemon are just one or two updates away from being
Metarell. That's true. We just had a moveset update that will be viable quite soon
For Pokemon go it's very engaging. It changes every couple of months
So it's not that you're always using the same Pokemon over and over not only that we've had international championships in
in limited metas with different Pokemon that you've been seeing on this main stage.
Our wonderful partners at Scopely always keep things exciting,
moveset updates, damage adjustments, a lot of Pokemon coming in and out of the meta, but
these two trainers have mastered the current format. To the T, there's some shared picks on
each side. I think that's definitely something to take away, but the story, as in with most
competitive Pokemon, is defined by those outlier picks. And definitely that one of those
Outlier picks is one that has been really taking hero tomorrow far shadow the padong was something that a few trainers did bring to work
We saw on a couple of teams, but it definitely wasn't a top meta pick
So if I could ask you right in terms of team reading for show six pick three
It's taking time so good and we keep talking about it in the drops
Why are we not bringing it against any weedle?
Well any weedle the other Pokemon that is almost everywhere is that shadow canton 9 tails
Tinkentun was in the third spot for day one.
He used to drop down to the fifth.
It hits so heavy with his charge attack,
Tinkentun hammer, but it doesn't like those fire type Pokemon.
Definitely doesn't like the ground type Pokemon
with that Shadow Quagsire or the Empolion
that Eniwetel has on his side.
And Eniwetel had said before,
he used Empolion in every single matchup
up until these winners finals.
Another obstacle to Tinkentun for Hidomaru
is that Shadow Quagsire.
This was one of the more fascinating moveset choices to me.
The fact that Amy Weedle opted for Aqua Tail Mud Bomb.
When Manteen was like what, top five, top six usage,
they were everywhere all over the tournament.
And if you're a Shadow of Quacksire,
I think one of the most depressing things
is to be paired up against a Manteen
because there's really no way you can hit it
with your double-resistant Mud Bomb
or your resisted Aqua Tail.
Well, Amy Weedle definitely had a plan to play around that
as he is sitting here on the seat
on Championship Sunday wondering if he can do it once again
as he did in London.
This is really a test of these trainers' fortitude
because maybe you expected to go out and you felt confident.
You said maybe three games, I'll win it.
I'll take the trophy home and audio, right?
But these trainers are having to sit through this,
figure out the game state situation
and try to reach an amicable conclusion.
I think we might have just arrived at one
based on the body language we're seeing.
Yeah, we're giving them this information.
Same time you guys are, we're gonna let you know.
As soon as we know what is going on between these two trainers, but agreeing with you will look like there was a thumbs up there
So we'll have to see what will be going on if we're going to keep that game number one or if we're going once again
Into a grand finalist reset. I want everyone at home to take in this arena
Close your eyes imagine yourself on this stage. So we sorry sorry later
I'll just get some information here. There is not going to be a rematch for that game number one
So we're gonna have keep that score number one game going there for here tomorrow and the grand finals
We say he's got two more to go to become the world champion two games away
But it might as well be miles away because any Lito is so formidable and in particular his galerian course law has been very
Difficult for you tomorrow to deal with he's not been able to find that alignment. He wants you tomorrow's looking like he I
Think he's squared up against the galerian course law maybe once in his entire series so far
I'll have to see how they want to play out these matches.
Normally when trainers start to lock in,
you can only pick three Pokemon on this list of six.
So a lot of times the trainers will run through a bit of a matrix in their head.
Okay, so if I lead that Licky Licky,
what am I going to do if it's that Corsel Leaf?
What am I going to do if it's the Floridius Leaf?
You just do it for every single one of the Pokemon until you have a formula for it.
Let's see. Looks like we predicted that right away.
We got that Licky Licky up against the Corselon,
here tomorrow and it looks like immediate pivot out to the Shadow Quaxire on the side of Emmy Beheadle to be met now with that Hussain Electrode.
What an insane lead for Hussain Electrode there and he swaps immediately to the Hussain Electrode.
If a single energy ball connects, it might kill a trio of Shadow Quaxires.
This is just how much damage it actually does. He's got it ready. He could fire it at any moment,
but he wants to overcharge and fire on the charge attack priority tie.
But here's the big deal.
Yes, wild charge is going to deep up yourself.
In no situation would he be throwing the wild charge
into the ground and fire or watertight Pokemon there.
So now forcing himself to throw those energy balls.
And he will know that it's not a big,
he has to protect up no matter what.
If he wants to keep that quads around,
protect shield going up on the ceiling,
electric, and scoff a ton of energy
to form it up a little bit more,
threatening that second shield from any leader.
Any leader is going to scratch claw and fight
as hard as he can to win control switch advantage.
because he does not, when he's glaring force up against the opposing Licky Licky,
Niwa Kido-Maru continues to apply the pressure, but Kuwakzire is just so fast,
here comes the knock-a-tail.
Going for a hard counter-city there in the lead, getting that second protection,
these good gaming matchup is going to help decide,
oh, can I look for a catch? You see, here, Maru, waiting,
and actually gives up what he potentially had with the glaring force over the Licky Licky,
coming in with this all-Licky Licky, kind of negating the whole Licky Matchup.
It might be a catastrophic misplay here,
but he's gonna make the best of it.
He tomorrow kind of shook his head.
He said, oh no, I should have sent out my shadow,
shadow hip out on instead.
But you can't slow down.
You can't stop.
You have to keep on battling.
Gonna throw the body stamp there
and try to keep enough despair, Matthew.
Every single second matters.
Yes, he might have brought in the Pokemon
that he didn't want to, but it's too late now.
We'll see how he recovers in this matchup
as his Licky Licky is starting to put damage
into Emmy Weedles here, sticking out stung,
throwing the slams,
see how low that it can go.
Body slam back and forth as these two normal type titans
whittle down each other's HP.
Switch members are up, but neither trainer
wants to risk swapping out and getting away
switch advantage, especially Emmy Weedle.
This game got much more dynamic now.
But at this point, he had a great time now.
He's got a ton of energy on that, Licky Licky.
He's got two body slams loaded,
but he's going to need two to be able to knock out
as the first one just isn't enough.
That's one of the runaway we're seeing actually now.
George's got priority.
It's going to be on the side of here tomorrow.
Absolutely critical to try to wrestle back control
switch advantage, but here tomorrow,
even though he's going to double resist
any type of ghost attacks, he doesn't have that much HP.
He might lose the licky-licky regardless.
It's so close.
Getting into the shadow mode, no!
Oh, it's astonishing as the glare and porcelain
stashes down the Pokémon, calling in
with a very nice blade and energy here,
here going to throw the nightshade before the earth power is available but
everyone keep in mind the shields are gone there is an energy ball loaded on
the Hesuin Electro and it wins charge attack priority over both of any
Weedle's Pokemon. No you're exactly right but I think Tudor Varun needs to hang on
to the energy for the Quaxire matchup in the back it's very critical that
he doesn't make another mental mistake here. Nightshade number two getting
fired off and this might be a game to win for any Weedle. This Hesuin
Electro is quite low. It has a ton of energy, but it's got two Pokemon to go through. It might not have enough as it throws its first one to get that Chlorusula out of the way.
Energy Ball will connect Delirium Chlorusula will fade, but Emmy Weedle looks like he already knows he won this battle. Out comes the Shadow Quax Iron. That's a farm down. Emmy Weedle with the Equalizer.
going ahead, taking that mid game.
Both of those shields knocked down.
Emmy Weedle knew his back was against the wall.
That energy ball lurking into that Quagsire
would have been absolutely destroying the Quagsire.
He fails on the swap, but he kept playing.
And you know what happened?
Well, a little bit of a fumble on the side of here,
Maro, sending in that Licky, Licky.
You see him kind of shaking it off right now, recognizing
I had that game.
I maybe had that game.
I got to settle down here.
I got to focus to be at the win game number three.
Gotta shake the nerves, gotta zoom in.
Don't think about the crowd.
Don't think about the magnitude of this moment.
Focus on what you do best,
which is competitive Pokemon Go PvP.
These trainers, either one, I'm serious,
either one could take this.
They are about as evenly matched
as we have ever seen in a Pokemon Go Grand Finals.
And it's just gonna see-saw back and forth.
And this is a big thing.
Again, I know that we keep saying it,
but it deserves to be said.
This is Heroe Marl's first time fulfilling life
in this huge setting with everyone.
He's on the championships on this stage.
Of course, your nerves are gonna be doing
a little bit to you.
You're not used to this sort of thing,
but I hope that you can shake it.
For this game number three,
we'll see as the Jellis takes a field up
against that Shadow Quacksire.
We have seen this matchup before.
I think that two charge stacks on either side
is the recipe for success,
but Amy Redo's been a lot more willing
to give away control switch advantage,
Especially if he doesn't think there's a licky-licky back there, but at this point, he might even think twice.
Going ahead, now going for that first attack, the Serp does. Have you seen any needle in the past couple games?
Content to let Pokemon go as soon as they've done their damage, right?
So, saying, okay, Quack, sorry, you're getting that Jealousy low. I could potentially use you.
The next Pokemon that comes in to farm, now throwing the second Pokemon.
As we saw in another game, it's not going to be enough to knock out.
And I don't know if we will see a protector lose on the side of every needle.
Yeah, this is nice. The forcing that charge attack priority tie, Kido Maru might be able to KO the Shadow Packs out here.
Goes for an undercharge as well. He likes to do this, allowing Minimal Park simultaneous swat.
Oh my goodness, Shadow Kanto Ninjas finds it lucky-lucky.
What a read, Emmy Riedel says. I know no matter what he's going to swap.
If this doesn't knock out, I need to be quick here.
Coming in with that Kanto Ninjas to get off as much energy and damage as possible, as quickly as possible.
Moving the pieces around and the pieces fell in a place that Peter Marvel might not like in hindsight
But he's gonna fire off the body stand here to try to deal some damage to that shadow kids on I tell you the shield comes up
And you know, that's the first step back
First the body slam bait now a shadow ball for the real deal getting both protect shields in this mid-game matchup
And we don't have a ton of energy on the shadow game tonight
It's up to him where he wants to deploy because there's still two protection flip on the side
We are about trying to go for a catch on successful as Corsola comes in to sweep up that jealousy in the back
And he we know is not shaken here
He anticipated the swap he knew yet so much energy on the kids on itel's and then he tomorrow is gonna try to waste it
But again, he switched off his fillet and course that you don't want to win fishing and he reeled in of course on the other side
He said okay, I'll wait even if you don't throw
I'm gonna get that course look out of the way with this licky-licky coming back in any wheel has a choice to throw now
He definitely wants to throw the not-ghost attack, the power jump.
It is enough to knock out the licky-licky, but every needle has zero shields left.
There's an asuing electrode coming in, so Hiromaru has two to hide behind.
Yeah, that Kanto Naites has so much energy as well, so I would not be surprised to see Hiromaru let this nightshade through.
He's got a big threat, and it's lurking in the back on the bench,
but he's got to overcharge a ton of energy, avoid a catch.
It's going to be real, real tough from Hiromaru.
Well, before you know it, you see them waiting, trying to go ahead and do that blending.
The quacks are going down, but look how low this is suing the lifter.
There's two shields left, but guess what?
They don't catch attempts, and any weed'll know it.
He knows that this is the end for game number three.
The wild charges are not gonna slow down.
They're gonna plug in and power up.
That's one KO.
The suing the lifter looking for another one, and there's another.
This is suing the lifter. Looks angry.
He wants a bit of revenge.
What's game number three?
Wild Church for you!
Wild Church for you!
Game three for Hiromaru.
Well done, well done.
In spite of the stumble,
Hiromaru finds his way in that battle number three
and now he stands on the absolute precipice
of becoming your Pokemon Go World Champion.
That's a mentality of a champion, right?
Do you recognize, okay,
maybe I could have won that previous game.
I can't let that shake me.
I have to put that in my past
because I need to focus on the future.
And the future is me winning this game.
I mean, Weedle needs to win two battles here
to become your world champion,
but he's no stranger to equalizing things
just when it feels like he's out of it.
So in this next battle,
he's looking to make some adjustments.
That swap out right there.
That's so instrumental to him tomorrow.
He's able to pull that delirium course left
back onto the field and get that alignment
Even though they didn't have it earlier on in the game,
I'm telling you to do that again, I'm sure, in this next battle.
It's so dangerous, right?
And I think a lot of times, trainers
opt for so many different opportunities
while they're playing this game.
Do I want to go for a switch advantage?
Do I want to go for a shield advantage?
It looks like Piramarra is definitely
going for that shield advantage there.
As you saw here, two shields,
two high behind at the end.
We're hopping into this game.
If Piramarra takes this, he is our San Francisco World
Champion, a lot is on the line, both of these trainers.
If you look in the lead, Shadowhawk wanted his Serino Lecture to get him out of Meanwhile, Shadowclack's Fire again in the lead for Emmy Weedle with the Shadowpinch and Eye-Tales and Polaris Corsula to find it.
Shadowbawk number one connects.
Going through, we've seen it quite a few times by Emmy Weedle, knowing that neither one of the attacks that are thrown is going to threaten the knockout, and what he wants to do is get a ton of energy.
This first mudbomb goes through, he'll win that charge attack that I already threw in right before the body slam is available.
If Emil Wiedel is worried about his glaring torso being strapped,
he's got to feel a huge sense of relief.
Because the licky-licky on the field right now means he can see the problem.
He can address it. He can do something about it.
And it looks like he's going to allow his shadow faxer to absorb another body sample.
Body sample number one, going through the first step shadow fall.
Actually, an immediate pivot because he recognized that that's exactly what we're here for.
He's going to do time after time. He lets a little bit of help.
He comes in for the hook out on, and Emil Wiedel says,
Wiedel says, OK, big course of the counter out of the way.
It's coming in.
Show me what you got, Earth Power coming through.
Shadow of the Poundon has been the most valuable Pokemon
for Hitomaru, and that Earth Power
is unable to trigger the defense drop.
But it does a heap of damage, and if this juncture,
Hitomaru will likely protect Shielded Up,
but it decides to with the last second.
Yeah, because if we take a peek at those back lines
there, this is actually one of the few times
that Hitomaru has put up a shield to make it not
save it, at least in the electric, in the map.
But any needle has that canto nine tails.
And let me tell you one thing,
Will Grass doesn't really like fire.
No, it does not.
Nets Nightshade will connect into the Shadow of Paladon.
This will likely tail that Pokemon
and force you tomorrow to choose his Nets.
But look at the swamp.
I mean, we don't all get going for the canto nine tails
and it needs the electrode.
This is going to be very close.
Once you look for both of these trainers,
going for that letter of all number one,
you see any needle kind of shaking his head.
No, he thinks he really has to concentrate
on this moment.
The Wild Church would be enough to do it, and Trillie would also be enough to strip that shield.
Wow, does that not have a catch?
Amy Weedle clutches it up, he thinks that's the play that he needed to make.
He's doubled up on the weather balls. Here's the first knockout, and Amy Weedle is almost at the equalizer for the series.
Not knowing that weather ball was huge for Amy Weedle, they're just getting more energy.
Yes, it's gonna be able to have to use the shield for the Wild Church, but he's got a weather ball of his own.
already lined up to go there, getting that first protect shield.
Weatherball coming through, no protect shield by here tomorrow.
Hands shaking, palms are sweaty.
That is a game for win for Emmy Weedle.
And our grand final free set will go the distance, everybody.
We're heading into a decisive game number five.
Emmy Weedle said, I saw that three ball
flex she did a little bit earlier on.
That looked fun.
Let me go ahead and try it too,
as all three podiums remain on the field to take that game number four and this is the grand finals reset.
We have one more game decide who will be the 2026 San Francisco world champion.
Season of effort, a career of accomplishments and it all hinges on the next four minutes.
This is the peak.
This is the summit that these trainers have dreamed up their entire lives and
they're standing here feet on the ground, eyes to the sky.
Game five is on the horizon, but only one of these trainers will be your world champion.
Here, Maro came in from that winner's side of the bracket defeating N.
E. Weedle in a three to victory on day two of championship.
However, Emmy Weedle ended up snatching that victory back in the grand finals here on the main stage here on Championship Sunday.
All eyes are on these two trainers in the next few moments, both of them taking a breath, taking a moment to realize.
This could be me. I could be next. We're hopping in to game number five!
Jelson and the Leaf versus the Shadow Clagsaw for Emmy Weedle, it all comes down to this everyone.
Hesuin, Electrode, and Licky Licky for Hugh tomorrow on the bench.
Meanwhile, Shadowpins and Runtails and Glarey Corsola for Emmy Weedle.
We've seen this quite a few times and we've seen a lot of simultaneous squabs.
We'll have to see if either one of these trainers are going to do anything a little bit different
now that this is truly the moment that we'll define their careers.
Surf number one coming through from the Jeltsin. No protection abuse by Emmy Weedle. It looks so, you know, by the folks so far.
Yeah, exactly. We've seen a very similar song and dance before, but will it change up here at the finale?
Mudbomb number two connects. Jeltsin hangs on as expected. It's already got the surf, not waning a turn.
Actually, throwing the charge stack here. Emmy Weedle, his Shadow Pact Star would be the first Pokémon Kair.
Going ahead, letting that get knocked out, keeping the Protections in the back, keeping in mind what could be coming in.
Just getting a ton of water there with this candle and eye test!
No! That is a crushing KO. There is these unable to get to the certain outcomes of Licky and Licky as well.
And Emileo knows this is a good sign. His Glaring Claw, his most valuable Pokemon, is still in the back.
This was huge, keeping him pure mo, and having the Pokemon that were made at the end.
I mean, we don't got to dictate the Pokemon that are coming in.
If that Licky Licky was on that Clinton force flight, it would have been devastating.
If that Canto Ninetales was on the scene and left out the same story here,
it's going to be a fairy engaging by the fairy end of this tournament.
I mean, we don't just want all the energy his Shadow Canto Ninetales can muster.
Weatherball coming through, I gotta be honest.
I don't know if this is enough. Licky Licky does hang on.
It's going to charge that credit.
Firing the Shadow Ball, I mean, we don't force the shield.
Oh boy, no protect shield now!
My Emmy Weedle, the Shadow Ball would do a ton of damage!
Emmy Weedle has such an energy advantage at the beginning!
Doing this first weather ball as he sees his Zulu and Electro coming in,
giving the first protect shield up to Pyromano's side.
That's only the first protect shield, and it looks like Cutaburra might have an advantage,
but there's such a long road still to go,
and Emmy Weedle takes those shields right back away from his opponent.
Going ahead, just taking them.
I have to wonder if you're Emmy Weedle, if you're just going to stay in,
or if you're going to make them throw energy?
No, it's swapping up immediately!
I'm going to get a player in force law here. Energy bomb number one coming through here.
This is Suin Electro. Try everything I can to take out two Pokemon.
Barring a good timing. A defense drop here would be absolutely massive.
Just get it! Because that means the second energy ball is enough. Doesn't throw the charge.
He has priority. I think he tomorrow is trying to double up on charge sticks.
But his Suin Electro needs to hang on.
And to think about his Suin Electro, it's a pain to get out of that red here.
Going for two! Looks like he is almost there! He's at the wild charge! He's on a sliver of health here! Going for the attack!
Wild Charge number one! Getting fired off! Galarian Corsola fades! Out comes the final postman! Static at the lighthouse! But the ender connects!
Going ahead now, look at the ever-wit move before the charge attack went through here.
And F.E. Weedle puts his head in the sand as he recognizes what a horrible situation it is to even still win in this type of scenario!
Oh my goodness, everyone. What just happens on stage?
I think we all need to take a moment, take a breath, because this is huge for both of these trainers.
This came down to the wire, and I think a lot of us recognize that he had two charge attacks stored.
First one for the Corsula to be able to knock out, second one for the Ninjals.
Ninjals energy went through first knockout that ensue in Electro.
Exactly, I mean you've got the double charge tax right? It's as simple as just tapping the button and swiping the bubbles
But in a moment like this when the emotions are so high the peak of a career the moment of a lifetime
Sometimes things just don't go your way. Yeah
I mean everything was in the driver's seat there for here a mile regardless of how this last game is going down
These trainers have been playing absolutely incredible all week and long on the stage to give us such an amazing performance
Such a show. I mean, they've given everything right the sweat the tears the effort
Not only this weekend, but also all season every single motion every single focus off-spun
Every Pokemon capture every egg hatched every friend made along the way
It all has built up to this very moment as our two worlds finalists are going to have a discussion with the judges.
This was the best of five match-up proof for it to all the way to game number five here and even so absolutely down to the wire.
It was anyone's match-up until the end here.
And so I have, truthfully, I don't blame them for taking a moment here to look over what's been happening.
Exactly.
I mean facing his hands. I don't think any leader has moved from that position. I see tomorrow talks with his translator there
My goodness. I'm gobsmacked. Honestly, I don't I don't think we've ever been in the situation quite like this this
And especially when there's so much online, right? We have here a model coming in first championship
First Japanese trainer to be able to make it to the finals here. Any leader are only ever
senior world division champion looking for his second title already breaking so many records being the only other world champion to be able to make it back to championship Sunday.
What story lines we have for both of these trainers, but in the end there can only be one.
I mean just think of the accolades right being able to bookend competitive Pokemon go first ever senior division world champion and finishing as the world champion.
champion and that's what's really on the line here as these two trainers have given everything to the series they've given
everything to this event and I'm sure their hearts are so are absolutely beating out of their chest. We're getting some work here it
looks like that there will be a rematch for this match up there so that means we are getting a brand new best of five.
We matched rules. Game five.
Well everyone, that's pretty fun the first time. Why don't we do it again?
I should have booked these trainers here. I know that they made me look a little bit defeated at this point.
They've been on stage for quite a while, their nerves are so high between these trainers.
You still see Emmy Riedel's head in his hand a little bit. He knows that it's going to be another game.
And I can't imagine right I can't imagine the whirlwind of feelings both of these trainers are feeling they thought it was over
They thought that was the end, but there's one more challenge ahead of both of them
And this is the real test right can you put those feelings aside? Can you return back to baseline?
Can you walk in one last time when it matters the most?
I don't blame and we know there's a lot of emotions going on in this very moment
moment. If there is something that doesn't play out correctly within the game, it's automatically
warranted as a rematch. So that means that we are going into a new, decisive game number
five for this moment. My goodness. What a photo finish it would have been, but history
will show that this next battle is the true final battle of the 2026 competitive
He's in a lot of discussion on the table there.
We don't have any insight into that.
We can't hear what the judges or the trainers are saying.
So we trust them to make the right decision
and get this next game on the road.
Yeah, and you know what?
I mean, there's a lot of emotions on the field here,
but it just means more Pokemon Go games for us.
And as I know, a lot of people in the audience,
a lot of people at home love to watch all these matchups.
So while we maybe have played a few of our games
and was expected, we all are here for it.
I'm here for it, too.
I wouldn't rather be anywhere else.
And this is a hard moment, especially for our competitors,
but they have to push through.
They have to pull the pieces together one more time,
even though you thought the plan was perfect.
You thought the team was excellent,
and the execution was immaculate.
This is it.
There's one more round to go here
in our best of five grand finals reset.
here tomorrow winners finals up against Emmy Weedle. Took it down to the line here. Best of five
matchups 2-2 at the end. Ended up being able to take game number three to put him in this seat on
the winner side of the bracket championship Sunday. However Emmy Weedle coming back here lost game
number one of the grand finals but one of the next three they've been neck and neck this entire
time taking it down to almost game five every single time. I said it I wasn't
being hyperbolic this is absolutely the closest we've had in terms of our skill
levels for our grand finals competitors in the competitive Pokemon go it's been
five years five years of champions and this has to be I mean I can't even see
the dividing line between these two trainers. Truthfully it could be anyone's game at this moment
of these two trainers are getting ready for their next battle. As we will see who will become the
2026 San Francisco world champion. Tensions are high. I think a lot of things are on the line for
both of these trainers. Nerves have to be really really shaken up at this point but my goodness
they got to settle it down to see. Oh maybe we don't talk to this opponent. There's so much
much shared respect on the stage there between these two young talented trainers, so much
on the line, but I cannot wait to see how it plays out.
Yeah, tough, right?
Because, I mean, if you're in the reedle, you probably felt like, you know, you have
the right team, and if you're here tomorrow, you feel like you make the right place.
You've got to do it one more time.
When it matters the most, and when your energy is already peaked and you're,
you know, trying to calm down, this is different.
Game after game here. These two trainers have proved time and time again why they are here on Championship Sunday showing you all what they have.
They've been going back and forth. They've been bringing unique Pokemon. They've been having fantastic catches.
Great team calls. Saving shields till the very end and this is getting to the point where we're going to find out who will be the champion.
Shadow Kento Ninetales, as well as that Shadow Bagsire and Glarene Forstler have been very valuable for Emmy Weedle.
Meanwhile, that Shadow Hapaldon has started to find some light. It's looked as impressive as it did yesterday when Hiromaru was using it on the main stage.
His ensuing electrode has really stolen the show. It almost took the whole thing.
Yeah, that's what I wanted to say earlier on. I mean, I know that he said his Shadow Hapaldon was going to be his MVP,
but I think that ensuing Electro has really helped pilot his success so far here on Sunday.
These games have been so, so close.
Give me a needle.
Trying to focus in.
Scan the battle codes.
Trainers are going to get started here shortly, everyone.
I see more and more fans piling into the arena as well.
If you're new here, you are in for an absolute treat, because this is about to be cinema.
You see both of these trainers, they've been up here for a while.
They've gone through the gauntlet of trainers.
So many different people who could have been named champion.
There have been so many good competitors throughout the weekend.
It's boiled down to two.
We are really at the point we're about to have one more game
to see who will be that champion.
But it's so gut-wrenching for both of these trainers at this moment.
As you can see, I mean, this head is in his hands.
here tomorrow really looking like quite tired and devastated himself I'm telling
you I don't know I've never been in the situation right I don't know if any of us
have but you have to find a way to push those emotions to the side and do what
you came here to do do what you've been doing all weekend long which is playing
incredibly good competitive Pokemon our two worlds finalists are looking to
do exactly that so much on the line and they've already given so much but
they have to give a little bit more one last time.
Both of them have their phones in their hands.
They're looking at the screens.
We're thinking that we might be getting into these battles
fairly, fairly soon as they just take a moment to decide
what they're going to lock in for this matchup.
If you're just tuning in now,
it's been a nail biter through this entire series.
We are at the game five of a best of five matchup
in the grand finals,
recessing who will be this champion.
Both of these trainers do so incredibly well throughout, but the motions, the tension, everything is so high, jumping now into game number five.
Jealousy lead from Yurimaru versus that Shadow Quack Saur from Enny Weedle. This is probably the fourth or fifth time we've seen this matchup play out.
We know just about exactly how it goes this time though, Enny Weedle overcharging to the mud bomb.
Drawing that first mud bomb, if this has been anything like the past couple of days that you've seen, we're not going to see any protections used on this first Pokemon from either side here.
either side here, here Maro charging up a little bit extra.
You broke the Shadow Ball here for a system dual.
A little bit more games in that swiftwood.
Shaking things up a little bit,
no potential views by Emmy Weidle.
I really like the adjustment there.
Brings that Shadow Flagside down deep into the red,
and second Marbaum is ready to go,
and here Marl is actually sticking to the script
outside of that Shadow Ball.
He's gonna no shield both of the Charge Tax
from the Shadow Flagside.
It gets the jealous and low in the sense of staying in
for a little bit more,
charging up a little bit more energy,
and swapping out this energy, loading,
And now, swapping in a sweet electrode into that Shadow Pantry Ninetales on the side of any reedle.
Got a couple of Thunder Shots off the swap, so he is going to be able to equalize the case
in just slightly more closely than he would from a dead heat,
but he's going to go ahead and fire the first wild charge,
and at this point, the Kansai Ninetales will use the first protect shield.
The protection was over, because this is charge tech,
meaning that, um, with the higher tech, we'll go first.
That was the electrode.
Now the weather boss will be fired up, giving a shield back in time.
There's going to be some more energy being thrown here.
The leg of all number two goes through this year all in his cold protection in this midgame matchup. Absolutely
Wow in spite of the slight head start
He's still not able to beat that shadow can tonight tells to the punch on the second weather ball while charge will command
The second shield though from any needle coming now through no protection is left for either trainer in the game
But the switch time is also back up and we'll actually swap out first
anticipate the swap here well here
Well actually stays in a little bit more gets a ton of energy on his pursuing a lecture before swapping into soak that damage on his
I think that's incredible right you tomorrow saw the shot coming did not fall for it didn't even blink
In comes the mirror matchup that we've seen several times today, but this is the last time you'll see it this season trainers
So let's settle in. We know that here in Maros, Licky Licky does win that charge check priority if it comes down to it
So both of these trainers are not only keeping eye on the health and energy of the Licky Licky
of the Licky Licky. These are also keeping an eye on that Switch Timer because every time
an attack is filled, a little bit of that timer gets eaten up. If you have a Pokemon
that is fit like this that can take up body slam after body slam, look at this. Emmy
Licky Switch Timer already up.
Exactly. And as you called out earlier, the Charge Attack Party tie will go to Hitomaru's
Licky Licky each and every time as that Charge Attack connects, Switch Timer is also
up for Emmy Lito and it's likely up for Hitomaru as well. This is when things
start to get serious because either trainer could swap at any half-second.
And you don't want the cat's family lost on anything else. Actually, Emmy Weedle
opting to go first. There was quite a bit of energy onto that Licky Licky swaps
into that quad sire and ends up taking it out but there's a little bit of
help left on it and there's no potential. It comes into the Suni Electro to completely farm it down.
Now no matter what comes in, it's going to have to take a charge attack.
That was passive. I mean this Suni Electro is almost at the double.
there are two Pokemon remaining.
Any Weedle will likely have to send out his Licky.
Licky loses the charge attack priority tie.
Here comes the wild charge.
How much energy is on that Shadow Kento Ninetales?
Hidamaru needs to recall now.
There was a blind wild charge there.
And in the middle of him at the swamp,
going in with a surf board,
this Jellison had saved up all that energy earlier on.
This is a shadow damage here.
This surf connects with the Ninetales.
It came out, and that is it!
Yudurumaru, let the emotions wash over you.
You are a Pokemon Go World Champion.
Heroes rise and heroes fall, but Yudurumaru takes it all.
So well done.
So many battles fought in spite of the rematches.
In spite of the stumbles, both of these trainers
gave everything they could to this grand finals.
And we thought it'd be the Hesuin Electro Show,
but Joe's been came in there to steal the spotlight.
You see him bumping his fist.
This is a trainer.
It's the first time he's competed
at the World Championships.
This is the first time the Japanese trainer
has been on the main stage,
and this is the first time that he has taken it all home.
Tomorrow is gonna bring that trophy back home
to his region, and he could not be more proud.
What a series.
What a fracking readout.
Oh, my goodness, you see Emmy Weedle's mom there clapping in the crowd, proud of her son who gets such an amazing job throughout this tournament, throughout this full competitive series.
Emmy Weedle, fantastic trainer that Hiramaru took it all.
What a series. What a time and what a set for a lifetime of memories as we head down to Fareed on the floor for an interview with your new world champion.
Hiromaru, you are the world champion.
Can you share what's going through your mind right now?
Mr. Hidomaru, you are the champion of the Pokemon World Championship.
Do you have any thoughts or thoughts?
There are many things, but I am very happy.
The number of games that you had to play shows a level of mentality that is amazing.
How did you fight through that entire set after the bracket reset?
How did you feel about the match?
I was happy that I was able to calm down and relax.
in San Francisco, and you have won.
What does that mean to represent your nation?
I'm from Japan, and I'm the first Pokemon Go player in Japan.
Can you tell us how you feel about being in Japan?
I can't believe that I'm in such a place.
I'm really happy to be the first champion in Japan.
for UN Games.
So, as world champion, you get a special pose, you get a special outfit and these should
now have been added to your account.
So I'd like you to go onto your trainer account, into your style and you can click onto the
outfits just here.
Hiramaru, that is your world champion outfit, that is your world champion pose.
Jay Center, give it up, it's Hiramaru!
What an incredible grand final that was for Pokemon Go.
There is so much to digest and we have some brilliant analysts
who'd love to take you through everything that's happened here this weekend in San Francisco.
Thank you. Thank you. And what an incredible Grand Finals and
performance in Hiromaru throughout the entire week. He fought so
badly and had so much grit throughout in his first ever
World Championship and probably not gonna be his last.
How do you feel after that one? I'm not sure if I've seen a
Pokemon Go trainer with the belief in his Pokemon as Hiromaru
just demonstrated not only yesterday, but today to become your Pokemon Go World Champion.
How about closing it off with back-to-back charges, acts two times in a row to seal the
deal.
The anticipation to call a counterswap after four shields went down, an incredible World
Champion.
I really felt like we were doing a dance the whole time between the Corsair and the
Licky Licky and seeing what that alignment was going to stack up.
And then at the same time, you had the electrode versus the nine tails as well.
There were just so many components that were so incremental in this victory.
Honestly, every single second was just spectacular.
And what had mattered the most, it felt like the defining lead matchup of that series was
the Jellison versus the Quagsire.
So often was Jellison taking the knockout there.
However, the reveal at the end, the adjustment in game number five to throw the shadow
wall, bank the serve, and almost flip the swing, the electrode's worst matchup
against it.
was trying to dodge the Kanto Ninetales all set but he ends up safe switching it
with the bank charge attack. Weedle has to try and predict the switch out but he
stays on the field and at the end the surf connects. Ninetales fell and hero Maru
was crowd champion. It's such a great point because the shift from yesterday
to today for Amy Weedle was the Galarian Corsula right? He didn't bring that
early on in the winners finals. He brought that in the grand finals and
that was the problem Pokemon. I believe he got three or four crucial
fast attacks down with the astonish and able to do that and as you see these are your top three here
of course we have two trainers from the Japan region in your top three Amy Weedle is your finalist
as well. And we got Kanto no in that third place four years ago in London in Pokemon goes first
ever world championship we had crescent angels from Japan get that third and highest finish
from Japan and since then they haven't eclipsed that until this year four years
later Contorno getting that third place and we do another grand finals in a
world championships and hero mode taking the crown and taking the title to
Japan on the 30th anniversary of Pokemon and I want to talk about some of
these Pokemon as well we had so many familiar faces in the form of Licky
Licky the tinkertown also don dozo really making a splash it at the
Pokemon World Championships but the unsung hero and I cannot believe I'm
actually saying this is that hip-hound is a world champion not only that but in
that final we had so many other interesting choices of course the
floor just doing incredibly well the electrode too. What I like as we take a
look across Hiromaru's team is if you take a look at the hip-hound on the
electrode and you take a look across the other seven teams you
don't see a hip-hound on you don't see an electrode sometimes to be
crown champion you have to take a risk you have to choose Pokemon you believe
it even if others don't believe in them as well and it pays off as Hiromaru is
our new world champion. We see so many of our decorated players in that top
bay of course there's the prize money as well the $20,000 in that first place
that will go to Hiromaru as well as the trophy and all the athletes but
more importantly he has etch his name in the history books of Pokemon Go.
And of course you get a trophy if you're in the top four and it worked in the previous seasons where if you got top four at the
World Championships you do qualify for the next season Pokemon Go World Championships as well
So congratulations to all of our trainers that got in the prize and here at the Pokemon Go World Championships
All right trainers. Are you ready? Let's crown our world champion?
The best of the best delivered a bracket reset and now we must deliver the props our finalists
deserve. Join me in celebrating our 2026 Pokemon Go World Championship finalists. First we have
of our runner-up, M. E. Weedle!
And our next finalist.
First World Championship run. First World Championship title.
Everybody get wild for Hero Maru!
I'm going to show you how to do it.
I'm going to show you how to do it.
World Championship runner-up and champion!
Soon enough we'll get things going with the Pokemon trading card game,
but for now, let's wrap up Pokemon Go at the analyst desk.
30 years of Pokemon, 10 years of Pokemon Go and for us in Championship Series, it's our fifth World Championships
and you cannot talk about Pokemon Go Championship Series history without mentioning the legendary chapters of any Weedle in Hiromaru.
and that is it was such an incredible road getting to the world championships even qualifying is a
feat in itself and your mom has tried three separate times in his third time this year
he made it and it just shows how far you can take it the moment he makes this big
stage and that any trainer truly could take it all and I love that we got the bracket reset as
well you know at the end of the day the best of the best qualified to be here at the Pokemon
world championships and then we ended up with two trainers remaining. We wanted to make sure that
we had as much action as possible and to be able to reset that bracket just meant that every
single moment was more instrumental to that victory. A lot of incredible memories.
And I think as we take a look back across our top 12 Pokemon from day number two,
we're going to see quite a few Pokemon on screen, but also the Pokemon that are missing
are the ones that are interesting to me. No Hip-Hound on, no Electrode, Hero Maru,
forging his own path and he did so incredibly.
And even the Jealousy as well.
And we saw in the winners finals,
he used that trio in every single battle
for four straight games to get on that winners side
of the bracket.
If he didn't do so, he could have lost the world
championships by being on that loser's side.
But he had that cushion and it reset
and he was able to take the championships.
And that's something so impressive about
here tomorrow and Contreras,
got third place they didn't go with the flow of all the other place they went
against the meta we went against the grain and they did it their way and they
faded so far into this tournament because of it that's a beautiful part about
Pokemon Go and Pokemon in general is that yes there are certain Pokemon that
a lot of people use a lot of people love to use but you can also make your signature Pokemon
your MVP picks work in the right moments I love that sentiment you know
you can indeed sometimes win with your favorites and then maybe a Pokemon
favorite is still yet to be conjured up if you do have great success with it. I know you've enjoyed
Dozo throughout this tournament, have any home slides. Three Dandozos to top eight is more than I
ever could have hoped for. It does seem so many trainers go against the grain, have incredible
success, has been really fun to see. Even as those top Pokemon are revealed, Pokemon like the
Licky Licky and the Kanto Ninetales, the choice to run that have hout on a sudden and clear,
and how to resist the rollout, it has super effective pressure into that Kanto Ninetales.
And honestly, it was a really tough Pokemon for Enri Rideau to try and play around because it'd be the same pressure from that amount of.
And in the end, the most meaningful Pokemon was the Hissuin Electrode.
It is 12th on the usage here, and it's countered by the Shadow Kanto Ninetales.
That's probably the strongest Pokemon in the entire meta right now.
So to be able to do that, the belief as we've talked about before,
It really is the story of Pokemon.
Definitely.
And you know, some of these picks, it takes a brilliant mind
to be able to convince others that these Pokemon can even
be usable, can even win it all.
And we can take a look at some of these cast predictions, too.
Hey, I see a couple.
Wait, hold on.
There's a hup out on your side, too, as well, Henry.
Oh!
We've got all winners here on this one.
A lot of history and lecture there.
You know, I appreciate this price from Fareed.
And maybe those Pokemon didn't necessarily
make it to the Grand Finals.
but maybe in his hands he would have done it.
Not gonna lie, feeling pretty good with this Asuna.
I told you.
Yeah, it's the real thing.
I think, I mean, obviously I was gonna pick my boy Gastrodom,
but there was a lot of great eternity for Pokemon like the Flauges
and the Thiebel as well that we got to see throughout the competition on the broadcast,
but of course, the superstar really is that nine tails as well.
We saw it time and time again.
It was a popular choice amongst his gasses, so I do think I was onto something there.
Even if I didn't necessarily have the winning numbers there,
I had some good scores, I'd say.
I feel it pretty okay with mine, the only about-on on the bracket ends up taking home the world championship, three Dandozos in the top 8.
We saw quite a few Manteens, but the Manteens did kind of fizzle out towards the end of day 2, and Anylep, it appears, it won back-to-back regionals.
Sorry, back-to-back world championships, but it was unable to get the 3P.
Yeah, Anylep of course, one of the strongest Pokemon ever. I have that in my predictions as well, but we actually did pretty good, which isn't always the case.
It's always the trainers that are doing awesome, but it's nice to see the cast of predictions go kind of well for us as well
And definitely and that's you know, just a really cool part here
Pokemon go because you can just build your team
However, you would like to and try to make the sims these work
They might not make sense on their own but paired with certain Pokemon
You got the his soon like she'll pair with the shadow without them make something
No one ever thought of and maybe the only team with those specific to Pokemon combinations is what makes
certain unbeach their true potential.
I think as well throughout this 2026 season we've seen so many different
archetypes rise to the top as different you know meta evolutions come through.
We are in that forever forward meta and this is kind of the end point that we've
been able to achieve. We only got a glimpse at the Turin event very at the
end of the summer and now to be able to be here at Worlds and see how it
has evolved over time has been incredible. Going into the next season
things are completely gonna change.
The end of the 2026 season I think was a very special one as we had a lot of
Trainers being able to win first-time events, we had Arrow winning in Los Angeles,
Caspian Bik who had a great performance at Worlds, winning in Indianapolis,
and then the crowning jewel of the 2026 season, Hiromaru in his first ever Worlds,
able to take on the crown and be crowned our 2026 World Champion.
I think 2026 the story has been a cinch, just as it was in the regional championships,
in some international championships as well. We're won by some dominant trainers, but
here in the World Championships, a trainer that we haven't seen before.
From a region we're not as familiar with, but these Japanese trainers
pulled off two of the top three of the Pokemon World Championships
and had eight of the remaining 32 in day number two.
And speaking of regions we're not very familiar with, that makes
this year's World Championships three years in a row that
APEC has taken the world.
You're Kai in 21.4 in Hong Kong, Hawaii from Hong Kong.
And we got Fields of War from India last year in Anaheim.
And this year we have Hiromaru from Japan.
They have way less moments, way less chances to qualify.
But that means that everyone that comes out of those regions
are absolute monsters at the game and definitely a region
that if you didn't respect it for it, you better respect it.
I feel like you've just thrown the challenge, Gortland down.
One of the other regions going into the 2020.
Yeah, we got to pick it up.
Yeah, like, come on, guys. Step up your game.
What are you doing over here?
I think that's one of the nice things, though,
is at the end of the season, yes, at the end of one era,
but it's the start of a new one as well.
And for a lot of trainers watching that particular game
in the tournament all weekend long,
they're going to be inspired.
Whether they're a veteran of the competition
or maybe a new viewer tuning into Pokemon Go
for the very first time,
hopefully we're going to see the game grow and grow.
Well, to that point, we are ending the era a little bit
for Pokemon Go Championship Series,
where we've had five of the individual World Championships.
But next year, we're going to have some team
Pokemon Go World Championships and I believe we are ready to head over to TCG so let's get on to the stage
two titles down, two more to go.
Our next title has challenged our trainers to adapt, innovate, and outplay the competition.
And now, three more names will join the ranks of those imprinted upon the banners above.
Everybody, it is time for our Pokemon Trading Card Game Final S.
The perfect math a to win double KO on both the drug load in a fight that is flat the final piece of the puzzle
And that is too much a pump helmet because why not?
That's the KO on that Zoroac. We retreat, we guff, we KO, we win.
He's going to take his boss's orders!
That's the boss!
He's in a KO with Moltres!
He's finally going to stop!
It seemed like she had no way back.
It's so hard to get to this point.
We head into a third and deciding gate.
He's going to extend the hand here.
Our miracle run continues.
It seems the inevitable is coming.
That's it!
Bosses orders, KO's!
We are going to a game free since Henry's lost.
That's the Hubsack!
Not the Angel, Captain Roger, it's Bach!
If Peter Hedrick finds Boss's orders, he will win the game!
Now an opportunity to become a world champion.
Everyone at home, everyone in the chase center,
Are you ready to meet your TCG Junior finalists?
First up, you saw him rockin' the pillar at NAIC
and now he's come to make his mark on the World Championship stage.
Give it up for Luke Giffen!
He's going to win the championship.
Next up, you've seen him as the victor of the Japan Championship Series.
And now, looking to take off against a new rival, everybody give a warm welcome to Araki Yuta.
All right, Luke, it wasn't that long ago that we saw you competing at NAIC getting
that victory.
How have things changed for you as a competitor from then until now?
Um, not much. I've just found a new deck and played it a lot.
Reps are very important, and a new deck is something to look forward to.
Alright, Yuta. You've been playing for about four years now. You're coming to us after winning the JCS.
How have you been preparing to make your debut on a stage like this?
I enter tournaments and play with friends and practice.
practice, practice, practice. That's what it takes to make it here on the world
championship stage, but it is time for you to make your way to your battle
stations and get RTCG finals started.
two of the world's best competitors in the Junior's division fighting to see who will be this year's World Champion.
Cannot stress enough how big this match is and what is on the line for both of these competitors.
And one thing is for certain, Ethan, it is going to be a good old classic Dragapult mirror match as you can see on your screen.
But of course with anything about Dragapult, it is always about which variant you are going to bring to the tournament.
tournament that seems that both of our competitors have decided to go two separate separate ways.
That is the versatility of course of Dragapult EX. The most powerful EX Pokemon many would consider
in the format. It's all about that phantom dive attack, completely damaged to the active Pokemon
while spreading damage counters onto the bench. Welcome in ladies and gentlemen to the TCG portion
of tonight's championship Sunday. My name is Ethan Heckey. Emily Foreman is joining me.
what a match and what a plethora of matches we have in store for you all today.
If it's one thing that is for certain you just never know what you're going to sit across from
in the Pokemon trading card game. Over the past season we've seen plenty of decks take home the
gold and especially across different divisions we've seen different decks really kind of rise
to the top. So I'm interested to see two of our competitors more champions in their own right
who is going to come out on top of the world.
It is a battle of North America up against Japan.
Two national champions gave their way
through the opposite side of the bracket.
As you see, a lot of Dragapult in this bracket, Luke
advancing into the semifinals, down Michael in that mirror
match, Yuta doing the same against Bo Sen Chang.
They meet now in the finals.
It's so interesting to see which variants of Dragapult
really come to the top of the meta at a time because there are so many micro
decisions and micro thinking that you could really do. I mean technically they all
kind of counter each other in some sort of way here. So I'm excited to see Luke
return to the stage here but of course Utah has well a very well-known junior in
Japan. Both have put a lot of time into this deck. Talk to them a little bit before
for the match today.
Essentially playing Dragonfall for the end of the season.
Those repetitions are gonna come in extremely important
for this era match.
You can see who is predicting on each side
and it looks like Team USA
not the most representative family.
You are one of Luke's supporters here.
Well, I gotta tell you why you did it.
It's because I moved back on Luke's tournament
and I did see that Utah had actually taken a loss
two Dragapult to Dunsparse a little bit earlier in the round.
So I am going off of that knowledge,
but I think for you, Ethan,
you're gonna go based off of the matchup
and Dusknoor is going to have a lot to say
about the Dunsparse.
It's so hard to pick one of these trainers.
I wish I could put that logo right in the middle,
say either champion is fine
and that is definitely the case.
That Dusknoor's first blast ability,
100% something to keep in mind in this matchup.
players and ready to get down to the table.
We are going to be seeing that drag of bolt mirror match.
A lot of key factors going into this matchup.
And truly it is champion versus champion.
As you can check out the accomplishments here
on the stream, I mean, LAIC champion and NAIC champion.
Luke is on a roll to claim his third champion title
within the same season.
Still looking on over to Utah as well, the JCS champion.
The champion of Japan is here.
It is a stark, studded finals even.
On a direct collision course to see who will become
this year's champion, as you mentioned,
Dragonfall EX and both players that
will be using that the Dunsparce runaway draw
to provide a bit of consistency
and there are some cool combos you can do
by benching that Pokemon repeatedly
throughout the course of the game.
One of the Pokemon that I think everybody
in the trading card game really truly loves
So C hid the bench is going to be that Purdue
and starting to use itchy pollen to lock off
a lot of these items.
So it's really about who wants to go first,
who wants to go second,
who essentially has the best setup here
because once Purdue comes into play,
even a lot of engines stop running.
Definitely an important factor.
The least determination,
a supporter car that since its release
has warped the Medicaid to be a popular
and heavily relied on inclusion.
That's another card that if either of those players can consistently evolve into their
Trecloak and cycle through their deck with that card, they're going to have a lot easier
of a time setting up.
And while these players are definitely playing different archetypes of Dragonfall, I'm not
going to talk about it just yet, but things like Ace Vent, that one up card in the deck
that you can play to really turn the tides, has been different for both players.
So I am very excited to see when certain things are going to drop down.
Two similar decks, but two very different backgrounds for these players, testing in different regions,
playing different formats, different tournament structures.
Those differences can be advantages for both players given the circumstance.
So excited to see Booth again here up on the stage, masterfully with one of the grand
finals in NAIC just a couple months ago.
Not to mention even there's been a whole expansion set that has been released between NAIC and Worlds.
And that is pitch black and it seems to just not have too much of a meta turn at the Sun Archers division here.
Talked about the A-Spec as we're setting up. Definitely important thing to mention.
Most of these Dragonbolt BX decks consistently playing that unfair scam card. It's an excellent disruption tool.
Well, run me through the A-Spect that Luke has decided to play this weekend.
Well, Luke has definitely gotten a little bit tricky with his A-Spect, and it is going to be the Heroes Cave.
Now, Dragapult already has above 300 hit points, but Heroes Cave is actually going to give an extra 100 HP to this Dragapult.
And especially within the Dragapult near and even, where there are damage counters flying left and right,
both players are going to be starting to set up multi-prize knockout turns.
It's really important for Kuro to protect these multi-prize knockouts from happening.
No tool disruption over on Kuro's side. Nothing like a tool scrapper or a jamming tower.
So once that Kuro's cape comes down, it may make things tricky for you to be able to deal with that Pokemon.
There's so much damage that flies back and forth, speaking of which, we cannot go without talking about Monkey Dory's Adrenal Brain.
Yeah, I've already talked about Buddies. Why not mention Buddies' Cast Friend?
And that is Monkey Dory who has been meta ever since the card has come into our game.
Essentially can take these damage counters that you received from Dragapult and have died
and sent them back. Not only can you use it a little bit more defensively,
but Dragapult, the ex-players, tend to use it a little bit more offensively.
Once again, we want to see these players set up multi-prize knockouts
and then use something like an unfair stand to try and stick their hands
so they can't draw anymore cards.
Did talk about the pitch, lack expansion, no super important archetypes, of course.
Some decks emerge, some decks got better.
One big major card that we are seeing in Yuta's list, looking through, it is that special red
card.
In fact, both players playing that extra form of hand disruption, it's going to be even
more important on Luke's side since he does not have that unfair stamp.
We did have rotation as we'd like to call it in the trading card game mid-season.
You did lose a very popular supporter card of Iono,
which shuffles your player's hand to the bottom of the deck,
and then you draw as many prize cards remaining.
It's a little bit different with that special red card here.
So I'm excited to see when those are going to come into play,
because once again, it is very, very important to find.
Talk about the coin flip.
These first couple of turns, so crucial for the set.
The player finds out, but do on turn one.
How consistently do the energy cards come into play?
And one more fact to always think about, how does the energy stick in play?
Neither of these players are playing a card like the brushing camera,
we see how impactful that card can be in the mirror match.
These players are going to be feeling a little bit more comfortable spreading their energy out,
maybe committing to that monkey dory a bit earlier than usual.
On a normal day, trackable players would love to know second,
Even though, while very popular in the Pokemon trading part again,
you want to go first to evolve up,
but just in case your hand doesn't have too many options,
you still want to be able to use a supporter
like that early determination that you mentioned
to refresh the hand to try and find those buddy buddy poppins.
The most important lead to use that venue
to get Ichi, Paulin, into play.
These players eager and anxious to set up
see each other open in hands.
the basic Pokemon to put into play to start.
So, a few options for Luke.
We gotta wait to put those prize cards out.
We have a prize game for a reason, ladies and gentlemen.
See those prize cards.
We'll see what pieces are unavailable.
There is a buddhu in the prizes
and that's the only copy of buddhu
for you to add double, triple, both players
struggling right off the gate.
Those are the consistency cards that Ethan and I
talking about a key to this Dragonfall deck when the inevitable hand of disruption decides to hit
and everyone. There are Pokemon trainers from all over the world today and whether you just
left the professor's lap with your first Parker Pokemon or you've taken your first steps onto
Victory Road, you are about to be a part of history. So San Francisco, are you ready to
Mr. Crop, you're treating our game champion!
Shin underway, game number one in our junior's division.
It's up there, starting things off with the Pokey pad,
and immediately going to get the bad news that Ichi Pollen will not be an option for him in game one.
And that's definitely going to be something that Luke is taking into account right away here.
As that opening prize check is very important here,
and gets to see the rest of the hand even,
but as long as there is at least that energy attachment of that fire energy,
can't be too bad.
Have you reliance in the list for Yuta on that Dawn supporter card?
You've seen that in Alakazam as a consistent way to get Pokémon into play.
It's great in this Dragon Ball deck.
Get those 3P, get the Draclokobald using Recon Directive to add some consistency to the plan.
See this Pokepad? Grab 3P, put it into play, and start to develop the ball.
While Yuta has done a great job of grabbing the 3P,
You have to talk about the secondary engine that this deck is technically playing and that is going to be this just more line
That's cursed last and you time not showing it already means that may not have an opportunity
To go and get these dust bowls ready to go the energy attachment is key
But the problem is that is a great sign for Luke that his done sparse when he puts them into play are actually going to be
safe for quite some time
Action on Luke see that done sparse top deck for turn okey pad excuse me
Not yet available the buddy buddy puff into kick turn off start to see some treat becoming to play and even considering
Immediately, but do as a disruptive option a lot of the times players really want to conserve their energy attachments
Different variations you drag a bolt really love to have that energy acceleration with something like a blaze in the X
But none of these Pokemon are actually in the deck here.
So these energy attachments are actually very important.
But the thing is for Lukey, then the moment that he sees that there is no buddy on Utah's side,
he really just wants to stop the engine before it keeps going.
Item card, such a heavy reliance for this deck.
Pokey pad finds Dracloak, Dracloak finds more cards,
and once that ball starts rolling, it's really hard to stop.
But if you can get in the way, disrupt the setup even just a little bit,
the tide starts to turn and the floodgates can easily open.
The only problem with this deck search for Luke here is that, as a reminder, there are two Drag Cloaks within it in the prizes.
And because of this variation of Drag Cloak, there are no rare candies to get straight into Drag Cloak from here.
So it's one of the energy attachments onto the Monkey Dory and the Poke Pad as well to find that one of two copies of Drag Cloak in the deck.
Bearing itchy pollen as an option wants to play those item cards before they are potentially shut off.
No supporter card in hand for Luke.
The hand is looking pretty weak,
otherwise his inhibity can't use that
until a knockout is taken.
We will see the first itchy pollen of many in this series.
It's gonna be a really weird turn for Luke
if he's unable to find the dedunced cards
to use that runaway draw
and draw a couple of more cards here.
Passing back on over to Yuta's turn.
And there's that dawn that you were talking about, Ethan.
Gonna finally be able to at least set up
a little bit of a part of the Duskville line,
but also grab that feature float here.
And immediately thinking towards the next turn,
no supporter card in the hand, energy, item, stadium,
none of those super impactful wants to grab that Meowthie X,
so you can use that last bitch catch ability
on the following turn to find a supporter,
like Lily's Determination.
And eight cards is definitely what Yuta wants to find.
I mean granted, off of this recon directive,
another energy card, like a fire energy,
so at least Dragon Pull could potentially get into play
the next turn feels pretty good.
But the problem is with this Meowth EX,
it is a very good card.
You are able to go find the supporter,
but the opponent only has 170 hit points.
It is very susceptible to a Dragapult Phantom die
that is going to stay on the bench
for the rest of the game if he puts it down.
Recon directive, not a great choice.
No, very good options.
Buddy, buddy, poppin' cannot be played
thanks to items being shut off.
See the fire energy attached to your cloak.
So it's almost ready to go for the following turn.
Risky ruins comes down, meaning any Pokemon
that are put into play from this point
will have two damage counters placed on them.
See what the rest of the hand looks like.
Big recon director for Lupini,
find some sort of help,
and immediately finds Lily's determination,
a huge fine off these two cards.
That's exactly what you want to see if you are a Luke.
But let's talk about that risky ruins,
even is very important key card here in this matchup.
If you have any Pokémon that you place onto the field, if it is not a Dark-type Pokémon, it gets two damage counters.
And the thing is, we already talked about this in our kind of pre-match conversation.
Monkey Dory loves to see those damage counters are ready to go and send them back to the other side.
Dark energy already in play means those counters can be moved over to another Pokémon.
You kind of get in this weird spot where Monkey Dory moves the damage counters over one turn,
and then the other players, Monkey Dory, moves it back and forth.
There's that to Dunsparse you were talking about, Emily.
Looking for energy cards, which cannot evolve that Treepee since it came into play this turn,
and immediately evolving into the Dunsparse, using that runaway draw, looking for some help.
The game cards are online for Luke. There was not an itchy paw in playback.
Now we'll see Buddy Buddy pop in, where he grabbed Dunsparse and potentially another Treepee.
This is exactly what you want to do if you are weak.
You have to look on the side of Utah here.
and know that there's only going to be one Dragapult in play.
So why not get every single engine that you have in the deck up and running right now here?
But the question is, Ethan, I mean, Luke has prized two Dragloaks here.
Wouldn't he want to find at least one more?
Definitely an option for the following turn.
See energy play down.
See the Monkey Dory use that Adrenal Brain to start two damage counters.
From Drippy, moved on to the opposing Dragloak.
Just considering how else to play that turn.
Preemptively playing Pokepad, preparing for potential itchy pollen shenanigans for the future.
As things stand, Yuta will have the option to strike first with that Dragapult EX and energy already being in the hand.
What's really unfortunate for Luke here is that there are two damage counters very keely on that creepy that came down on this turn.
So Phantom died not only does it do 200 damage to the active but it does six damage counters to the bench as well
so
Utah can very well either take the next 3B or even that draw engine of the Dunds or the Dunds bars
Excuse me for next turn. This is a big decision with me
How the X does Utah want to set up the board for play something like the lilies determination or get
aggressive use boss's orders K-Electra Cloak as well as the Treepie on the bench
and immediately you see put to the top of the deck Utah wants to get aggressive in
this mirror match. Part of the reason why Utah is playing this Dusk Noir line is to
get aggressive most of the time when you have Dusk Walls and Dusk Noirs you
use them to spread these damage counters so you can just destroy your
opponent's side of the board and while yes I mean not much else to go
with alongside on Utah side here taking at least the big draw engine off the board and leaving Luke
having to find a way to get these creepy back it's the only way for him to go and importantly will
not be threatened on the following turn from a phantom dive Luke is not playing any cards like
rare candy to evolve Pokemon up and skip that stage of evolution here we go you've done playing
the bosses orders rings up trick cloak phantom dive taking two prize cards knocking out the
that you're close to me.
And leaving Luke with a poor board.
Has one blood do a dump sparse and age
repeat to go and you can imagine
even that that track look might be
seeing a boss's orders next
at this point for Utah can
absolutely get aggressive as well.
Well, while being under item
walk for short this turn, it might
be the fact that he's already really
far ahead. So unless Luke I was
about to say a boss this done sparse
we could potentially see another two
He's got out this start this is so risky to use itchy pollen on the active
It would bring dragapult eax up to three damage counters on it
And if you to find a monkey Dory plus dark energy of his own that venture cloak is in a world of hurt
It's not exactly what you want to see if you're looking. Let's go back a couple turns even
I mean Utah was very very far behind had only half of the Pokemon
He wants to see out on the field and now Luke only having one drop look to really work with now
We'll play buddy, buddy, pop and look through the deck.
There is one dreamy remaining, so place that down.
And this risky ruin from Utah is putting in so much work.
Exactly what you want to see if you are on Utah's side here.
But, okay, from the top rope,
Zerosa's vacanations comes down,
now forces Utah to only keep three cards in his hand and discard the rest.
does get to choose. Look at this spot. Luke can discard some resources. Now if Yuta wanted to
try and play a supporter card to find the Monkey Dory Dark Energy, it may become a little bit too
difficult. And doesn't also very clearly have a draft cloak in play just yet either. So that
draw engine that draft cloak provides with Recon Directive is actually not in play just yet.
So the question is what is going to be prioritized just keeping the consistency cards or
We're finding a way to get that for a cloak for next turn.
Now Yuta did take two prize cards on the previous turn,
so we'll have access to those cards taken out of the prize cards.
You see a lot of item cards,
and that's what Yuta may be thinking about in this spot.
What cards will I be able to play on the following turn?
Is my opponent going to use Ichi Pollen on my active?
Are they going to try and play around Monkey Dory?
But even if you don't use Ichi Pollen,
there is still two damage counters on that active.
You'd have to use your own monkey Dory to move that counter off.
Like you had said, even there are a ton of item parts within this hand for Utah to get those dust goals set up.
And the problem is, I feel like Luke is just going to have to eat you pollen again, unfortunately, as you pointed out already.
Now the thing is, Monkey Dory with that energy onto it is now going to finally come into play.
We are going to see some mind bend shenanigans.
If Utah wants to attack next turn, it's just going to have to flip heads for it.
needs to buy some time and this is a great way to do so.
Mind bends, 60 damage to the active,
but more importantly, confusing this Dragapult EX.
If Yuta wants to use Phantom Dive this turn,
we'll have to flip a coin.
It heads, it will go through as normal,
but if he flips tails, not only does the attack fail,
but he'll deal 30 damage to itself.
And Yuta, holding on to the very key card
of Poke Pad here, is going to be able
to get this Drag Cloak out from the deck
to use Recon Directive.
I don't believe Yuta kept a supporter in hand,
so ideally this recon directive should give him
potentially Abe Lily's determination to refresh the hand.
But more importantly, Ethan, where are these Duskles?
Currently missing in action.
Yuta would love to see those come down.
Now having Duskles in play early on in the game
is a huge advantage.
60 HP means a phantom dive can directly take a KO
on that Pokemon.
Always gotta be careful about how many prize cards
giving up compared to the threat. So here we go. Two cards and look at that
Lily's determination. Two options for both players now off of these crucial
recondirective abilities. Got to feel good if you're Utah especially because Utah
is not under item lock anymore at this point. So a very fresh six cards
unfortunately for Utah because has already taken some prize cards so Lily's
determination will only give him six instead of eight but still I'm sure
that is a very welcome six cards.
Just thinking about how to approach the turn,
it's going to be an energy attachment to the active.
You are seeing that correct, ladies and gentlemen.
Dragapult does only need two energy cards
to use Phantom Dive.
However, you're too very scared
of what this confusion could do to Dragapult EX
if he goes for a powerful attack,
wants to play safe and maybe retreat
this Pokemon to the bench.
Yeah, but what do you retreat into, Ethan?
You have your draw engine up and running finally,
But you also have a Pokemon that gives over two prizes and that would even up the prize race for Luke.
So I'm interested to see what Yuta is going to retreat into.
Maybe his own monkey Dory, if he were able to find it.
But you could definitely valuable, but it's in the prize cards.
It's unavailable.
We'll have to go into the tank and think a bit about what is the best grab.
Six cards from Lily's determination.
Drawn off of the top of the deck.
We have seen the energy attachment for turn.
Looking potentially for the Duskull, as you mentioned, an Elvlar Treepee.
Let's take a look at the discard pile and see what resources have been played on Luke's side.
Looks like a knight's structure. That's, of course, a powerful recovery card.
There aren't three in Luke's deck, which is slightly above the average,
especially without playing Duskull.
And what's really important about Luke and his deck list,
from what we were talking about a little bit earlier,
Luke has not revealed that heroes cape yet. Traditionally in Dragapult, Dragapult's loved to
play that unfair stamp as an A-Spec, but Luke actually still concealing it here. Maybe once
he gets into Dragapult first and use something like a Crisken to accelerate energy before
slapping the heroes cape onto his Dragapult and having over 400 hit points.
That is the difficulty of both A-Specs in the deck. Super powerful, but also very
difficult to find. You need to get a bit lucky at times, draw into them off Lily's determination,
something like flip the script, or of course, recon directive. There are games that can happen in
the Pokemon TCG where you look through so much of your deck, but you're unable to find that
powerful aspect and it can definitely change the tides of battle. Risky Ruins still in play
as well. And this Risky Ruins has been here essentially, I believe since turn one or two
even. So these damage counters are still very much down here. But finally, a Duskull found for
Yuta can absolutely line up a Cursed Blast turn. That is now the question at hand. What does Yuta
want to retreat into? That Duskull does seem like a decent option. Of course Cursed Blast
KO's itself to put damage counters on the opponent's Pokémon, but it also would be an
range of an easy prize thanks to Mind Bend. It looks like the treaty will be
promoted. That also would be KO'd from Mind Bend. Really just thinking that Dust
Klops or Dusk Lord down the line could be a key to victory. This is a massive
turn for Luke if he is able to fire off all of these cards. Just as a reminder
everybody there is still two draft folks in the prizes for Luke. So he's
really kind of needing to work with the Dunsparse and the Dunsparse as much
as possible. These are the only two Drakaplugs. The problem is if you were to
evolve up into Drakaplug TX, you're essentially losing one of those draw
engines. But still, see what Lily's determination is going to give Fluke,
because that's a massive eight cards. Luke now with a lot of options at his
disposal, what is the best approach do you think for him to end this turn?
What attack or Pokemon should be up in that active spot? Just doesn't feel
comfortable, right? Because the supporter for a turn was the Lily's
determination instead of Crispin so while yes Luke is able to use Mind Bend to
use to have another knockout essentially on to Utah side and maybe it's okay to
put the duke on at this point it's really hard to say. That monkey door just so
valuable once it has a dark energy on it. Sea recon directive number one and
number two already a dragapult EX in the hand so we'll see that psychic
energy crap no just wants to get double dragapult that is an important
thing in this match of Recon Directive. While so valuable, Dragklok is so frail compared
to that Dragapult EX. What I am worried about, Ethan, going into
this next turn. Well, yes, itchy pollen is a great attack here. You have to wonder if
Luke is considering evolving up into the Dragapult EX to try and protect the draw
engine, but still itchy pollen here. Let's see if Yuta's gonna at least have an
energy to retreat to start launching the Phantom Dive once more.
determination found yet again. The rest of the hand very weak. Just going to use
the recon directive and that assist from the determination will draw Utah
another six cards those cards being shuffled back in randomized to the
deck. See if there are some key pieces found for you on this turn. And you want
to talk about key pieces that dust goal is now ready to evolve. I believe Utah
showed just a little bit earlier that he does play a rare candy and does
play two in the list here. So if he were to be evolving up into the Dust Gloves, could potentially take
one of the draft cloaks onto the bench, give it a knockout here, and then taking two more prizes
would be down to the final two that he would need to win this game. Dust Gloves with 90 HP would
require something like Monkey Dory to put it in range, which we do already see in play, and
and Dusklops really wants to get into the fray,
says hello from the shadows onto the top of the deck.
We'll see everything get re-randomized again
and get ourselves back on their way.
Yeah, the flying out of the deck, right?
I mean, Utah did not have that in the beginning
on the game, no Dusklows down.
And now actually has a full board
ready to go to start sifting through here.
So, recon directed in the rest of the hand,
like you said, Ethan, wasn't giving him much before
but I don't think it's giving him much now either.
They'd find that Dusk Lops was able to be kept into the hand.
Evolving it up still has those two damage counters on it.
And now the consideration for Utah.
What is the attack of choice?
Is there an energy card in hand?
This Dragapult EX with 200 HP remaining
is in perfect range of a boss's orders KO.
And after a slow start, Luke has an opportunity
to capitalize.
This needs to be a massive turn for Luke,
especially because of that one damage counter sitting on the Dragapult Ethan.
Dust Globs is currently sitting at 70 hit points, so if Luke is able to get into
Dragapult EX, finding psychic energy, not only can he knock out this active
Drippy with Phantom Dive, he can also take that looming threat of Dust Globs
off the board as well. There's the Crispin. Does also have the Hero's
Cape. Is the final piece of Dragapult there? Crispin, definitely an option,
And this is where the crossroads can feel overwhelming for Dragapult EX.
A knockout always nice onto multiple Pokemon.
You've got to be thinking about the energy cards and play that Dragapult EX as the immediate threat.
What should Luke do in this spot? Should he go after that Dragapult?
Or should he just take the guaranteed two prize cards?
It might just be you're already a little bit far behind.
You mentioned this a little bit earlier, Ethan,
but Descartes technically does give you a prize card here,
but the prize mapping is also really important as well.
Well double double checking that he wants to take that boss's orders like you alluded to just a little bit earlier
Could potentially take a drag look as well
There's a lot of Pokemon on the bench with 70 hit points here
But it's like you said so I'm not monkey Dory has a dark energy onto it you can get anything done
But there's that Chris been here finds that missing energy piece here. Let's see if he's gonna be able to get it done
Two different energy types found from the deck one attach directly to a Pokemon
That does not count as your energy attachment for turn can only play one from your hand
And this is how the deck is able to fire off
Phantom dive attacks from essentially out of nowhere
I think what Luke has done also really well is keep that draggable DX on the Utah side in line
It does have 200 hit points remaining
But this is the board that you love to see even with that risky ruins in play
There's some automatic damage counters that are already now in play for Monkey Dory to send back over onto
Utah side and there it is the big reveal heroes game that is a very very brave
dragon pull brings dragapult EX up to essentially 420 hit points dragapult EX
strikes back with phantom dive chaos the trippy chaos the cursed blast dust
globs and leaves Utah in a spot where he has to work to get himself back in
this game and what Luke has done extremely well as he set up that
dragon pull that's about to come into the active spot and be the
attacker already has 200 hit points remaining here and that draft look as
well with the 30 hit points on it too. Both of them actually have some damage
onto it but still I mean Luke has set a double monkey dory. This is exactly what
you want to see and thanks to Chris for making it all possible. So double
recon directive at Utah's disposal. A decent amount of cards in hand from
that Lily's determination on the previous turn. We are seeing the impact of
of Monkey Dory with Luke having double Monkey Dory set up
and a bit of support from Tom Sparce and Drakloak.
We now get into the middle to late game
where stability is the number one factor.
Let's talk about the prize map here,
especially if Utah were to use Phantom Dive
into this active Dragapult here.
Double Monkey Dory means that at least six damage counters
are able to be thrown back to the other side
of the board.
You gotta look at it here, right?
Dragapult only has 190 hit points remaining.
Then double Monkey Dory Adrenaline
sends six damage counters already
over to the damaged draft cloak.
And then those six remaining damage counters
that Phantom Dive has yet to use,
will go on the final one.
That could be a four price third.
Time will tell as we get into this game.
Immediately, as in Bippity EX placed into play,
we'll see that flip descriptability drawing three cards
because one of Yuta's Pokemon board
knocked out on the previous turn.
Now just deciding how to sequence this turn.
Do you play item cards to find Pokemon out of the deck?
That would shuffle the deck, meaning those cards placed on the bottom from previous recon
directive abilities would be shuffled back and the order of the deck would change.
The thing is, both players are still also at four prize cards here.
And I feel like now that special red card has been brought into our game, a lot
of players are playing very masterfully around it.
red card only turns on if your opponent does have three prize cards left.
So honestly, Utah just using it as ultra ball fodder at this point,
because Luke still sitting at four prizes with a very, very set up board.
And Utah has a solid response on deck.
Monkey Dory from the ultra ball put into hand has yet to attach an energy card for a turn.
And I see what is maybe the most powerful card in the game right now.
unfair stance in the hand.
Will this be the turn that Yuta wants to play that powerful ace fest?
You might have to, but still though, what I really want to see Yuta target down
is going to be that done sparse on Luke's side here.
We talked about draw engines a little bit earlier,
and while having the drag cloak is great,
having to done sparse and runaway draw is even better.
You sift into three more cards here, so Yuta has a very big decision, right?
You can move some of these damage counters over to the drag cloak,
get that out of a plague, but Ethan, I might think the Dunsparse might be a little bit better.
It's tough, but the Dunsparse draws more cards, but you have to reset it up every turn.
And once that your Cloak evolves into Dragapult EX, it becomes even more difficult to KO.
We see the endgame for this deck lots of time, looks like Monkey Dory, as many as possible, and two Dragapult EX
to force your opponent to take difficult prize cards.
It does feel that your cloak just is a lumen threat down the line and something that needs to be taken care of this turn
It is so hard to say what Utah should do. There are tons of paths
And that is the big thing about the Pokemon trading card game
We call it sequencing making sure that you're doing things in the correct order because certain decisions on turn two
For example can really affect you even in those final tense tense moments
Looks like everything is back in order, Recon Directive number one. Choose one card, one of those was the Dawn.
It is going to be the psychic energy that's not quite the dark energy that Yuta is looking for, but instead going to commit to a Dragapult EX down the line.
So Yuta does not need to rely off of a supporter card like Crispin or Rosa's Encouragement.
a little bit worried about these Dragplugs sitting on the bench for Yuta as well.
Does at least have a Dragapult EX in hand.
So if Yuta wants to get out of Phantom Dive range,
with that Dragapult on the bench, can at least evolve up
into the Dragapult EX, giving him a little bit more help to work with.
It's a tough spot for Yuta. Luke is threatening game in two turns
with a knockout on Dragapult EX and a knockout on that Meowth or Fezendipity.
So Yuda may have to ask himself what Pokemon assists my opponent the most to getting to that winning board state.
Going to a full-footed Dragonport EX to protect that Pokemon, give it a bit more HP, and there is the Team Rocket's Watchtower.
Now all colorless Pokemon in play do not have abilities.
Bosses orders to combo with that.
Trufflok is going to be KO'd, and there is a timed unfair stamp forcing Luke to just two cards in his hand.
This is exactly what you want to see if you are Utah shutting off this engine and Ethan,
this Team Rocket's Watchtower has become a very big favorite for a lot of decks. A lot of the
times players are really thinking about shutting something off like Negi Kangus gone, but it actually
also not only shut off Smeal at the X, but it also does shut off that full engine of Dunspar.
So one big thing is Monkey Dory was pulled, but it wasn't actually benched here. So I'm
I'm wondering if Utah is really respecting
the Double Monkey Dory on Luke's side.
Five cards drawn.
Of course, I've seen the supporter card play for turn
and that pauses orders.
There is Monkey Dory for future turns.
There's not half a way to accelerate another energy
to it this turn, since that Dragonbolt EX
was evolved as well as energy attached to it.
But all things considered for Utah
is setting up a wing potentially down the line.
You can take two prize cards this turn
Badu with just 30 HP can be knocked out from Phantom Dive, and on the following turn if
you can use an Adrenal Brain of your own, plus a boss's orders, Dunsparce Not Evolving
could be the difference maker.
And that beautiful line that we talked about a little bit earlier with Dumpful Monkey Dory
taking away both drag floats, that is essentially now gone and shut because of the evolution
of Into Dragapult here, but another two prizes for Utah!
smartly placing all of the damage counters on the dude does not want to give
Luke any option to Adrenaline. Action over on Luke. What did he find off of that
unfair stamp? Just three cards at hand. Pokepad can find a done sparse. A minimum
giving it that extra HP would prevent Utah from winning the game on the
following turn. I have a surprise for you Ethan. I think Luke has the answer
to that Team Rocket's watch tower and it is going to be the risky ruins.
Usually in the trading card games sometimes we say unfair stab is a line
It certainly is right now giving Luke a ton of options back that he really really needed three great cards drawn
Night stretcher psychic energy and Lily's determination the knockout is lined up
Immediately and it looks like you tough understands the writing is on the wall
Luke Giffen is going to take game number one masterful play from Luke setting up not only the dragapult
but what can't double monkey Dory do?
Even if Utah were to attack back into Luke next turn,
Utah still has those six damage counters to throw around.
And traditionally, they tend to go on Pokemon
like Bezin, Dipity, EX.
And all Luke would have to do
is find boss's orders to take the game home.
So why not for Utah to give himself
a little bit more time to really work with here?
And I believe he'll probably be wanting
to go second this time.
We saw in game number one these two different dragapult EX decks clash in their own unique style for Yuta going into game number two
What does he need to do differently or what cards may he need to have access to to fight back in Forza game three?
Maybe a dust goal Ethan. I mean let's talk about it
I mean Yuta had access to I mean the attacking part of the deck
But truly did not have access to the other parts
But here are some of those key moments from our game number one. I mean that unfair Sam did its job
I mean it stopped Luke for just one turn
But still when you're able to just find the pokey path that you have in your hand and the risky ruins everything back online a
Perfect board for Luke at the end of the game
Dragapult EX guaranteed to not be knocked out in two attacks
Thanks to that monkey Dory healing damage off
Just too much for you to handle as we get into game number two see the starting
Pokemon for both players of course there are advantages and disadvantages for
going first or second in the mirror match a lot of it comes down to what
resources you have at your disposal. Well Utah is giving us a show of what a
mulligan is when you don't have a basic Pokemon to start in your hand you
do get to refresh the hand shuffle it back into the deck but you have to
give your opponent a card or you know one card and you know sometimes you know
again four or five times you got to give your opponent four or five cards but now
I'm sure Luke loves to see another card in this hand for that early setup. That
is the big factor in this match I cannot stress it enough we saw itchy
pollen do its job in that first game you do not having access to it and it
feels like there were a couple of moments where a good timed itchy pollen
could have gotten Yuta back in that game. Yeah absolutely. The problem is it's just that Luke was
way too far ahead. In fact just had the freedom to continue to set up Monkey Dory. See if Yuta's
going to have a basic Pokemon to show and he will but even the rest of the hand wasn't looking
exactly too good. There is this border card in the hand so it does seem manageable. A lot will
come down to who goes first in this second game. Looks like Yuta will... oh looks like Luke
Luke is starting, so Yuta opting to go second in game number two and look at that start for Luke.
Putty with the active spot and buddy, buddy, pop and defy these Drippi and put them into play.
We gotta get fired up here everyone in San Fran.
If you are cheering for Yuta, give him your energy now, but if you're cheering for Luke,
what are these prize cards Emily, all of the energy acceleration and double Drippi in the prizes?
Are you kidding me?
not exactly what you want to see. I mean I'm sure Luke was really happy to open
that buddy buddy ball fence and okay I can freely get my two Drippi out. Little
doesn't he know or maybe he just had that wake-up call now. Those only two
Drippi he's going to have access to. So Utah is going to realize when these
Monkey Dory start coming down that might be the way to go here but don't
look at the rest of Luke's hand even. Already has the two drag cloak in hand.
So even if Utah were to retreat into Badu and use Ichi Paul and Luke
still at least has an energy and an engine online big turn for you to item
cards certainly going to be shut off on the following turn let's to find those
powerful Pokemon searching cards not as bad as Luke's prizes let's make sure we
get that straight but unfair stamp in the prizes definitely a big deal
especially towards the top and this is the only copy of risky ruins in the
list as in the prizes like you had mentioned but you called me out really
good there is at least a lily's determination in the hand and hopefully
Utah's going to be able to either find those 3b or find a buddy buddy puff in to
start filling up the bench not only with 3b but hopefully with dusk all this
time. Really looking for those item cards and Pokemon more importantly as
well to recloak for the following turn just to look through the deck or
draw more cards and put together these combo turns on the following turns.
And without energy acceleration, Ford Luke is going to have to play very, very carefully here too.
Might have to be the one that's attacking early this time to try and sift out those Crispin from the prizes,
or at least get something going so that he can find Double Monkey Dory again.
That is a great eight cards for you to...
Almost as good as it gets.
Maybe missing a trick-flok guaranteed for the following turn, but we will see the full bench filled up
Double buddy buddy pop in double treat be coming into play and now the question Emily
Well, how do you want to fill these last two bench spots? Might have to be at least one for dusk all or going double dusk all
I mean your opponent only showed it to treat B
So there is a very strong possibility because Utah does play rare candy that rare candy
Dragapult EX, and Rare Candy Dusk Noir could even wipe the board.
It would have to be on a future turn that Ichi Palad, shutting off those options.
The whole squad is here for you to come into play.
Ichi Palad will strike first, and now Luke, the first player to be unable to play item cards in this match.
As we mentioned though a little bit earlier, Ethan, Luke does at least have double dry cloaking.
And so that tends to help you quite a lot here, but see those recon directives going through.
Pesantipides is usually the one that you want to take off.
That's the Dumpstar CX is actually a really great card for those big basic boxes,
but in the mirror you want to have at least all of the access to the card draw you combine.
Looking at the hand, it's not super strong. No fire energy, no other Pokémon put into play,
and more importantly, no supporter card.
It's just gonna be an itchy pollen.
Now Yuta allowing himself to start powering up Trepey
and we'll see another Lily's determination.
No ability to use Poke Pad or cards like Ultra Ball
needs to directly draw into these Drakloak on this turn.
This is exactly why so many players play four copies
of this Lily's determination within their list
because it's really the main supporter
that you wanna see between turns one and three, right?
A fresh 8 cards especially because Dragopul really can take its time setting up all of these damage counters for itself here
So Yuta, can you find Dragpul with no item access big 8 cards even?
Making sure everything is clear. Let's take a look at the hand and I see at one immediately
using that Recon Directive right away
No other Dragpul in the hand see Ultra Ball go to the bottom of the deck another
Another release determination for the following turn will just be another itchy pollen, but do slowly making work on the opposing but do.
And here we go. Luke needs to help find fire energy. That means the option is available to use Phantom Dive.
We'll decide to keep it Monkey Dory to the bottom of the deck. Two more cards from Recon Directive.
It's just a buddy buddy popping that cannot be played on this turn.
And now Emily, do you stay disruptive or go aggressive?
It looks like the disruption is preferred in this spot.
You just can't.
And the problem is, while Luke is playing Hero's Cape, which
does at least buff the hit points for the Dragon Ball TX,
you never want your Dragon Ball to be taking the first phantom
dive damage to itself.
We saw how Luke utilized that a little bit earlier
to set up those combo turns.
So now Utah is going to be able to find another Lily's
determination.
That's three out of the four in the deck
to find another fresh eight cards.
Still looking for Tricloak, as well as those dust globs
to evolve and threaten Dusknoar on the following turns.
When the position to be able to wipe your opponent's attackers off the board is present,
the game can get scary very quickly.
You'll see, of course, the recon directive available for you to bind huge Tricloak
and a dust globs, an incredible draw for you to,
as well as a boss's orders for the following turn.
not just that, I mean you have the whole suite available to you as you so choose to
and while granted yes you're under item lock, you can't imagine that Luke is going to keep him
under item lock for much longer now that Yuta is essentially going to get all three drag
cloak online this turn and a dust blocks as well. Finds Dragapult EX as well can evolve the
right post drag cloak into that dragapult EX to protect it from being KOed from bosses
orders. And like you mentioned, there is going to be no ability to item lock on Luke's side since
Nightstretcher cannot recover the only Purdue available. And that is going to be forcing Luke
into a position where he has to get aggressive. But as we've talked about practically this entire
set Ethan, the target is sometimes a little bit more difficult to say. There's the boss's orders
just about to talk about it. Definitely want to get those dust globs and the dust goal
out of there, but still, that Dragapult is going to be the first one taking some damage.
No more basic Pokémon found, all of the release determination being summoned to the hand.
Bosses orders and decides to target down the Dust Gloves and this Duskull on the bench
to wipe out Cursed Blast as a potential option.
Yeah, I mean, this is what Cursed Blast does.
It essentially weakens down the hit points and allows for Dragapult to be taken out,
essentially, in one turn.
Granted, that hero's cape is now on the Dragapult EX, but you have to be wondering, Ethan, what is Luke going to do about this damage?
I see a Monkey Dory in hand, but where's the energy to go along?
Time will tell on the following turn as Yuta kicks things off with a Recon Directive.
Ken, now play those item cards previously shut off.
See Monkey Dory brought to the hand? There's a Pokepad. Bosses' orders kept instead.
Do we see a Psychic Energy and Dragapult EX?
There's the Psychic Energy Roses encouragement as well,
banding through the discard pile,
not quite enough energy to get full value from that supporter.
So now with it being to the point in the game
where Dragapult EX is powered up,
Duskull just becomes a lot less attractive
of a Pokémon to put in play.
Yeah, definitely don't want to at this point here,
but as Yuta did in Game 1,
maybe it's worth just evolving all of these Drag Cloaks up
to avoid those multi-combo turns.
The thing is what I'm very curious about is I'm wondering if
Yuta is going to try and get Monkey Dory into play.
He doesn't only play one copy of it, but at least he knows that there's going to
be some damage counters sent back, and that Fezantipity is always a target
for that one damage counter for boss disorders down the line and a free two prize.
It would have to be in a future turn. We've seen the supporter card being played
and no energy card attached just yet.
Looks like Bidu has done its job, Yuta.
Planning out a Phantom Dive on this turn,
and now the question becomes hit points.
How much is Luke able to protect this Dragon Pull EX?
Essentially his boss, Pokemon,
from being KOed over the least amount of turns.
And what's unfortunate for Luke
is that all of that energy acceleration
that we had talked about, Ethan, is all prized.
So it's unable to get Double Monkey Dory completely in play
unless he were to find that Crisken off of a prize
in a future turn so he at most will only be able to send one or three damage
counters back excuse me that's not going to be enough to protect this
drabable for more than one turn. You see protecting these Pokemon from easy
KO's shutting off that recon directive ability at the advantage of giving your
Pokemon more HP but do doing its job retreating to the bench phantom dive
being used now the question is where do you put these damage counters and
I like this choice here from Utah to put six damage counters on Mr. Cloak.
Yeah, this lines up perfectly to have Monkey Dory take that drag cloak down at the line
with Adrenaline as well here.
Luke gonna draw at least into the risky ruins.
So now the question is, what was off of the Recon directive?
He's still grabbing the Meowthi eggs.
Is it too late to put it down?
I'm not sure if Luke knows that both Crispin are apprised.
that would be an ideal supporter card this turn,
just to power up Monkey Dory.
We'll check the deck with Pokey Pad
and see the bad news that those cards are prized.
Except your cloak will be the choice.
The supporter card played yet, no energy attached.
With this aggressive fitting,
I wonder what the supporter of choice will be.
The only issue is Ethan,
because Luke has prized both Christmas,
this draft cloak on the bench
is going to be in range of a phantom dive knockout.
No matter which way you put it,
can only move three damage counters back over onto Utah's side here.
So it's unfortunate for Luke, but this is kind of what he has to do here.
He has to set up the Duns Fars to try to get things going.
Now, granted, he's at least guaranteed a prize card
if he were to attack the do here.
But then it goes back to, does Luke want to use that combo turn?
Believe no dark energy in the discard pile.
That would be an easy way to access that card for Adrenal Brain.
Let's see this monkey door come down,
freebie number three hitting the board.
It looks like just considering
spinning as many cards out of the hand
and relying off of a Lily's determination
for six cards to find this dark energy.
It's just so unfortunate,
not exactly what you want to see for Luke.
But to be fair, both competitors
have been back against the wall
because of prize cards at some point here.
So Luke forced to evolve this track look
into a dragon bolt again,
playing a little bit more defensive.
and here we go, Ethan, Lily's determination.
Can Dark Energy be found?
Takes that Dragapult EX out of range
thanks to the evolution.
The bigger question becomes this active Dragapult EX.
As it stands, would not be KO'd from a Phantom Dive.
However, a Monkey Dory on Utaside puts it in range.
That Dark Energy's so important.
Yeah, and the question is,
does Blue Geven retreat into something
like the Dunsparse and let it go?
But still, you absolutely want to use
these damage counters to your advantage
when you're throwing them with Phantom Dive,
that's a big miss, Ethan!
No energy, not even a fire energy
to power up that bench.
Dragapult EX and the doors are wide open for Utah
to take care of this powerful EX Pokemon.
The only thing that Luke can really do
is send the deck for next turn.
And like you had mentioned,
I mean, there's already two damage counters on that budu.
So Utah is going to be able to take the knockout
onto the active Dragapult with that Hero's Cape,
the ace spec going down.
you just don't want to see it.
Luke needs to announce Phantom Dive this turn.
It's the only way he could stay in this match,
present a threat, deal damage to this Pokemon,
and maybe down the line, try and provide some disruption.
So there we go. Phantom Dive onto the opposing
Dragapult EX, six damage counters on the Dracloak,
taking a little bit of a page out of Yuta's book
on the previous turn to try and get back in this game.
I'm wondering if there's going to be a line down
a couple more turns from now
where that buddhu is going to at least get one damage counter excuse me to take the knockout.
Still, the woman gives up one prize card.
The Lupe checkmate last game with a four prize knockout here.
So I'm wondering if Utah is going to try and find Monkey Dory this turn
to try and start sending these damage counters back.
Monkey Dory already in the hand.
Ultra ball found from the recon directive.
There is the Poke pad to search out another non-woolbox Pokemon.
just finding Pokemon that can be taken out of the deck.
For Cloak, most likely not going to come into play in this game.
We've seen how beneficial it's been early on.
That will be shuffled.
That does signal that you to may be reliant off of a different supporter
outside of Crispin or Lily's determination,
which almost all of them are gone at this point.
Yeah, I mean, that's the thing with Lily's determination is that
it's great in those opening turns when you can't really find
your Pokemon off of items because you're under item lock here.
Consider pitching the dark energy Ethan. I know that's kind of key for Monkey Dory
here. Question is, what is Utah looking for? It's just gonna have to be the
Dragapult EX to try and protect the Dragapult on the bench.
There is a world where you're not in a rush to take the KO on this Dragapult EX.
By taking a KO, you do activate a couple of cards that could be scary,
a lot of them being hand disruption cards.
Special red card as we talked about it just a little bit earlier.
would bring Luke down, or Yuta down to three prizes, excuse me.
So still both players really trying to play around these crazy turns
of just trying to set up these multi-prize knockouts here.
Both players checking the discard.
Resource management is a very key skill you learned
in the Pokemon trading very game.
So that darkness energy being discarded does signal Yuta
may want to attach a different energy card.
This Dragonfall EX on the bench, if 6 damage counters are placed onto it, thanks to Phantom Dive would spell disaster, but there we go.
We're going to see Paus's orders onto the opposing Dragonfall EX, bringing it into the active spot, dealing damage with Phantom Dive, and this presents an issue for Luke.
If he wants to attack this turn, he'll need to retreat or commit a fire energy, both of which is not a Dark Disenergy on Monkey Dory.
Now Yuta essentially setting up Checkmate once again here on both Dragapult EXs in play,
putting them in Phantom Dive range and Monkey Dory range as well here.
That's Intipity always can receive one damage counter as well,
so that could even equal a 6 prize turn for Yuta.
What does Luke have access to?
Go of course check the damage, make sure everything is correct.
There is, of course, all of the energy acceleration, so that is off the table.
Starts off the falling, drippy integer cloak, recon directive, keeps the night stretcher
in the hand.
There is the dumb sparse as well, Lily's determination, so at minimum, Luke can see
nine cards from his deck, six off the Lily's determination, and another three from that
runaway draw ability.
What's just so unfortunate is that that Monkey Dory on the bench just doesn't
have a dark energy.
We saw in game number one how Double Monkey Dory
essentially set up Checkmate for Luke
and was so useful in those moments here,
but now both Dragapults can be knocked out
essentially next turn, the one in the active
from just a very quick Adrenaline over here.
Will Luke use Runaway Draw to keep seeing cards?
I mean, you have to take Pokemon
off your bench at this point.
It's Rosic making an appearance, yet again.
No energy cards.
So big three from Runaway Draw.
Is there a way to get energy?
I believe there's none in the discard pile for Luke.
No energy cards immediately.
Just gonna check and see how many cards are in the hand.
I believe there were, how many cards were drawn?
Just have to double check.
We did see six cards in the hand,
plus the recon, excuse me,
plus the done sparse ability.
Here we go.
Night stretcher now.
Is there an option to bring an energy back?
Of course, you can retreat the Dragapult EX if you'd like to then get that energy back into play,
but it does seem like Luke is really up against the wall and doesn't have a play that seems great at the end of the day.
Well, here's the problem Ethan, you retreat this Dragapult with 30 hit points remaining.
That goes to the bench and that Dragapult is going to get knocked out from a monkey Dory adrenabrine
with three damage counters already on the bench Dragapult on Utah's side.
So it's really if Luke wants to just keep trying to find ways to stay in this game.
So close to a five prize turn, just a couple of damage counters short.
A Dragon Ball EX on the bench with no energy and so many damage counters on it.
You may even wonder if you're Yuta, do you ignore that Pokemon and just go after the energy cards?
You might as well. I mean you've seen Luke struggle to find energy this entire game here.
Launching all six damage counters, I believe the signal was over to Monkey Dory, but I could be wrong.
Monkey Dory taking six damage counters from Phantom Dive, but do promote it into the active spot.
Now Yuta does not have access to that Recondirective ability, really relying off of the cards in his hand, or with the assist of a Fezendipity EX.
Did draw the Crispin for turn, unfortunately for Utah's list.
He doesn't play two Monkey Dory.
He does only play one.
So wasn't going to find double Adrenaline action here,
but there is the line to get the Dragapult on the bench
and the Dragapult in the active here.
But what do you do about the Dragpoke on the bench
that can evolve next turn to go back up into a Dragapult?
This is scary.
It may get scarier for Luke as the special red card comes into play, forcing Luke to shovel his hands,
place it on the bottom of the deck, and draw just three cards.
There are so many factors at play, mainly those energy cards left.
If your cloak goes down from an Atrena Brain plus Phantom Dive damage, that Dragapult EX is hanging on
with just 30 HP remaining, and we know for Luke his energy acceleration is so limited.
And the problem is too, I mean while Luke yes is going to lose a couple of Pokemon this turn if that drag looks stays up
Which I don't think it will for much longer that this indipity will be able to draw him some more cards
There's the Phantom dive, but still launching one on to the best here here comes track both bosses orders
It's to find something off of these four cards. Is there an energy flick the script drawing precards
There's a fire energy need some way to disrupt Utah.
And it feels like no matter where Luke is able to retreat,
his Pokemon will be knocked out.
Utah ties things up at one game apiece.
It is so unfortunate for Luke to have
to rise every single energy acceleration within the deck.
So Utah had free range to get completely set up
in the way he knows how.
Now granted, Luke did such a good job
of targeting down at the dust globs
and the Dust Globes to prevent those combination turns.
But the problem is, when you leave it up to chance
to find your energy, not a supporter
which automatically grabs it for you, you can with it.
And unfortunately for Luke, not finding
Monkey Dory Adrenaline led to an unfortunate loss game too.
As we look back on that second game,
like you mentioned, going after Dust Globes
was a piece that Udo was able to establish
in this second game.
But at the end of the day, Luke just
was not able to deal with the constant onslaught of pressure
thanks to Phantom Dive, thanks to Monkey Dory.
That piece just so valuable, really put
on display in the second game.
And here we are.
I mean, Utah able to fire back here.
I mean, Ethan, these players are champions
within their own right.
We just saw Luke not too long ago win NAIC.
And Utah as well, the Japan national champion as well
here both of these players are so ready to take home game three.
Tensions building just under 30 minutes left in this round.
These players shuffle up and you find those seven cards to start the game off and your
heart has to be beating in this spot.
These may be the most important opening seven cards of your Pokemon TCG career up to
this point.
Many players kind of dread the dragapult near here but as we have shown you, there
There are many intricacies of this matchup, many things that are so important here.
But you know what else is really important, Ethan?
The people that have supported these players along the way, as we're going to resolve some
mulligans, I think somebody's on the floor with some friends and family.
Of our competitors, to ask them a couple of questions about how they're feeling
right now.
So Luke up there on the big stage.
How does it feel to be in this situation?
We're going to the Game 3, and you've supported him all of this way.
Oh yeah, I mean, he's my young and so like, whatever he wants to do, so like, we're just
going to do it.
But Game 3, this last game as a junior, here it comes.
That's pretty big.
How are you feeling?
What do you think about watching the world cup stage of Yuta-san?
I want to show my strength to the world's Pokemon card players.
with the boys to see who will be our champion.
Well into game number three,
Pokeypads to start things off.
Usually a sign when their opponent plays
that first item searching card
and it's not buddy buddy popping that,
it may struggle to get a lot of those basic Pokemon
into play.
And well, as we are looking at the prizes, Ethan,
that special red card that always seems to be looming
in the background is going to be
at the top of the prizes.
But for Utah, still going to have full access to the entire deck.
But look at what Utah is doing already, saying,
you know what, I'm going first.
So that means Luke is going to put me under item lock next turn.
Might as well burn all these items right now.
But the problem is, look at what he's burning.
He's burning a night stretcher here.
Doesn't play at least three in the deck.
But when it comes down to finding those energies back,
especially when you retreat, you
really want to make sure you're keeping track of what
you're throwing away.
could have grabbed many different Pokemon off the Ultra Ball.
What do you think is the thought process behind grabbing Monkey Dory as opposed to a Duskull or a Tree Peep?
Well, while Badoo is in the active, you know that these 10 damage counters are going to and from your Badoo here.
So this is actually Utah taking a very aggressive line, going to be sending these damage counters back.
But speaking of items here, it is going to be the Ultra Ball going into play.
Hey crowd, how we feeling about this game number three?
I think everyone's hyped up to crown their champion, but while, yes, Luke is going to
have access to that energy acceleration, he sorely missed that heroes cape is now offline.
Powerful A-Spec unavailable, especially due to it being at the top of the prize cards
that Meowth EX also unavailable.
Seen how crucial a well-timed Crispin or Rosa's encouragement can be.
Spell it's of course the boss himself coming into play here we go eight cards off the list of termination the budu already in play
Guaranteed itchy pollen is an attacking option now
Just looking to find more Pokemon some energy cards and more importantly trick cloak for the following term as we said these
Eight cards in this opening turn are so important here even eight to go ideally an energy as you mentioned
does also find not only just an energy but I believe that's also another buddy
buddy Poffin as well here so at least three Treepee are online so Luke
definitely finding what he needs here does also have a Lily's determination
for next turn as well. Excellent setup in a crucial game number three just has
to now make the decision of which two basic Pokemon to grab really valuing
Dunsparse in this matchup along with a second copy of Treepee. Also gets the
energy attachment for turn 2 here. So now it is going to be the budu, the itchy pollen
here. And now the thing is, I mean, with Monkey Dory already with an energy on it Ethan, it's
going to be time soon for you to use those damage counters against Luke, forcing Luke
to promote Pokemon that don't exactly want to take damage, or even just one here would
set it up for a phantom dive down the line.
And more importantly, being strong in the Badoo War.
If this Badoo takes another itchy pollen head on,
Monkey Dory can move those two damage counters
to take a KO on Badoo and force Luke to make a decision
on which Pokemon to promote on that same turn.
Last stitch catch with Meowth here.
Finds that Lily's determination.
As we've seen now for all three games,
it really depends on what you find
off of this Lily's determination.
Ideally, another energy.
The Monkey Dory already has the energy on it, but unless you're using Mindbend,
you really want to start getting at least a couple of more
Treepee into play as well.
That is the only one on Yuta's bench.
For Cloak of Dire Importance for Yuta, opening up so many doors.
The support, of course, from the Recon Directive,
but also, Dragonbolt EX down the line with Phantom Dive.
Here we go, the tension building, just under 20 minutes left in this game.
It's like we are just getting a little bit of confirmation on what's going on down at the table as a high stakes match
There is a lot of pressure and things do happen in the Pokemon TCG
People make mistakes and especially when you are surrounded by this beautiful crowd
You are playing on a stage that is lighting up below you. There is a ton of pressure
So Luke going to give you this deck a shuffle before eight cards here
Like you had mentioned even this buddy war now coming into play. It's very important
Looking for energy, looking for Dracloak, that's just a couple of Dracloak, you know, nice three to find on that, but no TB and no energy.
See if this recon directive can assist Utah in any way. There is a dust goal, Ultima of course cannot be played, so can at least threaten something.
And here we go, risky ruins. Monkey Dory to move those two damage counters, and Badoo goes down on the first turn, rather the second turn of the game.
not going to allow Luke to use that itchy pollen on the following turn.
And the thing is the difference between Yuta's list and Luke's list is that there's no automatic acceleration to get into Dragapult EX.
So now Luke is just going to have to sift through the deck once more to find these Dragloaks here.
He's severely far behind. I'm really granted the Dragloak doesn't have the energy on the bench, but there is still Crispin available to Yuta.
And now that there is a Duskle in play, Luke could see both of these three be gone next turn if he doesn't evolve.
Going to see a ton of cards this turn, despite being under item lock.
Eight from the Lily's Determination, and I guaranteed three cards from the Dunsparse.
Looking for Dracloak to evolve.
The imminent threat of that Phantom Dive on the following turn, definitely an option we see.
One Dracloak found...
There's another Dunsparse.
Not a lot of energy cards at scene, so two cards from Recon Directive.
Does find Boss's orders for down the line.
Trying to take a look at his hand.
No energy cards, so here we go.
Benching that Dunsparse.
Three cards from the Dunsparse.
Psychic energy.
Buddy buddy popping.
Does not find a second Dracloak,
but at least getting that energy attachment for the future turn.
It just feels unfortunate for Luke because I feel like he's forced to promote this done sparse here up into the active
I mean, there's only one drako can one drapey to essentially protect here
I don't believe there's anything else that he can really do at this point
He is still technically under item lock even though badude were to take the knockout here
But maybe committing this energy of course over to the drako to try and find an attack for next turn
But still, I mean, Ethan, the threat of Dusk Noir and Dusk Lops is coming.
This is a huge opportunity for Yuta.
If he can find a Dusk Lops or Dusk Noir, he can take out your cloak.
Who needs Phantom Dive?
Rare Candy, a card that has not come into play in this matchup.
Now, Yuta finds an opportune time to skip that stage of evolution.
Trade one for one, but it's had a great advantage for Yuta,
taking out the main attacker looming on the board for Luke on the following turn.
It does also have the Buddy Buddy Poffin as well to get another Drapey set up as well.
It does also still have the Monkey Dory with the Energy Attachment,
so those two damage counters can't be sent over as well!
There's the Cursed Blast on the Drakloak!
Will this Drapey survive until next turn?
It's so close!
Utah can win the game this turn.
There is a combination of cards.
Crispin plus Dragapult EX plus, then that's actually just it!
You can use the Crispin to power up Dragapult EX, and then use Monkey Dory!
All the pieces are there!
Yuta has absolutely popped off in this third game.
Two energies accelerated.
Monkey Dory, Adrena Brains to move the two damage counters from Duskull onto the Bench Trippy,
and as long as there's a Dragapult EX in the hand, Yuta can knock out the only two remaining Pokemon in play.
We'll see him go through the motions.
Energy attached.
Dragapult EX in the hand.
a dread of brain to put the damage counters onto the Dracloak, the Treepee on the bench,
and there it is! Duta Araki emerges victorious and becomes your Junior's Division 2026 World Champion!
Yeah.
A smile to the camera.
A champion already of Japan.
But why not take the world to Utah, masterfully playing
around not having consistent dust goal in game of number one and bringing all the way back
and thanks to a very early attachment Ethan onto this Monkey Dory, making this explosive
game of number three possible, but Luke, his father said it, it is his final year in the
juniors division, but he is still leaving and worlds finalists and NAIC champion both
these players so accomplished in their right. So young and so talented we rarely see matchups like
this played to perfection as almost from these two young competitors absolutely a treat to watch
because we had an incredible three game set Emily that is just a glimpse of what today will bring
us here in for a treat on Championship Sunday. It wouldn't be the trading card game without a
to start us off for the day and like you had said Ethan, we are just at the juniors division.
There are still plenty of games to be played.
I cannot be more excited to see what our seniors and what our masters division is going to
give us.
Picking it all in I'm sure Utah is a world champion and he has done everything this
season.
champions the Japan championships and now what many would consider the most
prestigious event of the year the world championships for the trading part. One
of the things that Utah had mentioned that I think really kind of drives it
home is the fact that he's always playing with his friends and I always
have to say it the best way to play the Pokemon trading card game is at
your locals with your friends in person those are your future best
friends your future training partners and the people that you are going to
travel around the world with. Congratulations to both of these
competitors. One thing's for certain, you can see how powerful
Dragapult EX is. Yes. Designed with the many different ways to
build the deck is why it has gone so well this weekend across
multiple age divisions. I mean it has been dominant since the
day it was printed. It was used as an attacker in one deck
and now the way that you can actually build it is so
creative. We've seen lists with Dragapult EX without a Dragapult EX using just Dragloak
in that Recall Directive to really keep sifting through the deck. I mean it has it all, right?
It has a built-in draw engine. You can spread damage counters and it feels like every single
deck in the Pokemon Trading Card game has one question to answer. Can it beat Dragapult
EX and maybe not. Maybe not. Maybe so. Of course building up to our Master's Division
finals where Diego Castillaga sees if he can become the Dragapult Steyer to take down one of the
best representatives. So much more Pokemon TZG action to come today on Championship Sunday.
And of course that masters finals not only with Diego who is going to be a two-time world champion
Andrew Hedrick kind of who feels realistically even the king of Dragapult EX himself looking
to take home his first world title. I mean, the action for the Masters Division was absolutely
explosive over the past couple days. We've seen a variety of decks to make it through,
but for Diego to pilot a very, I would say, you know, a secret Alakazam deck,
we don't want to give it all away. We just want to hear from our champion himself.
Hello, everyone.
I am beyond honored to be here on the stage with our first official TCG champion.
What a match that was.
Utah, first I want to know, what was it like competing on this stage?
How did that impact your performance?
How do you feel about being on the WCS stage and winning the final?
I'm very happy.
I'm very happy.
I can imagine, I can imagine.
Now you did start this series in the deficit with that initial loss.
Can you walk me through game 2 and how you were able to turn things around?
I lost the first game, but I lost the second game.
How did you feel about it?
I lost the first one and I felt good, but I won the second one and I'm really excited.
Would you like to say something to someone?
So I want to thank all the friends and people that practice with me and most of all my parents.
a deserved victory here today. Everyone in the arena, give it up one more time for your TCG
Junior World Champion. We have Yuta Araki!
We'll let you go and bask in the glory of your victory. Like I said, that was just one of our
TCG world champions we have dubbed today and now we have two more to go. Are you
ready to find out how the finalists in the senior division are gonna show out
on this stage?
it sounds like it all right it is time for your seniors first we're gonna
welcome out nice and loud give it up for coffee
Next up, keep it going for Jack and Keith!
You are no stranger to competition, but this is a very unique venue.
Can you walk me through what the experience has been like for your first couple of days
of competition to get here?
It feels amazing to be here and just to get an opportunity to win or final.
The opportunity has arrived, but not just for you.
You're looking to make a name for yourself on this stage.
What has it been like these past couple of days as you have prepared yourself for
a stage like this?
To be honest, I haven't really synced in yet, but I'm sure I will once I win.
Okay, I think we need to let things simmer on this stage a bit.
Players, please go to your battle stations. Caster's taking away.
Thank you, Gabby, and congratulations to these two finalists on getting to this point.
to this point. What a journey it has been for the pair of them.
Toby Huff from the United States, Jake Ng from Australia.
Quite the journey, quite the season.
And they have one final match to play.
Absolutely, Chip.
What an exciting moment here at the Chase Center.
We're in the big arena here at the 2026 Pokemon World
Championship.
So we're here to crown a senior division world champion.
We have an interesting matchup.
We'll say we'll get into that as we go along.
But what an opportunity, what a moment for both these players.
A chance to be etched into Pokemon trading card game history.
There comes but one opportunity every single year to become the world champion.
And these opportunities do not come easily.
Such a tough field to get through for both of the trainers up to this point.
And it's one more match to see who will come away the champion.
Absolutely.
I mean, it's amazing to see how we got here.
But let's take a quick second to check in with some friends and family that may have helped these players on their journey to get here.
Hello everybody, of course we're back on the stage with the fathers of our senior competitors.
How does it feel for your sons to have got into the finals in these anticipation?
Sorry, I couldn't even hear because of the noise.
Very excited though, very nervous, very anxious.
Yeah, how about yourself?
Yeah, very excited.
Thankful for all our friends and family back home from Australia, supporting us here.
Thanks.
Incredible.
Who do you think is more nervous?
The boys or you guys?
Probably me.
Yeah.
You think yourself amazing.
What really inspired their competitive streak?
I'm sorry, what was the question?
What kind of inspired their competitive streak I think he's just competitive in nature anything we play whether it's basketball or golf or any four games at home he never wants to lose a
Competitive through and through how about I
It's like Pokemon from a little kid and I think that just drives him the whole way just to love the game
Honestly the love of the game is a lot of the reason that most of us are here now if you had any final words that you could say to them before they draw that very first card of
this finals of the world championship. What would that last thing you want to say to them
be? I think he just put in the work and he deserves to win and I just hope he does the
best he can because this was a celebration on its own. Very well said. I like the way
so I just smile and have fun. That's why we're here. True words through and through
but I shall hold you no longer as we have a riveting game to get to. Let's jump
straight into the action.
The boys are ready on the stage.
Great to hear from those who have supported
these two young trainers the most on their journey
to get to this point.
And speaking of that journey,
we've got to take a look at the bracket
to see what this fight looked like
to get through top eight up to this point.
Yeah, Kobe did have to go through Prince Williams
in the top four, close friend
and even testing partner in the past.
So maybe a bittersweet moment there,
taking down Prince to advance to the finals.
Jake did have to go up against Jones Diaz in the top four.
I believe he's playing a mega Lucario deck.
Tends to be very favorable for this Alec Kazam deck
that Jake is bringing to this tournament.
But it's always a difficult road
to make it to the finals of the World Championships.
Both these players have fought hard,
practiced so long to get here.
And now it's just one more match to go.
And let's take a look at that matchup
that we will be featuring.
It will be Kobe with that big basics deck
featuring mega Kangaskhan EX and the Lillies
Clefairy EX up against Jake and his Alakazam to Dunsbarce.
And you can see our predictions here.
I think very emblematic of what we
tend to see in this matchup.
Alakazam is very strong against this kind
of death with big basic Pokemon EX to give up multiple prize cards but we'll see Chip
anything can happen in the Pokemon TCG we've seen a time and time again even bad madrips
can be won.
Anything can happen indeed and if there is a time for some sort of miracle perhaps it
would be this stage this moment inside the chase center with this incredible crowd
cheering these two trainers on, shuffling up the decks, getting ready to draw those opening hands.
This matchup is an interesting one, very much so favored by the Alakazam player,
but Kobe's got some tricks. There are some things he could potentially do to give himself a fighting
chance. Absolutely, and both these players pretty accomplished. Kobe is no stranger to the world
stage, made top four in Honolulu in the junior division, so he may be more comfortable
in this kind of a situation. Jake, you know, has made the finals of a special championship,
some top four regional events, but this is such a huge moment for both these players.
Now Kobe's dad did mention loves basketball and I think very fitting to be playing a world's
finals match in the arena like this. Just getting things all squared away for these
opening hands to be drawn. I want to hear from our crowd out there supporting these players.
If you're excited for this senior finals match, make some noise!
We're getting fired up here in San Francisco.
These two players, they've been waiting all day for this moment.
Probably running all different simulations, thoughts, situations,
through their heads on how this could play out.
We'll one of them be able to manifest their dream of being a world champion and what they are playing for so much glory
so much recognition, respect from their peers and fans alike that incredible Pikachu trophy
that first place trophy card words cannot describe what must be going through these young men's minds as we see those opening hands being drawn just getting everything squared away
And we'll get right into the action here shortly.
Yeah, absolutely. And again, you got to imagine the nerves running through you at this point.
This is a huge crowd here in the Chase Center and so many people here to watch the finals.
Plus, I mean, I think you got a no going into this on both sides.
Alakazam tends to be very favored into this matchup. So I think if you're Jake, it's pretty
simple. You just want to execute your game plan, get that Alakazam up and running, get
those big one hit knockouts. If you're Kobe, trying to find ways to, you know, find a
way, some sort of opening to get an advantage in this matchup. It's going to be tough,
impossible though. Looking perhaps for spots where Jake has stumbled maybe a
slower setup. Chances for Kobe to pounce attack that draw engine of the
Dedenseparse, the Alakazam, whichever piece seems most suitable at any given
time. Of course, wellspring mask ogre pawn, that's a potential. Of course, worth
noting these players, you know, have had an opportunity to review one another's
death lists. We are at this top cut phase of the tournament so both players
have a chance to see the other players list, get very familiar with their unique tech counts,
their different inclusions, and sometimes more importantly, exclusions for a given tournament
weekend. Sure, both players are well aware of what the other is playing at this stage.
Sure, you know both players probably have support group testing group helping them theorize
the right way to approach this matchup is go through here and we're gonna throw
this pull up here scan this if you're in the arena right now to participate take
a little scan and see what we are asking here figure out which of these
competitors is gonna come out on top who do you think will win this grand
finals cast your vote now here we go chip a live poll that's pretty close here
fooka 5050 perhaps a little bit of a hometown favoritism for Kobe being here
from the US I do believe Kobe has the support of the tabletop village that
big group of players who travels all across the country as well big following
here I'm sure big support groups for both of these players we have to call
out. This is a big moment for both of them, but just reaching the finals of the world championships
is such an incredible accomplishment. A lifetime memory being formed here. This is just what
you dream of. You play an entire season to qualify for the world championships. Your
hope, you know how many players went into this thinking this is how I'm gonna do it.
This is how I'm gonna make it to the finals.
I'm gonna play on that stage.
He's the two players that made it happen.
And look at this poll dead on just about 50-50.
Pretty split here in the audience
on who they are going to be rooting for,
who they believe to be.
Our soon-to-crown world champion, Jake NG versus Koby Ha.
Get this match sorted and get underway very soon.
Once again, Alakazam from Jake
up against the mega kangaskan big basic toolbox deck of Kobe,
which one of them will claim their glory
to become the world champion.
Celebrating 30 years of Pokemon chip
and over 20 years at the world championship,
since it brought us here to the arena
as we take a look at these prize cards.
Players setting out those six cards off to the side
or energy cards in the prize cards for Kobe.
That is potentially awkward.
Also, Ladiowsky X, he does play two copies.
That is a very important card for this archetype.
And over on Jake's side, he's prized that peasant deputy.
And it looks like our players are ready.
Our judges are ready.
Production is ready.
I hope our crowd is ready here in the Chase Center.
And there's the fist bump.
We're getting in to the senior division final match.
It's going to be an opening of the mega-Kangaskan EX
on the side of Kobe, huh?
Kicks it off right away with that run air and ability,
drawing two cards from the top of his deck,
attaching a lightning energy for turn in.
It is the relor in the active spot for Jake,
but not much working for Kobe on his opening turn.
Just that attachment and now a pass over to Jake.
A little bit of a David vs. Goliath situation
to start off here.
Chip, the 300 HP mega Kangaskhan EX
staring down the 50 HP relor.
Of course, Jake's deck is Alakazam.
You're trying to start off small and work your way up big.
Start with Abra, evolve up into Kadabra, Alakazam,
and build up cards in your hand
to use that powerful hand attack.
Does more damage for each card in your hand.
So the whole strategy here
is draw as many cards as you can.
We see Jake taking a moment to check his prize cards,
making note of what Pokemon he does and does not have available in a key one
that he's just found out was that Genesect. Looks like he's brought that to
the front to make sure that is available. Of course, Kobe's aspect of
choice is the unfair stamp, something you do not see very often from these big
basic decks. It's what Kobe's chosen to run, so Jake wants to make sure
Genesect is potentially available. And here is that telepathic psychic energy
bringing out a pair of psychic Pokemon. Two more Abra joined the party.
crucial opening telepathic psychic energy there your big goal on the first
turn of the game just get a lot of basic Pokemon into play and the Pokemon TCG
your Pokemon need to be in play for a full turn before you can evolve to the
next stage of evolution so the sooner you get down these Abra and Dunsparce
the sooner you can evolve them up and sooner you can start attack and there
is one of those Dunsparce joining the party on the bench played down by
Jake before passing over to Kobe who does have a till mass go Grapani X and attaches
a grass energy through the use of that excellent teal dance ability accelerating an energy into
play and also drawing himself one card of course run air and still available but not
before the use of the Meowthi X and that excellent last ditch catch.
And now Kobe's deck all about basic Pokemon no evolutions at all in this deck.
It's kind of what we call a tool box deck.
Lots of different types of Pokemon for different situations.
And one that could come up early on in the game is Wellspring Mask over Pond EX.
It has an attack that allows you to hit a benched Pokemon, as well as the active Pokemon,
and take multiple prize cards in a turn.
If Kobe's able to do this early in the game, he could establish enough of a lead
to put pressure on Jake, and that's really going to be necessary, because once Jake's
Alakazam is fully set up, the prize trade is fully in his favor. Alakazam only gives
up one prize card, whereas things like Meowth EX, or Mega Kangas Count EX, give up two
or three prize cards, and it's a race to see who can get all six first.
Kobe may be going aggressive here with the grab of Crispin from this Meowth EX. He'll
to be able to search out two basic energies of differing types
and accelerate one into play.
Put the other one into his hand.
A psychic and a grass energy offered up for him
off of this search.
And is he just going to go in with this mega-kangaskan,
get aggressive?
Sure seems like it.
I think this is a valid strategy at the start of the game.
Again, mega-kangaskan EX has 300 HP.
That means 15 cards in hand for Alakazam to knock it out.
That's not easy to do on the second turn of the game.
One of the ways you can maybe throw the prize treat back
in your favorite is finding spots
where your opponent can't knock you out in one attack.
And then you have some tricks to take advantage of that later.
And there's the attachment of the basic water energy
to the mega kengaskan and a rapid fire combo.
Kobe Huss strikes first,
taking the opening prize card in this final match.
Jake will promote his done sparse and immediately goes into the Katabra using psychic draw number one and here comes psychic draw number two
This is how this deck operates
Katabra and Alakazam both have abilities that when you play them from your hand to evolve one of your Pokemon
You get to draw cards. It ever gives you to Alakazam gives three
the one card we want to find in this situation if you're Jake is
is the rare candy to skip a stage of evolution and go right into Alakazam,
but we also see an A-Spec card here, Chip.
There it is, that enriching energy grabbed off of the Hilda alongside the Dunsparse.
Such a powerful card just for your energy attachment.
You get to draw four additional cards,
and he can cycle this card back into the deck thanks to the runaway draw ability.
Now, Puka, if Jake can piece together a rare candy and an Alakazam
and manage to get up to 15 cards in his hand,
he could take down this Kangaskhan on the second turn of the game.
And if that happens, that means three prize cards are taken.
That's halfway to taking all six of your prize cards.
Rare candy is the thing that still needs to be found here.
There is the runaway.
draw three cards added to his hand and no Puka. I do not see that rare candy just yet
so it does look like he has missed out on an Alakazam attack this turn. He's expended
all of his potential draw power. Doesn't deputy EX once again not available in the prize
card so just a push of this Abra in the pocket pad to find out one more piece grabbing
a cadabra. And for Kobe that's exactly what you were hoping to see. The opponent unable
to get an Alakazam out on this turn. Your mega Kangaskan EX makes it through the turn
without getting knocked out. You need every possible turn you can get in this matchup
to do attacks without seeing a response from your opponent. And here is a unique inclusion
from Jake this weekend, that Forest of Vitality alongside Ravska, evolving ReLore up as soon
as it comes into play and then protecting the bench with that Spirical Shield ability.
Yeah, Forest of Vitality, a stadium card that allows you to break that rule of evolution
and evolve your Grass-Dive Pokemon immediately.
We see Shaman a lot in these sorts of decks.
opting to go for the Rapsca since it provides a bit more protection than compared to the Shaman.
Runae are in for Kobe on his turn, draws a couple of cards. Ladias
getting a little bit of mobility into the mix, that excellent skyliner ability
allowing him to move his Pokemon around freely. And here comes the Crispin.
Once again, two turns in a row, Kobe will get an extra energy card into play. This is
This is what this deck aims to do.
Absolutely, but one of the reasons this Rapsca is so important in this situation is, again,
Koby can only take one prize card at a time.
All of these Pokemon on Jake's side only give up a single prize card when knocked out.
One way you can swing that is with the Wellspring Mask Overpond EX Torential Pump.
Rapsca blocks that play from happening since it protects your benched Pokemon from being
damaged by attacks.
energy attached from that Crispin onto a second Megakangaskhan.
And that's a bit of a risky Pokemon to power up, Puka.
You called it out if one Megakangaskhan gets KO'd.
That's half of the game.
So in theory, Jake could close out this game only
attacking two times.
That's true.
But for now, we see another rapid-fire combo
Kobe putting on the pressure.
And here comes Alakazam.
Psychic draw, three cards from the top.
If Jake NG can increase his hand size up to 15,
he'll be able to topple the mighty mega Kangaskhan EX
and don an excellent supporter to see in a position like this,
searching the deck for a basic Pokemon,
a stage one Pokemon and a stage two Pokemon,
adding them all to hand.
I think it's almost a foregone conclusion.
Jake's going to get the 15 cards on this turn, Chip,
But one thing he needs to find as well is Genesect.
Need to find that Pokemon that can use this ace nullifier ability.
One weakness of Alakazam is the popular ace-back card, Unfair Stamp.
It makes you shuffle your hand in and draw two cards,
which of course resets your whole strategy for Alakazam.
Genesect is the main way of counterplay for that big ace-back card.
An energy attached to Kadabra, preparing for a second attacker in the future of this game.
And he did not grab the Genesect off the Dawn, perhaps already waiting in the hand.
That certainly will be a big piece, but no, Puka, he misses the Genesect.
He takes this KO.
Half of the prize cards help jump ahead, but this is a huge opening for Kobe.
If he can find his A-Spec card, unfair stamp, he will be able to reset Jake's
hand and leave him with only two guards.
Pink opportunity for Kobe, but a huge knock up for Jake.
That's three prize cards on this third turn for Jake.
Can Kobe respond if he doesn't find the unfair stamp?
I mean, there's so many cards in Jake's hand.
It's really got to be on fair stamp this turn.
It's all about finding that pink card.
If he can see unfair stamp here, he's got a real chance.
He's got this second mega King of Scone EX,
ready to go and energy attached.
And look at that in the hand, it is there, Puka.
He's got that unfair stamp, gonna play Serino first,
searching the deck for three Pokemon EX,
adding them into his hands.
You see the Serino as well,
finding three Pokemon EX, putting them into the hand.
We see the area zero under depths come into play as well, potentially.
And there's that Fezzendipity hitting the board with that flip the script ability.
And since Jake did take a KO on the previous turn,
Kobe would be able to use that to draw three more cards,
perhaps saving it for the other side of his A-Spec use.
But not seeing the Genesect is perhaps curious from the perspective of Kobe.
Could he ever key in on maybe that Pokemon being prized
and try to save his unfair stamp for next turn, Puka?
He may not get another turn exactly. You're not gonna get another turn if you don't use that this turn
Your opponent can just boss his orders up your mega Kangaskan EX and win the game
What is he digging for here flip the script once again using this before the use of his a spec?
Don't see a stadium card in that massive hand for Kobe may have been looking for that, but there it is
An unfair stamp. Both players sending their hands into the deck.
Kobe will get five still.
A solid bit to work with and Jake will be left with only two.
This is a huge moment for Kobe in this game.
This is the one opening that he has to disrupt Jake's strategy,
putting his opponent down to just two cards in hand.
Intentionally going with the mega Kangascon EX once again,
It's going to be really challenging to get up to 15 cards again after being reset down to two
We have spoken about the difficulty of this matchup from the perspective of Kobe
But if there is an opening for him this perhaps is it he'll take this KO with rapid-fire combo
And leave Jake with just a couple of cards
Jake could win this coming turn should he get to 15 that seems so so difficult
difficult. There is the KO. Cobie will tie this game back up. Three prize cards apiece,
Jake promoting that, the Dunsparce, and draws for his turn. Alakazam right away. Psychic
draw three cards from the top. Let's see what he can chain together here.
The long road ahead and those are actually very good cards Chip. And not much help
off of this the Dunsparce either. Three more cards available but he is going to
missed this KO he cannot win the game this time any longer I don't think he has
any additional dig and he's gonna just promote this Rapska unfair stamp bite
of worked there's just not a whole lot going on in Jake's hands found the
allocas am at first to draw a couple cards but I don't think there's any
supporter cards wasn't able to redraw the enriching energy wasn't able to
find another way to get an allocas am seems like there's so many ways that
that Jake could have found to draw more cards,
but somehow didn't get any other ones.
Telepathic psychic energy is well being used
and not finding any avras,
so that will be no future psychic draws
on cadaveras this turn.
This opening for Kobe here seems to be piecing together
both avras there in the discard pile for Jake,
so no viable targets from that telepathic psychic energy
in just a pass.
Let's see what Kobe can do with this opening
as he draws for a turn.
Mega Kanga scone in the active position.
Yeah, Kobe's gonna have to make some big decisions.
Does finally find area zero under depths.
If that's something he wants to go with this turn.
Field dance attaches a grass energy,
drawing him one more card.
Perhaps if he could find that chin,
POW he would be able to put that area zero into play
and then get rid of mega Kanga scone as a liability.
I think if you're Kobe you're kind of hoping
that mega kengis gun can tank the hit this turn.
Ideally, maybe finding a boss's orders
to go after either Alakazam or maybe even Kadabra.
If that's the way to draw more cards.
That is an interesting choice here.
Alakazam, obviously the threat,
the Pokemon that can attack you,
but if you take Kadabra away,
that removes some of Jake's outs to draw more cards.
So the last ditch catch does find bosses orders.
Which Pokemon will Kobe go after? Is it Alakazam or Kadabra?
Clearly you need to go after one of these, knocking out Rapska.
Not going to be enough here.
It is not a clear cut choice and Kobe is still thinking through what the best option will be.
He'll bench another mega kengis on and use this glass trumpet.
A item card allowing him to put some energy cards into play onto his colorless Pokemon
Thanks to there being that Terra Teal Mask of Grapang EX on the bench.
Looks like the Meowth gets a water energy.
Kengis gonna psych again there as Boss is ordered and he is going to chase after this Kadabra.
Take away the draw engine.
And this is huge.
Jakes really only gonna have one turn to try to respond to this.
There's only gonna be one Alec Gazam left after this.
A lot of the Abra are in the discard pile at this stage as well.
Looks like Kobe's going to switch it up and go into the Teal Mask over upon understanding
my opponent might be out of Abra.
Using that myriad leaf shower, Kobe will jump back ahead here just two more prize cards
and he will win game one of this final match, Jake here with a question of what to promote
and is going to concede the fact with this promotion that it is going to be very difficult for him
to get a knockout this turn. And Truga, I think that hand is completely dead. He has absolutely
nothing to work with. Unbelievable, the unfair stamp really giving Kobe an opportunity in this game.
Jake does have the sacred ash able to shuffle in five Pokemon from the discard pile back
into the deck. Would have loved to play that before using a telepathic psychic energy on
a previous turn to find another Abra. One of the issues is there's just not any of those
support Pokemon in play to help Jake draw cards. Five Pokemon going back in, but another
boss's orders from Kobe on his next turn would basically spell checkmate. Jake would
be left with just a Rapsca. He has no way to put an Abra into play this turn,
And that would mean he would be unable to attack on the following turn Kobe is just two turns away from winning game one
Some brilliant tactics from Kobe
Can he find the bosses orders to essentially close out this first game?
It wouldn't win him the game on the spot, but it would spell checkmate if he can find
Bosses orders here only one in the discard pile
there are
Three me out in his list.
He's got two in play, so still the potential of a last-ditch catch.
See some energy being moved around with these energy switch.
Powering up the Latias EX, not a very common attacker.
Got to think at this point, though, even if Kobe just...
Oh! And is able to clear out all of the mega Kangas gun
and make it so that Jake has no three prize card targets.
Puka, I think this is it.
I think this is checkmate.
Kobe can take a knockout on this rapskut.
Jake has no way to take three prize cards on the next turn.
And then Kobe can attack with the Lyos KO,
anything in Jake's deck.
And that will mean Kobe will win this game one.
I don't know if Jake has a response to this play.
What a masterful setup in this very challenging matchup.
It seems like Kobe has figured out a way to attack some of the weak points of this Alakazam deck
just using these big basic Pokemon EX and Mega Evolution Pokemon EX.
Sometimes simply attacking with big Pokemon gets the job done.
Sereno played to thin the deck a bit, getting a few of those Pokemon EX out
and taking a KO now is Kobe-ha.
With that Teal Mask Ogre Pony EX, Jake will draw to kick off his turn.
it is just a done sparse. I don't even think he's doing enough damage to knock out Ogrepawn
and Jake's gonna pack it up. Kobe wins game one.
A stunner to kick things off here in our senior division finals. Really all about
that unfair stamp. That was the game changer here. Jake got off to a big lead with that
Alakazam knocking out that make a kengis gone ex but
Unfair stamp
It's got unfair in the nameship sometimes that happens. Yeah, that's what it feels like coming out of this game
Jake just did nothing
After that unfair stamp happened and the setup was so good for Jake. I mean look at this board
Three cadavera dunce sparse rapska. He's prepared for all of kogi's tricks
And it just wasn't enough
Yeah, one area that you may look back on here is, yes, the Rapsco was nice, makes you feel
safe, not having that potential to wellspring mask, overpond, EX to target your bench book
on down, but the bench was a little bit constrained, not a lot of done sparse, and so when it
came time for that unfair stamp, there wasn't a lot of draw support there readily
available, and crucially, did not have the Genesect either, we'll see if there's
any adjustments here from Jake in game 2?
Yeah, of course you need both the Genesect and a tool card.
We know he had access to Genesect.
Could have grabbed it off the dawn,
but I'm assuming he did have it in his hand,
and he just missed out on one of his four tool cards
to activate that ace nullifier ability.
Crazy, and that's sometimes what can happen
when you take a knockout that appears in front of you
without fully setting up yourself
for the remainder of the game.
That is where unfair stamp can come in
and cut off all of your momentum.
Think Kobe, we've seen here has practiced
this match up quite a bit, has a clear plan of attack
and we'll see if Jake can figure out a way
to play around it now and make some crucial adjustments.
Jake was exuding confidence walking up to that final table.
Said he was gonna win.
He did indeed claim himself the champion,
But Kobe has put a wrench in that plan, winning game number one.
And now just one more game separates Kobe from becoming the world champion.
Now, in this situation, it feels like you may have to recompose yourself, right?
That was maybe a shocking way to lose the first game.
If you're Jake, I think Kobe has to be feeling great about how that all played out.
But again, this is a big stage, there's a lot going on, there's a lot of pressure here.
Will these players be able to stay focused here with so much on the line?
Kobe is going to get an extra card to work with here.
Jake did not find a basic Pokemon in his first attempt at an opening hand.
Of course, when setting up for the Pokemon TCG, you do draw seven cards.
And one of those seven must be a basic Pokemon for the game to begin.
Since Jake did not find one he's forced to take what we call a mulligan
Shuffle and draw again and Kobe is awarded with an additional card for that
Looks like a basic Pokemon was found off of this one. We'll set out those six prize cards
This one's you set to the side at the beginning of the game
Don't have access to until you're recording spoke on is knocked off a game to getting started
Here we go Jake is going to kick things off with the draw for turn benching of an Abra and a telepathic psychic energy
Right away and similarly to game one in the active spot Luka
Megacangus gone facing off against Rellore. I have a deja vu chip
King is kind of Rellore and Abra with the telepathic psychic energy
I think this is just the first game again and look at these prize cards as Jake is doing his opening search a couple of cadaver
Remember, Psychic Draw is very important for fueling his engine.
And crucially, that Erie is in the prize cards as well.
That's one of your defenses against unfair stamp.
You can just discard it from your opponent's hand before they get an opportunity to use
it.
This might be tough for Jake now, doesn't have all the resources at his disposal that
he may want.
searching off this telepathic psychic it will be a couple more Abra brought down
and it is a buddy buddy Pauphin as well searching the deck for two Pokemon with
70 HP or less putting them into play looks like two done sparse brought to the
front of the deck immediately you mentioned the clogging of the bench in
game one not really a problem when you're putting out done sparse as it
can clear those spots up yeah it's one of the great parts about this
support line. Of course, great combo with that enriching energy. Draws you more cards,
but yeah, you need to have those in play later on in the game.
Kobe is going to open up with the use of a run air end to draw a couple of cards from
the top of the deck. It looks like he's got Cyrano and Crispin in his hand. No teal mask,
Ogre Pawn though, so I don't think we're going to see the potential of a turn one attack.
Cyrano will be his choice here to search his deck for three Pokemon EX, reveal them,
them and put them into his hands.
Trying to see if there are any energy cards in that hand.
Could be an issue if not really want to get an energy in play
on the first turns you can set up for an attack on the second
turn.
You can see the prize cards for Kobe here again a lot of
different types of energy. I think not overly relevant but the
water energy will make it so he cannot use the wellspring mask
Kogarkhan EX in this game.
It does cut him out of that potential play.
Of course, Jake does have that, Rapska,
which also cuts Kobe out of that play.
It seemed like Kobe wasn't even keeping that line open very much
in game number one, as he attached the water very, very early,
recognizing that Rapska is very easy to establish for his opponent.
And one of those just two bosses orders in the prize cards as well.
We saw that was a crucial card in the first game,
being able to target down some Pokemon at the right moments.
But overall, I think should have a clean game here.
Let's see what Kobe decides to go with on this first turn.
And you really do want to establish some sort of offense
in the first couple of turns.
And a part of that offense is finding an energy attachment.
And if he's going to miss an energy attachment here,
that is going to put him effectively upturned behind.
He can make it up a little bit
through the use of Crispin in the future
and some teal dances.
So it's not necessarily the end of this game,
but it is definitely a big miss.
He's gonna use the Sierra note to find out Ladiasi X,
give that chunky mega Kangaskhan a little bit of movement.
Of course, the hefty three retreat cost
brought down to zero thanks to Skyliner,
Tio Masco Grapani X and Lillies Clefairy
also a part of this equation.
So as Kobe looks through the deck,
does see that the unfair stamp is in there,
that'll be a crucial part of this equation as well.
All big basic Pokemon EX coming down onto the bench, including a second mega Kangaskhan.
But where's the energy?
It's the same thing we saw from Kobe in game number one.
Getting that second Kangaskhan established, respecting the potential of a big play from
his opponent of taking out this Pokemon.
He wants to be able to promote it should his active go down.
And here it is, Jake's second turn.
Mokipata immediately fetches out the Dunsparce, ready to go with a runaway draw.
In the first game, we saw Jake miss finding rare candy on the second turn of the game.
That's going to be even more important in game number two with those two Kadabra and the prize cards.
You want to see that rare candy so that you can skip from Abra to Alakazam right away.
Will Jake be able to find it in the second game?
Yeah, again, possible here for this mega-kengaskon to go down.
Jake needs to get into an Alakazam and get 15 cards, and there is the Alakazam rare candy
bringing it out.
Drawing himself three cards, he does also have that enriching energy so he can attach
and draw some more, so he would lose out on his Rellore unless he retreated off
or unless he was to find an air balloon,
here comes a cadabra from this Pokepad.
Be able to draw himself a couple of more cards.
You know, this situation,
I think it's always very tempting
to take three prize cards, right?
It's again, halfway to getting to all six.
So it's always when you have that knockout in front of you,
we're like, ah, I could just do it.
But this may be a situation where Jake wants
to be a little more patient, you know, wasting that enriching energy could backfire later
and doesn't seem to be under a lot of pressure from Kobe after the missed energy attachment
on the first turn.
So we could see a situation where Jake is just content to pass the turn, evolve up some
of these Pokemon and set himself up for a longer game.
We'll see if he chooses to remain patient and he is going to attach this enriching
to his active.
Wow! Drawing four more cards.
Does have that Dundsparse he fetched off of the Poképad.
Getting a count looks like ten cards in his hand currently.
Still a long way to go to get to fifteen.
And there is the Dundsparse coming out.
The second Dundsparse hits the board as well.
Seems so unlikely for him to reach to a one hit KO.
So he is going to retreat into this Alakazam and not take a one hit knockout, still lay
a bunch of damage into this mega kangaskhan, but so often we are used to seeing just knockout
after knockout after knockout when piloting Alakazam.
Yeah, I mean, do you see the runaway draw?
So Dunsparce going into the deck and you have to see that the air balloon was drawn
off of that.
I could have potentially been used to retreat the riller without having to use that enriching energy
I don't wonder if that's gonna come back later for Jake not having access to that powerful a spec card
You only get to play one a spec in your deck. There are so many powerful ones to choose from
And for Jake this weekend it has been the enriching energy, but for him now it is in his discard pile
He has no access to it
but he's got boss's orders to bring up the Ladiost EX,
and if he has enough cards in hand,
he can still take a two prize KO this turn.
Sure seems like he was in that awkward middle ground,
having enough to knock out a regular Pokemon EX,
but not enough to knock out Mega Kangaskhan.
So still a huge turn here,
but it's a fragile feeling here, Chip.
You get a knockout, but once again,
I don't have the Genesect.
This is another opening for Kobe.
If he can find that unfair stamp,
he could leave Jake susceptible to being stuck
with a low hand size.
Kobe does play a couple copies
of the Cypher Maniac's code breaking.
That's a way he could guarantee himself this card draw.
We'd love to pair the unfair stamp within attack though.
And right now, you need to probably play Crispin to get an attack unless you can find multiple energy switch in combination with that Teal Mask Ogre Pawn EX.
Could potentially attack with something like Lily's Clefairy EX instead if you wanted to go that route.
Another card Coby does play as well is the one Lily's Pearl, so he could make the Clefairy worth just one prize card.
Here comes that Meowthie X using that last-ditch catch.
Of course, that Lily's Pearl,
only when knocked out by damage from an attack,
powerful hands, is an effect of an attack.
So he's gonna look through here
and search out any supporter from this last-ditch catch.
And it does look like it is Siphon Maniac's code-breaking
being lined up.
Any two cards placed on top of the deck
in whatever order he pleases.
Are we gonna see the unfair stamp?
Once again, of course, you can put unfair stamp plus one more card on top of your deck.
You'll draw them both with the run errand, so you could both draw the unfair stamp
and set up a combo for an attack here.
It does look like that Cypher Maniacs will be the choice,
and we know unfair stamp will be one piece of this equation.
Question now, what will his second card grab be?
That one's pretty easy.
Sure enough, needs the unfair stamp for this play, could get that energy switch to guarantee
an energy over to the Clefairy.
It looks like he landed on a basic psychic energy hookah.
That signals an attack with Lily's Clefairy EX.
I believe there's an energy switch in hand already.
Kobe gonna try this strategy once more.
Unfair stamp.
out your Alakazam and let's see what happens.
Run Arian drawing the two cards that Kobe just placed
on top of the deck.
He's gonna use an Ultra Ball to discard
a couple more cards from the hand,
fetching out any Pokemon he would like,
adding that to his hand,
and also thinning some cards out of his deck
if he doesn't want to draw anymore.
Well, Spring Mask Ogre Pawn,
one of those cards going to the discard pile.
He's going to thin just one more Pokémon out of his deck.
If he's got Area 0, he could put more Pokémon into play, of course, if he would like to.
Or just discard them, Raging Bolt.
Not super necessary whenever you're dealing with Alakazam, which only has 140 hit points.
Really nice to knock out high HP Pokémon, perhaps some of those Mega Pokémon we've
seen in the format.
opposing mega kengaskans like mega exka drill ex but not useful in this match up at all
That's exactly what you can do here discard those cards with ultra ball so that you don't draw into them off of this unfair stamp
There's the basic psychic onto the cliff fairy and an energy switch off of the teal mask ogre pawn and unfair stamp
We'll get him five cards refreshed
And leave Jake with just two cards.
He's already got the attack lined up.
Kobe will take down this Alakazam,
and these two cards here for Jake and Ji
are massive to keep him
and his hopes of becoming World Champion alive.
Chip, there's just one problem.
There's no Latias EX in play currently,
and the bench is full.
Kobe needs to find Area 0 underdecks
and Latias EX to even retreat.
We're so used to seeing those cards just automatically being in play
That is not the case in this game and in this situation and off these five cards
It does not look like he's been able to draw into them
That's why he was debating so long on that cypher maniacs Puka. He just has to pass now
And it's over to Jake on his turn and he's got Alakazam a
A crucial miss for Kobe on that turn when you can't combine the unfair stamp with a knockout
your opponent gets more time and time is not something you can afford to give to Alec
Kazam in this situation and Jake draws a wonderful hand off of that unfair stamp.
He's going to be drawing all sorts of cards.
Alec Kazam into the dawn, dawn into Alec Kazam, the Dunsparse and Fezzendipity EX
runaway draw, three more cards from the top, Buddy Buddy Poffin to replenish the board.
If Jake can get to 15, he'll be able to take this knockout. He'll go down to just one prize
card remaining. Let's see if he can piece it all together. Even with no knockout here,
I think the damage has been done. Jake has so many cards in hand now, has the opportunity to
set up those Dunsparce for future Dunsparce and the rear candy. Third Alakazam, all three Alakazam
into play now for Jake. And I don't think he's gonna get to 15, but like you said, Puka the damage
has been done. Kobe's one trick, his one chance in this matchup is the use of that unfair stamp.
He's already expended that resource and it was for not enough of a payoff.
Yeah, let's not forget Jake is ahead on prize cards.
He's already taken the first two.
Kobe still has to take six knockouts to win this game.
And there's no other way for Kobe to disrupt that hand.
If we keep seeing those runaway draws with the Dunsparce
filling up the hand every turn, there's
no way to set it back down to a low enough number where
Al Kazam won't be able to knock out these Pokemon EX.
Jake can just feel free to replenish this board with the Dunsparse over and over and over again.
There's no reason to worry about getting the Genesect established now.
Unfair Stamped has been utilized. No way to recover that A-Spec.
Coby's going to continue to draw here and see what else he could possibly do,
but if he doesn't get off an attack here, I fail to see a real path.
There's an attachment to his active. Looks like an energy switch, so he's going to attack
with this heavily damaged mega Kangaskhan EX.
It's not a good feeling if you're Kobe.
Oh, is he going to retreat it?
That's not a good feeling either.
He is going to manually retreat that hefty mega Kangaskhan into the Lily's Clefairy
EX. It will be able to attack. It will take the KO on Alakazam.
Kobe's gonna put a couple energy cards into play with this glass trumpet, but
Jake is just two attacks away from closing this out. He's already got the two
Alakazam on his board and his hand is no longer in danger.
There is the KO. Willys Clifairy takes down Alakazam. That handheld fan on Jake's
and will bounce the psychic energy over to Tealmasco Groupon on the bench.
He'll be finally taking a prize card in game two.
And let's just see if Jake can stream together a couple of attacks in a row.
We did see in the first game Jake got to a spot where he kind of ran out of steam.
And let's remember there's no enriching energy anymore that was discarded early on in this game.
So it might be a little more difficult to build up the hand than it would be normally.
But there's still a pretty healthy number of cards in that hand.
Alakazam did 180 damage and there's the flip of the script to add more.
Does Individu E X using its powerful ability as a KO was taken on the previous turn by Kobe?
Jake you have a energy card, which is attached now
We'll be able to KO this Lily's Clefairy a couple of the done sparse put into play as well
I don't think he even has to use these runaway draws to get this KO
There is the powerful hand jaked down to just two prize cards remaining
And you can see how powerful that hand really is knocking out that Pokemon EX for just a
single energy card.
And what can Kobe do from here?
The pressure is on and you can see why this Alakazam deck is so difficult for Kobe to
deal with.
Here is Flip the script of the Fezendipity EX to draw himself three more cards.
If nothing else, he'll be able to draw through quite a bit more of his deck this game.
You see that teal dance of Teal Mask Ogre Pawn EX to get an extra energy out.
Here is that run errand ability to draw himself two more cards.
Not much else here for Kobe.
The options feeling so limited, there's no one prize Pokemon he can really efficiently
attack with and Jake's already got so many cards in hand perhaps the one hope
here for Kobe would just be if some energies were prized for Jake but no
Kobe's gonna conceive this one and send us to gain three
unfair stamp not enough that time Kobe set up was not as robust as it was in
the first game and Jake was able to draw out of it this time.
CY this single prize Alec Kazam for just a single energy, favors the trade so favorably
with these Pokemon EX.
Even just knocking out something like a Latias EX like we saw here that's two prize cards.
Basically means you just have to knock out two more Pokemon to win the game.
I mean, in that knockout was huge.
It's what prevented Kobe from getting into his attacker
on the following turn, getting rid of that pivot ability
was a really heads-up move from Jake,
and it ensured that he would cruise to a game two win.
All right, everyone here, let's hear from Pablo.
Pablo, what are you seeing in this match
and what will we expect to see
as we go into this crucial game three?
I mean, obviously, defense against the on-first stamp is going to be the key thing, having that Genesect down.
And we saw that very smart play taking out Latias in order to remove the mobility, right?
So we'll have to see what they can do, but Genesect, I think, is going to be key in Game 3, and could be defining.
Yeah, waiting for knockouts. 100% huge.
Not playing a way to take a KO until you can establish that ace nullifier ability.
That is the main way in this matchup that Alakazam struggles,
just not building up a large hand
that it can keep later on in the game.
I think what's so interesting about this list
is the force of vitality
and the Rapsca actually coming into the fray
at this point to use that spherical shield
to actually prevent the bench from being damaged here.
It's unfortunate that the Sacred Ash was prized,
but that's the thing.
When the unfair stamp gives you so many cards
to draw back into that opening,
beautiful hand, anything is possible.
Thank you so much Pablo, Ethan and Emily appreciate your insight and thoughts as always as these players are setting up for game number three.
And Coby will have the opportunity here to choose Luca first or second.
Give himself a chance to get established and here it is game three of the senior division final match. Let's hear it for these trainers.
Kobe is going to kick off this opening turn, Laviatsky acts in the after spot,
the Lewis Colferi, an energy attached in just a pass, no Mega Kanga's gone,
and Jake NG has started that crucial Genesex.
We're off to the races here in the third game. A world champion will be crowned
after this one. Okay, Pat, the first card being played for Jake needs to set
up those Abra once again, and we heard our analysts talking about that.
at Genesect finally hitting the board in the third game.
We thought this was going to be a crucial part of this matchup.
There's actually some tricky stuff
that can happen on Kobe's side as well.
Will we finally see this ace nullifier come into play?
It's going to almost be forced at this point
since Jake has had to start it.
He'll most likely be able to move it with an air balloon,
which will just naturally get a tool card onto this Pokemon.
Jake's opening play here is just that polka pad
to get out the Abra and a Dawn to search the deck
for three different Pokemon, a basic stage one and stage two.
And it looks like right away,
Fezendipity being potentially tied up
is his hand that week that Fezendipity was considered Puka?
I don't love that.
Unless there's a lot more good stuff in that hand,
that is a bad signal.
Oh my goodness, Fezendipity EX being taken off the Dawn
right away.
Unless there's more like Buddy Buddy Poffins,
things like that. This could be some trouble.
It does look like it was a Fezendipity, ultimately as the choice,
because Aber can be fetched with that Pokepad.
And that will be put onto the board and just a pass note energy on the side
of Jake. And as we see this hand here for Kobe,
there's also not much going on. His only bailout being,
I think this Cypher Maniac's code breaking.
I don't think he has anything else.
And I don't think there's enough Pokemon in play for full moon rondo to even knock out
this Genesect.
What does Kobe have here?
It's going to search through the deck and of course check those prize cards, Kengis Khan
Clefairy, a couple Pokemon there, a couple of supporters also prized away.
I'll have to think about what to stack up on top of his deck.
And he has the mobility with Ladias in play right now so he could retreat into
but yes, Buka, there's nowhere near enough Pokemon in play here.
We're so used to this full moon rondo being almost automatic to KO whatever you want,
especially when that Pokemon only has 110 hit points, but it's not going to happen here this turn.
Things are getting weird in the third game here to decide our world champion.
Not optimal starts for either player who can adapt and figure out a strategy on the fly.
fly. When things don't go completely according to plan, let's see, these are the adjustments
you have to make when you're playing at a high level like this.
Teal mask over Pony X and Serino played on top of the deck and makes a lot of sense when
you look at the hand here for Kobe. He'll be able to teal dance into that Serino on
the next turn and fill his board with a bunch of powerful Pokemon EX. He will retreat
And he's going to deal just 80 damage with this full moon rondo to hit keo in a jenice like that
I don't think that's how you draw it up kuka
Definitely not big two cards off the psychic draw here though
Does find an energy card. It is that enriching energy his aspect of choice. He's going to attach draw himself four cards
And continue to fuel ford this position
It's not going to be possible now to attack.
There's no wonderous patch in this list from Jake,
so no KO potential, but a second Dawn played.
We'll search out a bunch of Pokemon
and continue to help him get his board established.
It was seeming a little scary at first for Jake,
but I think he's begun to stabilize.
Yeah, the key was just kind of survival in this situation.
Only two cards found off the Dawn.
No stage two Pokemon found.
You know, that means no Alec-Azam remaining in the deck.
They're hiding out between the hand and the prize cards.
We're gonna see another psychic draw here of the cadaver.
Two more cards.
There is a basic psychic.
Dunsparse will hit the board.
It does look like just one Alec-
No, two Alec-Azam in the hand,
so one is hiding out in the prizes.
He's got Battle Cage in his hand.
Thinking about just playing that card out
and he will do just that and passes now over to Kobe.
And we see Jake once again not valuing the Genesect in this matchup.
Could have retreated it to try to protect it
and save that ace nullifier for later,
but deciding no, this is the least important Pokemon
I have in play right now.
And this is the play Kobe set up last turn
with his cipher maniac.
He uses his teal dance, draws that one other card
he put on top, and it is going to be the Sereno.
Searching the deck for three powerful Pokemon EX,
adding them into his hand.
Fezendipity, Megakingus Gun EX,
and then Meowth EX as well.
One of the things I love about this Sereno,
being able to chain supporters thanks to Meowth EX.
Kobe will certainly get a knockout on this turn.
The question is, will he be able to set up
for a big follow-up after that.
The opening turn has been fairly weak at this point.
Not a lot of acceleration.
We really feel like he's gotta be gearing up
for that unfair stamp in the next couple turns.
What's going on here?
Looks like just the full moon round-o.
There could have been an awkward situation there
with a cruel arrow from Fesendipity
with the right mix of cards,
but now Jake has a golden opportunity.
Let's see if he's able to capitalize.
He'll lead off with that telepathic psychic energy
searching out two basic psychic Pokemon,
putting two more Abra into play on his bench.
We know he has Alakazam waiting in hand
and he already has so many cards available.
The only way is to get back that Genesect
that just got knocked out.
There's one Sacred Ash and one Alana's Aide, and those are both kind of difficult to find
early on in the game.
So once again, we might be headed for a situation where Genesect is just not a factor.
Came into the thinking that was going to be one of the main interactions in this matchup.
It just hasn't come up yet, but Jake has still been able to find a way to get this
Alakazam up and running. Certainly has enough cards to get a knockout here.
And he's going to use the eerie, trying to perhaps catch that unfair stamp.
Unable to do that, but does get two energy switch.
Wow. Two energy switch. That will definitely limit Kobe's options on the following turn.
Flip the script. Pheasantipity EX drawing a few more cards.
Here is that forest of vitality.
Getting rid of that battle cage,
putting this stadium into play now.
And as long as he's got 10 cards in his hand,
powerful hand will take the KO.
Jake NG strikes.
Two prizes down, four more to go.
How will Kobe respond here?
The pressure is mounting.
And the hand is built up for Jake Alakazam, he is up and running.
Is this the time to find unfair stamp, starts off with just three cards off of this.
Flip the script to draw those first three.
Kobe's used one Cypher Maniacs code breaking, he does play two copies, so he could piece
it all together with his knee out that he grabbed the last turn off of the Cyrano.
I'm gonna draw with a few of his other abilities first to see if he can perhaps find it naturally.
Of course, not only does he want to play the unfair stamp, he wants to pair it with an attack, with a KO,
which is what he missed out on in game number two, and here comes that Meowth.
So one major difference in this third game is Jake was able to put down Fezendipity EX before this unfair stamp is potentially coming.
It's going to weaken the effectiveness of that.
You have to wonder if there's even an opportunity for Kobe to take advantage of the fact that Fezendipity is down,
could potentially use things like Saab with the wellspring mask over upon EX to trap it for a little bit
so you can set up a bigger play later. But no, Cypher Maniac is the choice here.
And he's going to grab a grass energy and the unfair stamp here.
here he's lined up this KO gonna play a few more cards out of his hand to thin as
much as possible and there it is unfair stamp. Kobe will get five cards leaving
Jake with just two but Jake has prepared his board well for this situation not
only that festin Diffie but there's also a done sparse already in play. Will
the third time. Be the charm for Kobe's unfair stamp. It worked the first time, wasn't as
effective the second time. He needs it to stick one more time to have a chance to become World
Champion here. This A-Spec card is the game changer that could decide this tournament
for these two players.
Here are the cards being drawn. Kobe's already expended everything. He really needs
to this turn. He's used all of his draw abilities. He's got that Teal Mask over upon EX set up
and ready to fire off a myriad leaf shower, taking down the Alakazam, tying this game
up to prize cards, taking a piece. Let's see what Jake has off of this draw promoting
his the done sparse ready to use that runaway draw ability. He's going to kick it off
with a Resinipi DX and flip the script.
Doosia Hilda and Adon in the hand.
That's going to represent so many additional cards
on this turn, a Cadabra and Alakazam.
That's going to end up drawing five additional cards.
You have the runaway draw with the Dunsparce
available as well.
Things are looking great for our Australian player, Jake,
Lining up all these cards for this Alakazam
Plenty of cards still to draw this turn the dumb sparse available in the active spot needs to make sure he can find an energy card
There are so many cards for him to draw to see one. There are two found from the psychic draw of
Kadabra, there are three coming in from this Alakazam
Still three more to draw with the dumb sparse available. He only needs
11 in his hands to get this KO.
Yeah, crucial difference between this and the first game as well.
Mega Kangaskhan was the one following up after the unfair stamp.
Now, a much smaller Pokémon that's much easier to knock out.
Much easier to get to 11 cards compared to the 15 required to KO a Mega Kangaskhan.
And should Jake have an energy card, which he does,
this powerful hands will take down this Teal Mask Ogre Pond EX,
taking Kobe's only Tara Pokemon out of play,
taking all of Kobe's energy cards out of play
and leaving him with a board, simply full of Pokemon.
Jake's setting things up to just secure a victory
if possible, improve the odds where you can,
put more Kadabra and Alakazam for you to draw
on your future turns.
There is that KO.
And just one more knockout separates Jake NG and this champion title,
Kobe will promote his Mega-Kangaskhan EX.
Let's see what he can piece together.
So much card draw available, Fezzendipity EX,
and the use of Flip the Script, three cards right here.
Killing him one at a time.
Still more to find with the Mega-Kangaskhan and its run air and ability.
What could Kobe possibly attack with here to give him a chance to get re-established?
That's the question, and that's the question. Kobe's going to be asking himself as well.
We have a couple different options here. Obviously, you can't just leave things the way they are.
You'll lose immediately if nothing changes on this board, whether that means attacking the active Pokémon,
knocking it out or trying to get a little crafty, maybe using something like boss's orders to
bring out Fezendipity EX and try to trap it. I don't know if that'll even be enough at
this stage, but you gotta try something. This is the last game of this Seniors Division
tournament. The last couple of turns, Kobe's gonna see it out and try to find some path
here. Perhaps through the use of a Meowth EX, which is found off of the Ultra Ball.
Gonna put down a Lily's Clefairy. Gonna... Oh, he cannot bench that Meowth Puka. There are no
Terra Pokemon in play. He put down that Lily's Clefairy first. Of course, Area 0 under depth
expands your bench to eight Pokemon, but only if you have a Terra Pokemon in play.
something we've probably all done at some point just assuming you have a
tarot Pokemon in play in that area zero under depths is always expanding your
bench to a Pokemon but the teal mask over upon the X was knocked out on the
previous turn you can't fulfill that condition for the area zero under depths
and the first card that Kobe played down was the lilies for fairy now won't
be able to bench the Meowth EX or anything else in this situation.
What can he do here?
He has to find Crispin if he wants to attack this turn.
That's now his only path with no Teal Mask Ogre Pond in play, no opportunity to get
extra energies out through the use of a Teal Dance.
So if he does not find a Crispin here, he's going to miss an attack.
Psychic Energy will come down onto the Lily's Clefairy EX.
going to take stock of the discard pile on Jake's end, looking for any way out of this
situation.
He will use a boss's orders to bring something into the active spot, banking perhaps on lack
of energy cards available for his opponent, hoping that maybe a couple of energy cards
are prized.
It is entirely possible.
If that were the case, Jake may have a hard time moving this Pheasant Deputy.
He will draw for turn.
There is that air balloon.
There is the boss disorders and Jake.
NG is the 2026 Pestumon DCG World Champion.
Congratulations to Jake, taking it all with Alakazam and that powerful hand was able to
draw cards to become our champion.
Well played by both players such an amazing match to watch.
At the end of the day, Jake will be taking home the crown.
Congratulations.
And congratulations to, of course, to Kobe as well, to get to this point, to be
to play on this stage. What an incredible memory. What is something he'll be able to
cherish for the rest of his life? It feels unfortunate to come up just short, but what
a run it has been for both of our players. Congratulations, Jake NG, the world champion
in the semifinals. He said at the beginning he was going to be the champion and he followed
through on his promise. Congratulations to Jake on getting the job done. Very confident
player and I gotta think there was a moment he may have been questioning himself after that
first game and how that match started off. But Alakazam just too powerful against this
big basic strategy. And we are standing by with Jake for an interview. We've got
to see how he's feeling fresh off of his win. Oh my goodness what a match we just
witnessed and we officially have our world champion for the TCG senior
division. All right, Jake and G, many were talking about the fact that the
Alakazam deck was favored in this matchup but this did go the distance.
Can you give me the breakdown of this match from your perspective? So game one
I just drew nothing up the stem which like just lost me the game pretty much
I think I might have made a slight misplay
I didn't like sacred ash back average into my death which probably lost me the game
But in game two and three they were pretty clean. I just drew a supporter off-stamp and I won
The senior division offers a unique opportunity
To start building your reputation as a player
Nice and early as you continue down your competitive career. How would you like for people to describe you as a player?
I hope they view me as a top player. Ultimately, that's just my goal to feel like I'm good
I don't really care that much about winning as long as I feel like I'm at the top of the current player base
I mean, there's nothing like World Championship high belts approved to people that you're good before I let you go
Would you like to give any shout outs to I like to shout out my dad first for bringing me to all the events
I go to takes a lot of time of work just to come with me. I'd also like to thank our Yuichi and Addison
For playing the same list as me to the lit to worlds and as well as everyone who's tested with me and helped me build my deck
Truly is a team effort. Well, thank you so much Jake for joining me right here and everyone here in the Chase Center
Give it up one more time for your TCG
We have had some very interesting matches so far today, but I don't think we have one
more matchup when it comes to season TCG, am I right?
For something else we have to do.
That's right, the TCG Masters division is on the way, so let's get you set up for
our final matchup.
For nearly 30 years, a Pokemon trading card game has continued to evolve.
New cards, new strategies, and new generations of trainers.
But the dream-becoming world champion has remained all the same.
The best trainers of the 2026 season earned their place in San Francisco and after countless
hard-fought battles, clutch plays, and crucial top decks, only two remain.
final match will decide the next Pokemon trading card game world champion. Diego
Casiraga is one of the most storied players in the game's history, having
three prior top-buck finishes, including his world champion title in 2017. His run
this year has been fueled by the powerful hands of Alakazam.
I'm Diego Casiraga in the back! We'll see him in the case set tomorrow!
After defeating Henry Chow in top four, Diego proved that he is still one of
This game's top competitors, as he battles for a chance to become a two-time G-boy.
He will be facing off against Andrew Hedrick, who has dominated the Pokemon TCG for the last few seasons.
Andrew is playing Dragon Ball TX with crushing hammers.
This is an archetype that he popularized after winning the Los Angeles Regional Championships earlier this season.
After Hedrick finds Boston's order, he will win the game!
He defeated former number one ranked player Brent Tonneson in top four to punch his ticket into championship Sunday
This finals match is a story of the experienced veteran versus the young superstar
Only one of them can leave this stage as our champion
This time it's my turn
One of our traitors is looking to become the first two-time world champion in the TCG Masters
division.
The other has already rocked this deck towards victory in a regional this very season.
Everybody, it is time to meet our TCG Masters finalists.
First up, we have Andrew Hedwig.
And on the opposite side, give it up for Diego Casieraca!
I know I'm so for this matchup, I know everyone in the audience is Andrew, five regional victories, an NAIC title.
This would mean the trial factor. What is it going to take to actually achieve that?
Yeah, I don't know. I'm just gonna try to treat this mask like you would any other, right?
I'm gonna try to play the best you can, do what you can with the court, do what you want to see if it works out.
And Diego, the last time we saw you on this stage, your wife was seven months pregnant with your first child.
Now you have returned as a father of two.
Walk me through the journey back in 2017 till now.
I'm really proud to have them here with me, supporting me here in the sidelines.
We appreciate the support of everyone that is in the audience right now.
Keep it cheered while you send our traitors off to your battle stations.
Alright, after 20 minutes we gotta say about that.
Oh, we've got a lot to say about that, Gabby, but we're hopefully gonna have time to say it all.
We've got Andrew Hedrick, Diego Casaraga, we have crowd, our Junior Division World Champion,
we have crowd, our Senior Division World Champion, now just some masters division left.
I'm Ross Gilbert, and I'm here with the lovely Joe Bernard. Joe, how good is this final gonna be?
Oh, this is Goliath versus Goliath.
That's with you, Ross.
This is a combination of modern era versus veteran.
We have the mastermind of the modern era in Andrew Hedrick, looking to complete the Pokemon Gauntlet.
He's already a regional champion. He's already an international champion. What a maze!
The world championships is just one set away, but he faces down a veteran of over 20 years
of experience at the very highest level. Diego Casaraga. He has a resume better than anyone
He's already got two top eight finishes. His dream came true within 2017 with Guarded by GX and he's hoping to do it again today.
Well back in 2013 we saw Jason Kuzinski won the WTW championships for the third time.
But since then the play-of-akes have grown immeasurably.
Tournament have gone infinitely harder and we ask that question.
Will we ever see another player repeat as the Master of Division World Champion?
Well, Diego's coming here, said, look, I won it in 2017.
It's nine years later, I'm back, and he has got an excellent chance.
Just one more hurdle to get over, but he's proven he can navigate this.
He's been a dragapult along the way, just one more game to go,
and he could do what people thought might no longer be possible.
Very well done. It could be Diego, and we've got the friends and family standing by.
So let's hear from them.
Thank you so much, guys.
Of course, I'm here with the friends and family of our competitors, and I've got a couple of
Posting questions to ask them. How does it feel having supported them towards this point?
And now they're on the world stage
I mean to me it's no surprise
I think Andrew Hadrick is on a different level from every their play in the world
And it's pretty rare that the best players get to actually make it to the finals of world
So I really wanted to bring this one home because he's a great friend of mine
I mean, it's really, I've been seeing him playing all my life and being here it's really crazy.
I'm so proud of him.
I'd love hearing that. I think we're all so proud as well.
It feels like we've all become family, watching both players grow and now get to this point.
How much preparation goes into events like this that people just might not understand from home?
I mean, I have spent countless hours just sitting and called Andrew playing sharing screens playing, you know
The ptcg live ladder he gets to the highest elotes. I've ever seen he it's incredible. He's put in so much work, and he really deserves this
I mean
Practicing and practicing and
Being with the family
Really nice. I love that, that's so good. Still makes plenty of time for the family.
And if you could give just one final breath of support, what would you say to them right now if you were over there?
He and Dukie Svaz, we will support him no matter what.
Do you spend them die to knock out all his Albras and win the game?
Good advice! Well let's go see if that's going to be what unfolds. Good luck to our players as we
embark on this journey together.
Well it's hard to argue with that advice, huge fans and dive, not our Abra. Ladies and gentlemen,
we have met the players. Give me a cheer if you're cheering for Andrew!
I think that went pretty popular, Joe.
And you can blame them.
They've had such historic placements.
Andrew, more recent success for Diego over many years.
a strong competitor as we see how they made it to this finals actually quite similar runs from
both players you'll notice that both Andrew and Diego were able to take out the hostel
in their top eight matches and then we're both able to defeat Dragapult in their top four matches
it was really amazing to see Diego up against Henry Chow in that previous game
all that was fun coming up against Dragapult again in these finals so you know that he's
He's got a lot of experience in this matchup.
Actually throughout the tournament,
he has four wins and one loss.
His only loss of the entire tournament so far
has been Dragapot.
That is a little bit awkward,
but there are a lot of Dragapot out there.
He has beaten a lot of them.
Let's see what the casters think
about this particular matchup.
Where did we come down in terms of our prediction?
Who do we think is going to take this home?
And I know, Joe,
we ended up on different sides of this bracket.
I've been seeing the ego that you think
Andrew's bringing it home.
Well, it's a dead heat between the castes
and you can see why.
It's hard to back against a previous world champion.
I'm feeling that from what I've seen from Andrew,
he's just such a phenomenal competitor
and I do happen to think that his build of Dragon Faulty X
will have enough answers
to this single prize Alakazam archetype.
Diego does have a lot of defensive cards
that can help out against the dangerous
Phantom Dive attacks against the Adrenal Brain
from Monkey Dory,
but I think that Andrew just about has the edge here
with his list.
I've been looking at recent tournaments, and Dragapult has been the best deck for a while.
No one's arguing that, but it didn't win the last European regional this season,
and it didn't win the last North American regional this season,
and it didn't win North American internationals, and it didn't win Japan championships,
and it was the best deck in all of those tournaments going in,
and I just think sooner or later, Dragapult gets spot,
and I think this is the game where Dragapult gets got,
but I do think it's going to be close. I think it could go either way,
and I do think it might be a pretty good matchup we're going to watch.
Well, if the casters can't decide who's going to win,
it's going to come down to these players.
Let's have a look and remind ourselves
at some of the accomplishments from both sides here.
Andrew Hedrick, a five-time regional champion,
NAIC champion, his best world spinach to date,
has only been top 32.
He's absolutely a quick snap right now.
But another great snap for Andrew
is that he's only come second
in the seven finals that he's attended in.
he is so locked in for these finals.
He has lost one final out of seven.
That is a pretty good record.
As you go in and Diego, a whole bunch of results there.
But the one that really stands above all of them
is that world championships final.
That's to a title over in 2017 with that Gardevoir GX.
Let's take a look at some prizes.
Anything coming down that terrifies you, Joe?
Not too much.
And Richard Energy's not great.
Night stretcher and the A-Spect for Diego.
not ideal either, so both players are going to have to navigate their prizes in this situation.
Okay, looks like we are getting ready to start.
People in the chase centre, it's time to get loud!
It's a one-on-one!
Holy chase centre!
The players have the fist bump. We are off in the Masters division.
This is game one out of the best of three and it looks like we're starting off with Andrew Hedrick with a but two in the active
Diego has gone and Abra it is a buddy buddy popping for Andrew that is gonna allow him to go and grab two
Basic Pokemon Joe give us a quick rundown at his dragapult deck while he searches
Well, it may not be the first time you've seen it this weekend
We even saw it in the juniors division
But this archetype is built all around the stage to dragapult EX meaning that Andrew's priority will be finding first of all
early Dripy and then working his way into Drakloak. Having that recon directive ability
grants you so much access to the deck that you'll be able to spring together all sorts
of combos. And it's no bad thing that the Dragapult itself has a phenomenal attack in
Phantom Dive, dishing out 200 damage to the active, but also crucially placing six
counters on your opponent's benched Pokemon in any way that you like. And it's how
creative Andrew can be where he's going to find his edges in the set.
Yeah, you're looking to take multiple KOs, set up Pokemon,
three, four turns down the road.
You need to be able to see the future
if you're playing this Dragonbolt deck.
Well, the buddy-buddy-puffin is going to go out and get Andrew
a couple of 3B down onto the bench.
That is going to evolve into Dragonbolt,
and a second buddy-buddy-puffin, turn one, double puffin.
That is a dream of many a Pokemon player,
so we can start seeing even more basics here.
If you want to get an army of 3B down on the bench,
This is a good way to start, but we are weaving in a Duns-Bass Lair,
which of course evolves into Duns-Bass that is going to be your draw engine.
Both of our players here are utilizing this as a sort of secondary engine
within their main evolution line.
So it's an amazing start for Andrew here to have access to 3DDP
in addition to the Duns-Bass,
opening up all sorts of opportunities for him to draw
on that second turn of the game as he evolves up into his Pokemon.
So all things considered, this is a phenomenal turn one for him.
It's everything you're looking for.
Turn one going first, you're not allowed to attack,
You're not allowed to play a supporter.
What you really want to do is establish a whole bunch of basic Pokemon.
You'd like an energy, does not look like we're going to see that.
Andrew, that is the...
Well, did you see one in the hand there, Joe?
All I can see is Drakloak for next turn,
and Meowth EX possibly for next turn as well.
That's all I'm seeing here right now.
Well, at least you've got your basic Pokemon.
You don't get your energy, but you can pass over to Diego
knowing you're in a pretty good position.
And we do pass over to Diego's first turn of these finals.
Abra in the active, decent start, what do we have?
We're looking for Pokemon search, and it's only one buddy, buddy, boffin.
Yeah.
But we do have a buddy, buddy, boffin.
One seems to be enough.
I think there's also a poker pad in this hand as well.
So Diego will start to sift through his cards.
Once again, his evolution line, not only a great attacking threat,
but also he can draw cards throughout the game as he evolves up.
The Kadabra allows you to draw two when it comes into play
with that psychic draw ability.
Alakazam gets you one additional card, a great bonus,
and that powerful hand attack as well,
dishing out more damage counters
for the number of cards in your hand.
So throughout this set,
we're gonna be looking at Diego's hand,
not just for what it contains,
but also the raw size of the hand
is what's required to reach knockouts.
And that's something we're gonna be tracking
throughout the game.
We're gonna be looking at Andrew's opportunities
to disrupt the hand.
We're going to be looking for things
like the special red card,
things like the Unfest app.
These cards that can lower Diego's hand size
trying to make it as difficult as possible to rebuild it.
You need 16 cards in hand to get a KO on a clean DragonPult EX.
It's absolutely possible.
We've seen it plenty of times this weekend,
but Andrew's job is to make it as difficult as possible for Diego
to pull that off in a dunce pass off his own for Diego.
And just having a little bit of a look.
Now, it is worth noting we have six cards
that go down as your prizes to begin the game.
Those cards are inaccessible
until you draw them as prize cards by taking knockouts.
So the reason you see these players doing long searches in the early game,
they are just looking for which cards are missing
so that they know what they don't have access to.
Diego right now is thinking,
oh, that enriching energy, hope I'll draw that soon.
Yeah, absolutely. Especially important,
as Hilda is one of the crucial supporter cards
he will look towards throughout this game.
The enriching energy would be a way to unlock some draw out of this supporter.
Instead, he's just going to have to rely on the telepathic psychic energy
to not only attack, but also to get additional Abra into play
because it can search out basic psychic Pokemon.
Part of the reason why this archetype is so consistent
is the four copies of this telepathic energy.
Yeah, perfect order coming in.
Well, that really did give a power spike to this deck.
We've gone and grabbed Ekadabra for next turn.
Of course, we know that the do with that itchipollin' attack
is going to be turning off the use of item cards.
So it is in your best interest when you're playing against Purdue
to proactively play your items.
It may be even a turn early because you can poke a pad now and get your Kadabra.
Next turn, that poke pad will not be available,
but you will have the Kadabra ready to evolve,
draw two cards, and hopefully work towards your main attacker.
A battle cage goes down.
That's going to be big in this matchup, right, Joe?
This is going to be a crucial wall that we have during the entire series,
where the stadiums land because Diego wants to keep this battle cage in play
for as long as possible,
preventing the damage counters from being placed on benched Pokemon
by effects of attacks or abilities, which is essentially everything Andrew is trying to construct.
So whenever you can find those stadium bumps, that's really important.
But look at this, Recon Directive into Recon Directive, Andrew is flowing right now.
All three, Drag Cloak, come down nice and easily.
You had three turn, one, three, three, turn, two, Drag Cloak.
Absolutely what you're looking for.
Each of those, let's look at the top two cards in your deck.
One to your hand, one to the bottom of your deck,
and that gives you your draw-rending as you keep rolling.
This is what you want to do, slow the game down with a do.
Build up your dragon army on the bench,
and it is going beautifully for Andrew.
Crispin is the supporter for the turn here,
so Andrew can begin to power up multiple Drakloak.
He could likely put two energy onto one benchboke on all,
spread out his attachments,
just to save him the headache later on in the game.
But no, we are seeing two energy onto one Drakloak here.
It may not indicate that we could get aggressive this turn with the dragon headbutt,
but he's certainly eyeing up on attack on the next turn.
He absolutely is.
One of the things you've got to watch with Dragapult, it is a two-energy attack.
So cards like Crispin and cards like Rose's Encouragement,
they are played in the deck so you can cheat just a tiny bit
by getting two energy attachments in your turn rather than one
so that you can get this Pokemon up and rolling a little bit faster,
especially if you say miss an energy attachment on turn one.
There is a tiny chance that Diego could potentially go
Rearcad, the Alakazam, energy, bosses orders, KO, Dragloak.
Is that something Andrew's worried about?
Not so much, especially if you're going to use the itchy pollen here.
I feel like that has to be the line of play at this turn.
Yeah, you're just going to go for itchy pollen
and hope that this item destruction can really slow down.
No, it is not.
It's not.
Actually, if Joey's going for it, it is a draw.
Headbutt onto the Abra.
First KO goes to Andrew Hedrick.
No more Badoo, no more Item Lock, it is a proactive 1st KO here,
and it's not what most people would have been expecting.
Things get really odd already.
In this finalist there's a dorm top deck from Diego Casarago.
Perhaps the only reason Andrew went for this line of play was there was no supporter from Diego
on his first turn of the game, but now we're going to see the runaway draw.
If we can find a rare candy from these three cards, Ross,
Things could get explosive. You don't quite, but we do find the Fesendipity EX.
That's going to be three more cards. It's got the ability, flip the script.
If you had a Pokemon code last turn, you get to draw three more cards.
So you're going to have access to more cards.
And now you don't even need to use something like a boss's orders.
If you just get Rek and the Alakazam energy, you not only knock out the track loop,
but more importantly, you remove all the energy from the board.
There's your telepathic psychic energy.
That's going to go and get a couple more Abra if you want to, if they're available.
Yeah, absolutely. This is already Disar choice from Diego. Make sure you pull these Pokemon
out of the deck before you use your flip the script from Byzanty Ptex. Possibly you might
even think to use the Dawn supporter as well before committing to this draw three because
you can continue to pull Pokemon out. We are going to see the Dawn supporter. So the
Abra-Zam will be a crucial, the stage two is a no-brainer. What else is he going to cherry
pick here. Already has access to the Genesect in hand. There's a Kadabra, that's going to be able
to evolve next turn, draw a couple of cards and then you get to get a basic as well. Presumably,
I think a Dunsparse to evolve into the Dunsparse. There we go. So that's going to essentially
reset your draw range into Dunsparse. Draws three cards that goes back into your deck. So one of
the things you need to do is to just keep resetting it. Try and make sure you always end your
term of a Dunsparse on the bench so that next turn you can evolve your runaway draw
And then round and round we go.
You don't need many cards in hand.
You only need five to KO a Joklok.
So I'm not worried about hand size.
No.
It's just where I can be.
Now that's all we need.
And there are three copies within Diego's list.
And here we go.
Three cards from Feds and Dipty.
Show me the reaction.
No, no, no.
Oh, that's a bit sad.
That would have been great.
That would have been such a huge turn.
Because you get rid of all the energy.
You get rid of the Joklok.
You even up the prizes.
Instead, you just don't really have a great response.
And that's gonna allow Andrew to really go as the aggressor draw two cards here
And we've got the gun buddy-buddy poppin and a did Denny
We're gonna bench that dunce pastor potentially evolve and draw cars next term
But a real missed opportunity here the lack of rare candy not through lack of trying I might add
But the lack of rare candy means no evolution here no real attack you can super side bolt for 30
I don't think we're going to see that.
Looks like Diego is conventioning to Dene or Genesect here,
because he wants to retreat out of this Kadabra.
He could also use this body-body pop-in,
while he has the opportunity to possibly even put another dunce-bossing to play here.
That would be a decent sacrificial Pokémon, expecting a Phantom Dive to come back your way next turn.
And hoping that that battle cage sticks.
That battle cage will stop the residual damage counters from Phantom Dive, KOing and Abrac.
in Abrac's. Abrac's only got like 50 HP. It's very, very, very low HP for an evolving
basic. So that will just be cleanly taken out by a Dragon Pole, but Battle Cage is stopping
it right now. It means there's a single KO coming from the, well, from what we assume
is going to be a Dragon Pole next turn, rather than a double. If you're Diego, you are
hoping that Battle Cage stays in play and you do have two copies of Risky Ruins. That
is going to be target number one next turn. Well, after a Dragon Pole, no doubt
That's going to be the retreat from Diego so that he doesn't have to find the rare candy on the next turn
It's a big sigh of relief
I'm sure he took a gamble in this game number one with the dragon head, but it's really worked out
It really did that could have absolutely been punished by a rare candy Alakazam
It wasn't and now Andrew gets a potential to just keep taking prizes
We've got an ultra ball in hand so the dragapult isn't going to be an issue
It is a stadium. We're really looking for at this point. We've got a poker pad
That's going to go and get a non-Ruobots Pokemon, generally a non-EX nowadays, and it is going to be that the Dunsparse to go and draw more cards.
This could go really, really well for Andrew on turn 2.
It's being three cards already from Ronald Ray Draw. We also have seven cards dig in total if we're looking with our recon directors for key pieces.
key pieces. There's already bosses orders in the hand for Andrew as well that he might look to use
either on the Kadabra, once again forcing Rare Candy, or even trying to bring that
versatility EX can be such a nuisance for Diego. It's a Pokemon that he would rather not put into
play, but you can see why he opted for it. Trying to find that Rare Candy would have been massive.
The fact that it's whiffed and now that there's this liability EX in play,
things could get even more awkward for him. So one of these huge swing turns, had Diego hit
Hit the rear candy, you get to take all the energy off the board, get rid of it, but by missing it,
you give your opponent the opportunity to potentially have a huge swing turn of their own.
It's the stadium garden, risky ruins, that's what we're really looking for here. Remove the
battle cage, allow a double KO. Second Recon Directive comes down. And here's the risky
ruins that he's drawn off the top. That is going to allow a double KO here with that dragon
absolutely huge hit off of that recon directed for Andrew this game is already
looking so incredible for Andrew with the ult ball ready in hand he can find a
dragapult EX and now that he finds the stadium it's a no-brainer to bring up
that Kadabra being able to knock out both a Kadabra and Abra leading Diego with
just one of those vulnerable basic Pokemon and forcing him to find more
throughout the game will also open up even more opportunities for Andrew to
take those cheap prize cards?
Absolutely. We see an ultramore discarding two,
crushing Hammer, because why get rid of energy?
You're doing very well and there is no energy.
The Dragapok comes down, so all we need now
is to replace the stadium.
The double KO is there, but I agree with you, Joe.
We're looking to see a boss's orders.
That is what Andrew is probably going to be playing here.
Bring up that Canabra, and then go and get the double KO.
Get the Canabra, get one of the Abra,
and really put Diego in a really bad position.
Not just DOW-free prizes, but DOW-free prizes with just one of that evolution line, one Abra and nothing else on the board.
Andrew even gets to stay topped up on attachments. Everything is going flawlessly for him in this game number one.
You have to see the bosses' orders coming into play. No, it is going to be the Besendipity EX coming out, and this is not too shabby now, just 200 damage.
Absolutely, and the thing here is, you then leave it with 10 HP remaining.
At some point, there's going to be a Phantom Diving in a Drop of Damage counter on there.
Interestingly, chose not to play the Risky Ruins.
Didn't go for the Double KO.
Now, one thing that is worth noting now, if there is an Abra left, and that's a big if,
five damage counters on an Abra, one damage counter on a Pheasant Dipton,
we could get a triple KO next turn, but now we're over to Diego drawing a whole bunch of cards.
We've already got the Alakazam, is there any way we can get this dragon bolt this time?
We absolutely can, there's already the air balloon in hand,
so Diego could retreat the active Pokemon and still have a manual attachment to the Alakazam
that he's just evolved into. And with a flurry of more psychic draws and potential runaway draw,
there's no doubt that we can reach here with Diego, already has a lot of cards in the hand.
We just drew two more with Kadabba, that psychic draw, we're now drawing three more.
with the runaway draw of the Dunsparse.
You get two cards when you evolve the Kadabra,
three when you evolve into Alakazam.
Now, it is worth noting that Andrew didn't take a KO last turn,
so Pheasant Dipty will not be able to flip the script and draw three cards.
That was probably part of his thinking when he chose not to take the KO.
And Diego here, the magic number is 16.
16 cards in hand. You need to play the Abaloon.
You need to play in energy,
and you need 16 cards in hand to pull this off.
I counted 17 in the hand, and you have to play 2 from here,
but you still have your supporter that can plus you cards.
But crucially, it means he can't play Erie this turn.
And there's currently the special red card in Andrew Hedrits hand
from early on in this game.
Oh, it's a double air balloon,
but the second one comes down onto a Jettusect,
which means the ace nullifier is active,
which means Andrew is not allowed to play his ace spec,
which in this case would be the unfair stab,
which would put the A to the 2 card hand,
which is very, very bad.
But now we play Dorn. You get one card out of your hand, you search for free Pokemon.
That is a plus two in hand in total, and I think if I knowledge of maths that might put us on to 16, Joe.
I'm hoping so. If not, there is still the final runaway draw that's available to Diego.
He would much rather hold off of this if he can to have some sort of springboard back on potential disruption.
We're going to have to wait and see in a moment where unfortunately we do not have a live count of cards in hand.
If nothing else, we know that Diego is very close to having 16 cards in hand and getting this KO.
This one is 15, and you can Rare Candy into Alakazam.
That would minus 2, but you're getting a plus 1 back from the psychic draw.
So Diego would be able to really bolster up the hit points of lots of his Pokemon here.
You can see he's eyeing up that Rare Candy in hand.
I just got a note of my ear. We've got 15 cards in hand.
That's what we're seeing right now.
So it would be Rare Candy, Alakazam.
That goes down to 13, but the psychic draws 3, puts you up to 16,
and that would be the magic number, and that would be an absolutely gigantic KO from Diego.
That would be a huge point in the... It feels like every turn so far, Joe.
There's been a huge turning point in the game, but I'm sorry, we're not exaggerating.
That's just what's happening.
And Diego is going to have one final check, but he has already counted a couple of times.
I count with him. It is 16. It is definitely 16 cards.
We retreat the Bezendiptee, the Alakazam goes into the active
and we are going to see a powerful hand dropping 32 damage counters
and getting a fresh one-hit KO on an undamaged Dragapult.
There's three, six, nine, 12, 15, 16.
That's the KO. Diego Cazaraga takes his first KO off the game
and it is a gigantic one.
Even plucking the enriching energy from those prizes
might end up being influential as well.
It wasn't just that we were able to take the knockout,
but Diego was also able to do it with the ace nullifier,
Genesect, coming into play with a tool attached as well.
So Diego is thinking, from this position,
he can't be hand-destructed this turn.
Diego is going to be able to sit on this large hand size.
Special Red Card only comes in if you've taken
free prizes, which you haven't.
Unfair staff can't be played if there's a Genesect
of a tool, which there is.
And there's no judge in Andrew's list,
like we've seen on other games this weekend
on the stream so right now Diego's hand is safe with an enriching energy as well for next turn
and now Andrew's in a really awkward position because it now feels a little bit like your prize
racing but after that Giacomo. Well he still has a decent amount of draw to help him get there
and he does already have a drakloak powered up with one psychic energy so I feel like he's
going to be still working towards at least the phantom dive and we've seen the risky
ruins come down as well. So Andrew had the opportunity on the previous turn to take out
a Kadabra and an Abra, but he's been holding off on this stadium card. There's no doubt
that he has a plan in mind because from where I was standing, it seemed like an obvious play,
but Andrew has something else cooked up. And Andrew knew that that was a possibility
when he took that chance last turn, where he hit the first adiptee but didn't care
what he knew that this could have been the plan. He is planning for this. Let's
see what he's got. I can see why he's holding the Broz's encouragement supporter
cards. You need to have a Stage 2 Pokemon in play but crucially you also need to be behind
on prize cards to gain access to the acceleration effect here. As you can see a Psychic Energy
and Fire Energy that was just removed from play instantly back into the equation. So
Andrew is being able to chain these Phantom Dives no problem. Now he has a really strong
opportunity here. Can he even weave in a Monkey Dory attachment from this position?
To take advantage of his own risky ruins doesn't look like it, so he's just going
have to come into the active with his Dragapult EX, and this is going to be three prizes.
KO on the Alakazam is easy. One damage counter on the Pheasant Dipty for a two price KO is
easy, and there it's just where does the other five go? You could put five on a Genosect
to leave it six damage counts away from being KOed, or you could spread it around some
of the Pokemon on the bench if you prefer. Here comes the KO, and it is one on the
Pheasant Dipty, five on to the Genosect, and that means that Genosect is now a
sitting duck at any point and you can just go six damage counters. Yay extra KO. Andrew has put
himself in a position where as long as he's able to bounce a battle cage that we've just seen
and Diego draw into and will certainly re-establish it will just be one phantom dive to close the
game on the next turn. What can Diego do to respond in that instance? We know his hand size
is colossal but he should be a KO on the dragapult and he needs to get this battle
There is the battle gauge, there is an energy.
So the attack is here.
You've got the free retreat with the air balloon on the Genesect.
You've got your Alakazam with an energy that's fine.
Cards in hand.
I mean, he's just counting it here just to make sure there are 16 cards across.
Oh, that's why you're confused because they're about the same size right now.
I keep seeing Alakazam players.
They pick up their hand and their deck and it's a pretty even ripple shuffle.
They keep them pulling off.
I actually think Diego has more cards in the hand right now.
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 by my count.
That is going to be enough to get a KO on that dragapult.
And then you're just asking questions of Andrew at that point.
That's what Diego is going to be doing, asking these questions.
Do you have a fire energy? Do you have a dragapult?
Do you have a risky ruins?
The answer to all three is yes.
It might not matter what Diego does.
So here we have a look at the hand.
What do we get?
All special red card is being selected and a night stretcher as well
Big hits honestly Ross that night stretcher might be even more impactful
Because all Andrew has to construct next turn is a knockout with Phantom dive as long as you can find a stadium and yeah
There's already now got the information. There's no draw supporter in Andrew's hand and there's also not that second stadium yet
It would need to be a meow search for a supporter and then try and hit everything you need
You don't look at Andrew's hand, there's no energy, there's no dragapult,
there's no risky ruins, there's three things Andrew needs right now.
He has none, and Diego knows he doesn't have any of them.
So here we are going to just retreat the Genesect.
Alakazam is going to go into the active, and it is going to be,
and I mean this literally and figuratively, a powerful hand,
which is going to take a KO, but first it is just going to be
that runaway draw drawing free cards from the the Duns boss yet forcing that
eerie meant that we had to use runaway draw here to still have a critical mass
of cards in hand so dear was gonna shuffle up the Duns boss that was just
back into the deck looks like we are now topped up back into the critical mass
for a care with powerful hand here the good news for Andrew is after this
drag-a-pot is knocked out it's only a single prize board so he may have a
couple of turns he may not even go for me out the X next turn he may just
trying to go for a few turns, trying to recondirect and use the Dunsparse over multiple turns to
close out this victory.
That could be a plan. We have a couple of Dunsparse hitting the bench there for Diego,
and it is just going to be a powerful hand. There's a big KO on Dragonpole. Diego goes
down to just two prize cards remaining. One more Dragonpole KO, and Diego will take
this first game, but Andrew has something to say about it. But he goes into the
It's got free retreat. It can pivot really easily. That's why we see that and now the question is what does Andrew have big top deck here?
It's an unfair stuff which isn't allowed to be played
But we've got a runaway draw and that is going to be used immediately fire energy gets here
That's right up already. That means we're just a stadium away from closing the game here
Genesect on the bench has 60 hit points remaining. That's perfect for Phantom dive
It could all be over here after a couple of recon directive
I don't want to go back a couple of turns when Andrew hit that pheasant dipty for 200
Which meant he only needed to put one damage counter on pheasant dipty, which meant he could put five on Genesect
Which means he can now put six on Genesect and take the game
That is what drag-a-pump players like Andrew do. They are setting up these three, you know three turns ahead
So there we see a second recon directive. We're looking for risky ruins if we see that
Andrew should be taking this first game. It's a psychic energy. It's not risky rules, Joe
It's not what you're looking for, but it might be enough.
Now you can attach psychic energy to your other precloak,
and even just a different itchy pollen this turn.
This gives you another chance at it,
because Diego still has two prize cards left.
Yep, that's what we're going to see,
the safe line of play from Andrew Hedrick,
just having two threats online.
And it's worth noting that Genesect isn't going anywhere.
It can't evolve out of it. Nothing is moving.
We do see a bosses' orders played by Andrew.
That is going to grab a Dunce pass into the active.
really just trying to make things a little bit more awkward.
There is an itchy poll and there will be no item cards for Diego next turn.
And Andrew just says, look, I don't have it this turn.
Give me a minute. I'll find it.
Just one stadium and still a fairly sizeable deck for Andrew
to sift through on the next turn.
As for Diego, it's really easy to get this single prize knocked out.
We can already move our active D'oddans' pass
whilst drawing additional cards here.
He's used his only destruction.
The Erie supporter is all Diego has.
Otherwise, he tries to be an aggressive deck in every situation.
One cool play Diego could look for is the knockout with Kadabra here,
rather than Alakazam, seeing as though it's just a 30-hit point budu.
Alternatively, Diego could go for a bosses or orders play
to limit the recon directive or the potential of runaway draw from Andrew.
That's probably his highest impact support at this turn.
I would think so. I think you really need to try and do this
if you have the option, which absolutely Diego does.
Dracula comes into the active this gonna be one fewer recon directive because all the CDA does winning this next turn
That is not an issue that Diego is gonna get the victory next turn
The issue is can Andrew get it one turn earlier?
Can he get the dragapult the fire energy the risky ruins and get this double KO?
Diego has to make it as difficult as possible while keeping up with this prize race
There is a KO on the track low easily enough cars in hand. He needed a 5v had I don't know like 15
Something like that. I'm not even counting. It's too many. Now, this really is the turn.
Andrew has to have it this turn. Diego is one knockout. One prize away from winning game one.
Andrew has to piece it together right now, or it will be too late.
We need Dragapult. We need Fire Energy. We need a rescue ruins.
Two of those pieces already in the hand. Andrew already has access to Meowthiax and Ultralol as well.
So it could be a flip the script. Getting involved could also be a defunse pass once again helping him out here.
The fire energy is always going to be committed as we are getting down to the final turn of the game
And we are always evolving up into our dragon vault EX as well
Will we simply well we're gonna try and fit in the deck with buddy buddy puffin if there is anything
Is there that final but do even in the deck as there is
This is something you see a lot of players do you take cards?
You don't need out of the deck so that when you're blind drawing like just a draw free
Your chance of hitting what you want is slightly higher because there are fewer cards that you don't want to hit in the deck
We're going to see an ultra will get played here Andrew is going to be searching for something you think Fez and dipty Joe
I think you might be right it draws free cards and Andrew is finning the deck
Beautifully while we see this now
We are going to see them we have come down first because we need to take the supporter out
Before we draw with Fez and dipty it is going to be a lily's determination
Which the question is are you gonna hit it better when you lily and then fairs or fairs and then lily you absolutely?
Lily first in this instance. There we go. We're going to be shuffling up and Andrew is trying to give himself potentially 12 draws out of this deck
He's actually doing a full count of his deck right now. There's 13. I think I counted 13.
The reason to go for Pheasant Dippity in this instance before getting the Gunspars is that now he also has outs to the Poker Pad that remain in his deck
So he will be able to see six cards from this Lily's determination in addition to potentially six more from his abilities
And it is all down to the risky ruins right now
Dragapult is KO in that active out of that that is not an issue
But you need to be able to drop six damage counters on that bench Genesect to get the KO take your sixth prize and win the game
Right now battle cage is stopping those damage counters being placed because it is an effective and attack
So Andrew is searching for the risky ruined stadium card that will get rid of the battle cage
And that will allow the damage to go through show me risky
on the battle page, Dragon Ball comes active, Kato on the Alakazam, Kato on the Benz Genesect
and Andrew Hedrick is going to take game number one, just one game away now from being crowned
world champion.
What a thrilling game number one here in the Masters Division finals, Andrew Hedrick
taking things slow on those final couple turns, so well identified to take a turn
while he had a single prize board state.
But Ross, I'm most interested in that turn number two,
where we got aggressive with the dragon headbutt.
Absolutely. Well, let's go back to the whole of game one.
Let's have a little bit of a look how we got there.
We see the retreat for the Badoo here.
They've provoked this.
What's that turn number two?
The aggressive KO on the Abra,
starting the prize trade,
saying, I don't need Badoo right now.
Diego, Diego's deck did what Diego's deck does.
Drawing a whole bunch of cards,
But it was the whip of the rare candy on that second turn so that you didn't get the Alakazam attack.
That put Diego one turn behind which turned absolutely crucial.
Here we see the Dragapop putting one damage on the Fender Dipty for the KO,
five on the Genesect setting it up for what would be the turn later.
Diego takes a second KO on the Dragapop but it's irrelevant in the end and who hits a risky ruin.
The Dragapop gets a double KO on the Alakazam and on the Genesect
And that was enough for Andrew today, a victory.
Diego was one prize away, one turn away, it didn't matter.
Andrew got to six prize cards first and is one game up in our world championship final.
What an impressive display from both players so far.
Being that this Masters final, they both put themselves in the best position possible.
Diego was almost certainly winning on the next turn.
Andrew was able to find those pieces and really picked together a nice combination.
Diego has been in these tough positions before, he's been on this stage before nine years ago.
He's not going to be put under too much pressure. He's seen it all in the Pokemon TCG.
And you can see that he's not even sweating out there, Ross, despite having that beanie on his head.
I mean, he's already got one of these trophies at home. He's just trying to add to his trophy cabinet.
And if you might have to make one, although to be fair, he's won a few victories of his own.
Now, what we see happening here is a mulligan. When you start the Pokemon TCG,
you need to have a basic Pokemon to begin the game.
If you don't have a basic Pokemon, you shuffle your hand into your deck,
you draw a new opening hand, and then if you've got a basic Pokemon, you carry on.
If not, you repeat.
For every time you mulligan your opponent has the opportunity to draw one extra card,
almost like an apology.
Sorry you have to wait for me to go and get a basic.
Have an extra card, and then we go.
So, getting into this game number two, then.
Will it be Hedrix, Hammers, or Kassaraga's cutlery?
the fist bump from our players.
And what big advantage for Diego in this game number two,
he should have the advantage of going first,
as we saw Andrew took full advantage of his Evolution Pokemon early in that game number one.
In this case, Diego could be the aggressor.
Absolutely could.
We see the first Buddy Buddy pop in there.
Gentlemen, in the chase center, we've been a bit quiet.
We are in the Masters final. Make some noise!
APPLAUSE
We heard these guys.
They make noise when they ask him to.
It makes me very happy.
Having a look at Diego's prizes here, there is an Abra, Anakadabra, and a Genesect.
He plays two, but that enriching energy is somehow there again, Joe.
Well, the only good news is that it's towards the top of those prize cards,
so in theory Diego could access them once again.
Move one spot over to the right.
Yes, absolutely. Ooh! Look at that!
Two Bodoos and the Risky Ruins and the only copy of the Duns pass for Andrew.
Bad prizes! The early game is Purdue, Risky Ruins are directed to Battle Cage, and like you say,
there's only one dedunced boss in the deck. That is genuinely horrible prizes!
That's one of the worst we've seen all weekend.
That is far from ideal. So often the Dragapult EX archetype relies on itchy pollen in the opening
turns to sort of stem the setup of other decks so that you can pick apart lower hit point Pokémon
That won't be available to Andrew, but also, we know that the stadium is such a key card in this instance that Diego will try and lock that battle cage in play for as long as possible.
Game 1 was decided exactly because of the risky ruins, so Andrew, without having immediate access to that card, may have far less options.
Absolutely. And the thing is, Diego is playing for Battle Cakes, so you don't think, when do I play it? You just play it. It just hits the board. You don't worry about it.
about it. And it's then down to when your opponent can bump it and how often they can
and then when you can re-establish. If that risky ruins takes a while to come out the
prize cards and Diego can just get rid of the first risky ruins, that is going to be
absolutely huge. So we do see Diego doing this first deck search here trying to figure
out which of those six cards are in the prizes. So far we've got an Abra in the
active, we've got an Abra on the bench and a Dance Fast on the bench. Decent
start and it's worth noting that because Diego has a single prize attacker this turn one energy
attachment so much less important than it is for Andrew. Yeah all things considered this is
already a very decent start for Diego who also gets a peek his hand at this stage. Looks like he's
holding on to a decent chunk of supporters there as well for the next turn so action over to
Andrew then let's see how Elise's opening hand has treated him. I see an ultra ball we might be
trying to find a Meowth EX to save us here and otherwise it's pretty poor.
Yeah, that is not a great opening having what I'm up at, Dracloak and a Dripie to be discarded with old trouble.
You can't really get rid of your special red card because that's one of only two hand disruption cards
you've got and they're absolutely crucial in this matchup but you see Andrew changing his mind
a little bit. It's a really horrible decision here. It is a Dracloak and it's like a Dripie
your darkness energy that's the decision he's making right now and he has changed in his mind
it's so unorthodox i think about getting rid of your key evolution line and draw engine andrew is
playing three copies of night stretcher in his deck that might be part of the reason why we're seeing
him be so liberal discarding these pokemon in many ways it actually gives you more outs towards
your trocloak during the game so andrew might be doing the unorthodox play that may pay off
and the reason why he was valuing that darkness energy so much was to try and get an early
But it's not there Ross. It's not there unfortunately both but you are in the prizes and that energy was going to give a nice way to
Retreat your active tree, but the new active he's got a zero energy attack and just just figured out his prizes are absolutely horrible
He's opening hand is to put it lightly far from ideal
So the out comes down searches out a supporter card that is going to be lilies determination
You shuffle your hand into your deck and draw six cards
But if you haven't taken a prize yet if you've got exactly six remaining
You get to draw eight cards instead and hopefully that this lot of eight cards is going to be better than a seven with which Andrew began the game
But I really here is that Andrew may still just use this night stretcher and get back to repeat before using this least determination
Yeah, I think now that the darkness energy is just far less useful
You may just grab back this basic
It's going back into play. That was always an option from the hand,
and now he will see eight fresh cards.
Choosing, of course, not to attach to the darkness energy,
that would have been so handy with access to Budu.
That's what he already had in mind,
but that's not available to him in this position,
so instead he's going to look to try and find the Psychic or Fire energy,
possibly to stash on the bench somewhere.
And the difference here is, essentially,
you're setting up like you would normally,
but you don't have it, you're bollying,
you're still setting up your Drakloat,
you're just not able to turn off items while you do so.
But Andrew does have three,
Dreepe, out turn one, which is not too shabby.
Gonna be looking for a bunch of Drakloak next turn.
Let's see how these eight cards
from Lily's determination treat him.
There is another Dreepe.
So we can go up to four if we wish.
There is a Dunsparse,
although by now Andrew knows
the only Dunsparse is prized.
Look at that case in point.
He's drawn into a night stretcher.
That's his only way to Drakloak next turn.
So that discard from Ultra Ball
is really saving him right now.
Absolutely. You can draw into it. You can draw into an Ultimel, or you can draw into a Night Stretcher.
There is a Night Stretcher, and it is just going to be straight for that Dracloak.
That will be evolving up next turn. All things considered, you've got four Treeper, you've got your energy attachment,
not two Shabby. We pass on over to Diego. We get the Evolution into Cadabra.
Psychic Draw gets two cards. It's a Psychic Energy and a Telepathic Energy,
which is lovely for getting more Abra if you need them.
And we've got some options in hand if we're Diego.
Already the telepathic energy in hand,
so some more Abra can flood onto this board.
And with a dawn supporter, there's still the opportunity
to run away, draw, and see a rare candy.
If that could come together,
once again, Diego could be in such a powerful position.
A reminder, three copies within the deck for Diego,
currently not in the hand.
We would have three draws to help him get there,
and he's already thinning the deck quite nicely
of these basic Pokemon.
That is the goal. Early doors, get your basic Pokemon, fin your deck, and then draw as many cards as you can afterwards.
When you evolve into Gdavra, you get cards. When you evolve into Alakazam, you get cards.
When you evolve into the Duns Pass, you get cards.
There's a dip. He goes down. What does that do? It gets cards.
That is most of what the deck does. Genesect is the outlier, but we like him.
But he turns off A-Spec, so he can stay.
Yeah, he keeps your hand large, especially against the unfair stamp A-Spec from Andrew Hedrick.
So far, Andrew's just discarded his ace back in game number one because of the safety net of that Genesect.
In this instance, we're seeing Diego grab that runaway draw to Dunsparce and we'll end this search on an Alakazam, no doubt.
But will he opt to draw these three cards? There's opportunities for rare candy, even finding that air balloon could be so vital for him.
Oftentimes, we've seen Diego opt to not take prize cards until he has the ace nullifier developed.
That is sometimes what we are going to see.
Well, it is going to be an Alakazam, a Dundspart,
and a Genesect coming out from dawn.
That is your stage one, your basic,
and your stage two, such a good supporter in a deck like this,
where you are playing a stage two line.
Here is your first runaway draw of this game two,
drawing free cards with the Dund...
Ooh! ..and popping it back into the deck.
What were you and Joe?
A candy action.
Oh, I like the red candy.
He's getting into an early attack.
Now there is the threat of the unfair stab that can sometimes be scary, but you've not been item-locked.
So you give yourself a huge amount of outs even after going down to a two-card hand,
and that's even if in the hypothetical situation Andrew has access to it.
So I feel like getting the pressure in early could be amazing for Diego here.
Any chance Diego might have a tool to attach to a Genesek turn-off, you know, turn on ace nullifier, turn off unfair stab.
I've not seen one be settled.
I don't think it was there in the hand. I think that's the only thing holding us back from an obvious play
But I still feel like we're gonna use rare candy and of course Alakazam can also help us see more cards
So there's still a chance for one of Diego's three tools to make their way into the hand. It does feel like it's not me if I'm wrong here
Joe it feels like unfair stamp is way better when you're established when you've got for three
But you know evolutions it does feel like unfair stamp isn't as good
It's a lot of Pokemon draw to poke a pad and a buddy buddy puffing. Yeah, I don't see a tool in there
You can at least try and establish maybe another done sparse with this final buddy buddy puffing that's coming to the hand
Having a board of two done sparse already feels pretty reasonable to get aggressive. I feel like Diego is gonna do it here
I mean, I would but you know, I always do Joe. I'm gonna the KO, you know, I'm going for it
Diego says don't want a more careful player than I but I do agree with your reasoning
there. You've got free dunce pass on the bench. You are set up as well as you can.
So if you draw a Kanabra, you evolve and draw. You draw an Alakazam, you evolve and draw.
If he draws the dunce pass, he evolves and draws. He's got so many outs next turn, if
an unfair stamp does come down that it feels like he's protected as well as he can without
playing a Genesect. And in the best case scenario, Andrew would want to use unfair
stamp alongside Kaos. And right now his board is just basic Pokemon and he does
not play rare candy of his own in the deck. So I think that's also something playing on
Diego's mind that he would quite welcome an unfair stamp if he could still just announce
an attack on the next turn and still do some reasonable damage.
Yeah, that sounds like it might be pretty gosh darn nice. We have two to Dunspar's in-hand
for Diego here. That means that the potential draw of six more cards next turn that we
need four in hand. I feel confident there is at least four in hand. It's not going
be a KO it is just a pass does not want to run into the fret of unfair stamp so a
cautious start here from Diego see if it pays off in the end but we're seeing
some unexpected plays here in the final Joe that's why they're there and we're
here Ross let's see the second Draklok now come on to the board for Andrew
already holding on to a couple Crispin does have his one stadium cards that he
has available to him in hand right now.
Of course, this will be a building turn.
There's not much else going on, so it will be a Crispin
coming into play.
Just start accelerating these energy.
He can stash a fire energy to hand this turn,
maybe even attach the dance energy to the active position.
It'll be an option for him.
If he's going to keep waiting until he can find his tool,
you may still want to attach to the stripy, just in case.
Well, we're going to be having a little bit of a search
here with our Crispin.
And you know, whenever you play these cards like Crispin,
it is another opportunity to just look through your deck.
Yes, you did your first turn search.
It's always nice to have a quick look again.
Just double check.
The deck is private information.
No one's allowed to look, not even yourself.
But any time you get a chance to look in your deck,
you can have a good look
and just remind yourself what's there,
especially when you're in a high-pressure situation
like a world championship final.
So we do see a psychic energy coming down
onto that dracloak, two dracloak, each with psychic energy.
It's a decent setup for Andrew, but it does feel like Diego
has had a great start.
Do you think you might regret not taking that KO last time?
The more I justify it, I can see exactly why Diego's
gone for this approach.
You can actually play around the special red card
much better by not taking a single prize KO,
but also, crucially, unlike in that game number one,
as we do see a crashing hammer heads, the first of the set,
the big difference from game number one
that is also a Meowth EX in play.
So, Andrew can't do that sort of slow single prize board
that he attempted to do in game number one.
Diego knows that if he's firing on all cylinders,
he should be able to find a position
to take three two prize knockouts.
Well, there we go.
If you can take three two prize knockout,
who worries about a little single prize knockout
here or there?
It is an evolution into a Katabra,
drawing a couple of cards.
We see an evolution into the Dunsparse,
going back into the deck and drawing three more cards.
So, are you telling me, Joe, we might see your boss' orders coming and bringing me out?
Or is that something for later in the game?
You can certainly use the boss' orders now if you would like to.
If you have access to that option,
I think his priority really is getting this battlecage into play,
but also trying to find a tool desperately.
I imagine that there will be no knockout
unless there's the Ace Nullifier developed.
Well, we just saw free cards drawn from that runaway drawer on the Dunce bus,
and I had a good look.
I did not see a Pokémon tool coming out in there.
So right now that ace nullifier is not online.
We know Genesex in hand, but without a tool, it doesn't do very much.
Alec-a-zam comes down, that's three more cards drawn off of that psychic draw.
Still no tool card being drawn.
Diego's got a monster hand of cards,
but I am not seeing any Pokemon tools in there whatsoever.
Almost everything else.
Has he got an energy actually?
Yes, there is a telepathic.
That crushing hammer heads is actually pretty impactful because we can't even use Enriching
Energy to draw any additional cards because you have to attach a Psych Energy this turn
to attack.
Well, that's something we didn't hear earlier and it is worth pointing out.
Generally speaking, single prize deck, single energy deck, you don't mind too much about
crushing hammer, but if you've got crushing hammer down, here, deal, no tool.
But if you've got an energy already on the board, that means that you can weave
in that Enriching Energy to draw four more cards.
If you don't have an energy down, then you really can't use it on the same turn.
But seriously, how has he not hit a Pokémon tool yet?
So unfortunate for Diego.
I think I've seen three runaway draws and some psychic draw.
Has that changed the complexion of this game?
Diego now thinking that there is a genuine threat of Phantom Dive once again sort of taking over the board.
If he's not careful, he's not been the aggressor so far because he thought he was a shoe-in for.
Most likely a 2-pice knockout this turn whilst developing Genesect, but you can see him shift through the depth
There's the three tools all still there
The board here is it's fine. You've got two dunes passed down. You've got a Kadabra down
You don't have an Abra so Kadabra turns not into an out right now
But there's still if you get an unfair stamp hit the board
Diego's still in a decent position to potentially draw and draw out of it, but you're absolutely right
We wanted to see that Genesect Diego especially we see an energy coming down on
to the Alakazam. Are we going to see a boss's orders? Yes, Diego's put it right to the front
of his hand. The card's there. I think you said yourself, Joe, we need to see a KO this
turn. There comes a battle cage. It's actually onto the two-energy Drakloak instead, so hunting
energy rather than prizes here. Yeah, he really wanted to not be forced into this
position, but he felt like he sort of had to. In this case, you know that Andrew
was only on a four-card hand. We've limited one of those Recon Directive. On the previous
turn, Andrew just used a Crispin. So, in this case, Diogo trying to attack Andrew's hand
on his draw options. So it is just one Recon Directive. Andrew doesn't have much right
now. Well, let's see what the Recon Directive gives him an option for...
I can't like a Pulti X. Okay, so that does give a Dragapult. Is there a fire energy
in hand? Because you're going to need a fire energy if you're Andrew, if you're
going to be attacking in. But this is the worry again with no rec handy in the
list for Andrew having to attack with this dragapult feels so awkward because
then it can easily get knocked out with no hand disruptors for Andrew in his hand
and in game one every time Andrew phantom dives at damage counters had a
reading nice place to go onto the first and dipty onto the Genesect the
name KO in the Genesect look at this board joke you see where did the
Damage Calculators go, where's the best place?
It's tough right now.
I feel like even attacking Phantom Dive is just such a trap.
I feel like we have to get out of here,
but again, it's so intimidating
when Diego sat on the catalogue of cards.
I have to expect there's more bosses orders in there,
even though there's only two copies within his deck list.
Absolutely, and that could punish.
Well, we do see a Drogloak in the active.
There are two energy on,
so Dragon Headbutt's gonna be there.
There's a darkness energy to retreat.
Andrew doesn't wanna leave it in harm's way,
He puts the Meowth EX into the active.
Is he just giving Diego the opportunity
to KO this Meowth for two prizes?
That cannot be Andrew's plan A,
but unfortunately the draws are put in there.
Here comes Enriching Energy for four more cards
and we've got Boss's orders as well.
It could be the Declope with all the energy,
but we don't have it, it's in the prizes.
This retreat from Andrew is gonna work out.
Again, such a situation where Diego normally can access so much of the deck, it would never even be a consideration.
Finally a tool though for Diego, so that's a good break for him.
That's going to be awesome, that means that Diego can put down that Genesect, attacks at all, the next nullifier is turned on.
So there will be no unfest, I'm coming down, that's a bit of a win.
Of course if you care to me out, that does potentially open up special red cards.
It does, it does.
because Diego will have three prize cards remaining,
which is probably another thing that Andrew was thinking
when he put the Meowth into the active.
That's a hundred for some of what he's trying to go for here.
Trying to force more,
four Taltar Diego at the very least.
Is there any chance Diego has the Erie? Ready?
No, I don't see it in this hand either.
And that's really the only draw that we have
outside of other supporter cards.
So Grant asks access to Hilda or Dawn.
Well, there is one psychic draw.
Erie here would be kind of awesome.
note there's a dawn that no other supporter has seen offer that Alakazam psychic draw for free
there's a buddy buddy pop in Diego's going to be able to search for some more low HP at the
mastery cards oh it was literally the last card in the deck and you would much prefer to put a
air balloon onto a genocide than a lucky helmet because of those crushing hammers that Andrew
still has access to yes in random situations if Andrew can bring up a one retreat cost Pokemon
then get a hammer heads on the Alakazam that could be another potential turn of reprieve
for Andrew, especially on a Pokemon that has a tool other than Air Balloon already committed to it.
We do see an evolution into the Dunceboss. That's another...
There it is.
...card drawn. Finally, an Air Balloon comes into the hand and there is another Dunceboss.
I feel like in this position, you'd want to just evolve into a Dunceboss, finally establish
that Genesect crucially with Air Balloon, and then you will launch this attack.
You have to be still so scared, though, of that special red card.
The only good news for Diego is that Andrew hasn't really drawn many cards,
hasn't played a vital supporter over the last couple of turns, just a couple of Crispin.
So Diego knows that Andrew's basically sat on nothing,
and he's really just banking on a recon directive.
That Erie does like sticking to the bottom of the deck.
Twice we saw, twice it was there.
Now we're going to see that dunce pass coming ahead.
The dunce pass, it is more draw.
Could he be searching for that Erie?
It does come in the hand.
Could he want to go hunting for that special red card?
It is going to be in there and if you can put down the the Genesack, the Diego does that with the
with the Evalune. Yeah, it's a miss just the buddy buddy puffing, but there's no there's no draw in that
there's one Recon directive and that is it if you look at the special red card. He already knew
that really from the last couple of turns. Diego has definitely been keeping track of these
things but no doubt Diego has done his best to discard that special red card. Didn't quite
might come off for him. So there's still the option for Andrew. Now we've seen the
L-Snowlifier come down, so there's no opportunity for Andrew. Just thinking about
that lucky helmet if he's got a productivity card, if he is getting hit by
certain attacks. But we're seeing a big counter inevitably. This is going to be
enough to deal with this Meowth-EX. So Diego will be going down to three
prize cards remaining. Yes, absolutely he will. Meowth goes down. Diego takes
two prizes, free away from evening up this set. Remind that if it's your
Beginning of... Oh! What have we... Are we red-part?
Octagon Special Red card!
Jager did everything he could! He played the eerie, so if it was there, he could get rid of it.
Andrew Topsec's about even needing Recon Directive to go and get it.
This could be absolutely devastating for Diego!
Andrew Hedrick in the Masters Division Finals.
I think he's just picked up... Oh, is that a Lily in the hand?
Yes it is. Those two Recon Directive were crazy!
They were absolutely what you need there,
and that means that Andrew is going to be in a great position.
Look at Diego's hand. He's got four cards left in deck.
He literally counted his deck to make sure he wasn't going to deck out from a lucky helmet draw.
Hold on. Andrew is thinking about not launching Phantom Dive at all here.
He's thinking about not using a special red card either.
What are we missing, Ross?
Oh, here's an Orthodox Plays in Game 1.
absolutely work chooses not to play special red card to reset Diego's hand chooses not to evolve up into dragapult
Just plays a lilies determination
Getting a new hand of eight cards. No prizes having been taken. This is an unusual line of play joke
Tell me I'm not I'm not seeing things here. This is unusual Andrews up for something it might involve that lucky helmet
But Diego was just attached to his Pokemon
forcing draw when you get damaged
Andrew may be trying to deck out Diego in this game number two.
That's going to be an interesting thing to see. Special Red Card is in hand.
If Andrew's changed his mind, he is going to be able to go ahead and use it.
I don't think he's changed his mind. No.
Dunslash comes down, dreamy goes up into your cloak,
and that is going to give an option for another recon directive here
to maybe see a few more cards.
Lucky helmet, by the way, if you attack into it, draws two cards.
But it's worth noting that when you use the done spot,
it goes back into your deck,
so Diego can use that to essentially reset.
That is something to consider.
Of course, you need to have cards remaining in the deck
to be able to use the runaway draw.
You do indeed.
There we go, it's gonna be 70 damage.
Crocking the lucky helmet in this instance
brings Diego down to just two cards remaining in the deck,
and he will have to draw for the turn here, Ross.
and I think he might...
I'm trying to work through how these next couple of turns go.
I think Andrew might have done the maths here
and gone, even when you run away draw,
I think I'm gonna be able to deck you out
using your own lucky helmet.
Here we go, you draw a card, two go down.
Now, if you can't use any more runaway draw
to put any more cards in there,
if you've got two cards,
if Andrew attacks, you draw two.
It goes to your turn, you draw for turn.
There's no card there and you deck out.
How will we might be seeing here?
Andrew Hedrick going to be using Duns
fast to ram his way to a World Championship title.
Have you seen anything like this, folks?
And Andrew's already won game up.
If he wins this second game, he will be your Pokemon Training
Card Game 2026 Masters Division World Champion.
Diego's just having a little bit of a look.
He's counting.
He's realized what Andrew is doing at this point.
And now Diego's thinking, how is this going to work?
playing the next few turns in his head trying to figure out if he is going to
deck out or if he's got away around it. This is absolutely incredible scenes.
Andrew Hedrick has not taken a prize card in the second game. There are no
Pokemon in the discard pile for Diego to use any of his Pokemon recovery to
increase the size of his deck. Diego just figuring things out here. I'm gonna
see the retreat on Alakazam. He can't allow this lucky helmet to proc again.
But that just means all Andrew needs to do is gust it into the active and attack and deck Diego
Oh, he's got a box of orders already in hand Joe
And that might be all that we need any attack Andrew has been around for a long time at this point
He's been a regional champion five times. He is a North American
Champion he won the North American international championships in 2024
He got a top 32 finish at the world championships in the same year now
He's trying to add the world championships. He's got the day's not done
He's your 2026 possible training card game
And you believe it
A dunce fast round! Just concluded the master's division finals!
Andrew Hedlick, take a bow! You have just entered the Hall of Fame!
The mastermind behind the Dragapult Hammer's archetype takes it all the way!
This man eats Pokemon, he sleeps Pokemon, he breathes Pokemon!
already a five-time regional champion, already an international champion, and now a world champion.
Well, let's hear from our world champion. Let's go down to the stage and talk to Andrew Hendrick,
your world champion. Hey everybody, we just finished our TCG Masters Division Grand Finals,
And I am now joined by your world champion, Andrew Hendricks!
We spoke before your match about your existing accolades,
and now you can add World Championship to your NAIC and regional titles.
Tell me what it means to actually achieve the Tribeca.
Y'all don't know it, it's pretty unbelievable, I mean, I...
I never imagined I would actually be up here winning World...
I mean, I thought it was possible, but it's just insane
to actually get that opportunity to do this.
And it's not like this is the first time this year
that you've won with this deck.
How have you been prepping and just continuing
to commit to your strategy that you
have proven time to time again?
Yeah, I don't know if throughout the last couple months
I tried some different decks, but I really
found that this draggable deck is just like too good.
It's just too consistent.
And I can kind of have so many options with this.
So in the last few weeks, I just
pointed as many games as I could
with it to get ready for the tournament that worked out.
I don't know if you know this, but the hat that Diego was wearing is older than you are.
He wore it on the stage when he won the previous world championship in 2017.
While you have your own experience, were you ever intimidated by the veterans on the opposite side?
Yeah, I know playing against a great player in the finals, obviously it's pretty scary,
but all you can do is focus on the game before you and that's what I tried to do
and try not to think too much about my opponent or how good they were.
and to give you the opportunity to think of some loved ones.
Go ahead and give a shout out to whoever you'd like to address.
Yeah, I mean shout out to all my friends who, you know, I talk to every day, I test with.
Just so many, can't name them all.
Shout out to my parents, my mom, and my dad for always supporting me.
And my dad was the one who actually forced me to play to the CCG at first.
I just wanted to collect when I was in elementary school,
but you know, it kind of made me learn how to play the game.
And I would say it worked out.
And shout out to PokiKiller for the support too.
a family affair indeed.
Congratulations once again, Audra Hectary,
and everyone here in the stadium and at home,
give it up one more time for your world champion, Andrew!
All right, well, I hope you put up quite a show,
and our analysts have something to say about it.
So let's hear it.
Thank you, Gabby, and congratulations once again
to the 2026 world champion, Andrew Hedrick.
What an iconic moment, decking out his opponent with Don Spar's thanks to the Lucky Helmet that Diego put into play.
An incredible moment and an incredible player. I can't think of anyone more deserving than Andrew Kedrick at this moment.
Absolutely. That Lucky Helmet turned into an unlucky helmet for Diego. Ended up costing him, but you have to admire
the ability to just be flexible and adapt to situations.
Andrew's showing why he's worthy of being World Champion this weekend.
Honestly, an amazing play by Andrew finding that line.
Diego trying to prevent every possibility of being able to recover his hand,
and all of a sudden, the lucky helmet ends up working out against him.
Yeah, absolutely well deserved from Andrew.
He eats, sleeps, and breathes Pokemon, always practicing, always thinking about the game.
That's great to see that effort. We have now crowned three world champions in the trading card game
Let's take a look at that junior division bracket as Yuta Araki became our world champion winning a close
Three game set against Luke Giffen. Yeah, absolute pleasure to see two young players do so well
In the Dragapult mirror match a matchup that is still being explored still being played
Congratulations to Utah completely well-deserved.
And in the seniors division, we of course saw Jake Ng defeating Koby Ha,
that incredible Alakazam able to take the win.
Yeah, Koby came in with a clear game plan of how to attack this very challenging matchup,
was able to take the first game of the series, but at the end of the day,
Jake's advantage with that Alakazam was just too much for Koby to overcome.
And in the Masters division after an entire season spent with Tragapult EX, after a regional championship win, after defining the metagame with Crushing Hammer a 2-0 victory, Andrew Hedrick over Diego Casiraga.
Amazing final, we had very exciting game team down to that trawl off the stadium and then the lucky helmet, nobody could have seen that coming, Chip.
incredible foresight from Andrew Hedrick to recognize that line once that lucky
helmet came into play immediately checking through what Diego had that's
still available knowing that he went this route he would have the safe deck out
option and it makes him the world champion a player who has had so much
success the last few years the game five-time regional champion an
international champion and he will now add that iconic Pikachu trophy to his
extensive trophy collection. And another shout out to this incredible top eight
specifically the top four. This may be the most stacked top four we have ever
had at a world championship. We have international champions, we have world
champions, we have players who have won multiple regionals in the same season
so much talent this year at Worlds. It was certainly a global affair with
players from across the world competing, but it is a new through-hedrick from the United States,
taking home back $50,000 per place prize.
Got to feel good to take home that prize, I'm sure. This will sink in later for Andrew, but
do want to take a moment to acknowledge Diego's accomplishment as well. Pablo, I know you've been
friends with Diego for a very long time. What does it mean to see him so many years later
they get back to the finals for world championships and have another great accomplishment.
Generally extra special. I mean he defeated me on his run to becoming world champion in 2017,
watching him in the final, seeing him be the closest person to get to a potential two-time
world championship since Jason Klasinski. Really, really amazing. He's a lot to me,
I'm sure. It's a lot to him as well. And he was really pumped to make it all the way.
And of course, with his family here supporting him as well, you know, when he won the 2017
World Championships, his partner is still pregnant with their eldest son and now their
eldest son here to see Dad up on the big stage. I mean, what a special memory for that family.
Yeah, and Pablo, you did mention Jason Klibski. Of course, there are only three-time
World Champion in the Pokemon TCG. I do see a lot of similarities between him and Andrew
you know both very calculated players tend to go for very consistent
streamlined strategies and just trying to outplay out work their opponents in
order to get victories. Could this be the start of the reign of a new legacy
with Andrew Hedrick? And I do believe we are ready to crown all three champions
out on the stage. Gabby, take it away.
Our training part is one of the oldest pillars in competitive Pokemon, yet our trainers continue to innovate, keep the competition fresh, and awe-inspiring across every single age division.
Today, we have six more names to the Rocket books, as we celebrate our finalists and crown our world champions.
Let's get into it.
Starting with our Junior Division in the runner-up position, we have Luke Giffen.
And your champion, Yuta Araki.
On seniors, the runner-up position, Kofi Ha!
And your senior division TCG world champion, Jake N. G.
Last but not least, in our Masters division, in the runner position, we have Diego Castillaga.
I would want TCG World Champion in the Master's Division.
Give it up for Andrew Henfrey.
Six fantastic trainers and buddies.
One more last time.
Give it up for your TCG Violants.
It's fantastic to have new names to speak of.
And I know our analysts have something to say about that.
So what is it that you have to say?
Thanks a bunch, Gabby.
Yes, congratulations again to these finalists and our newest world champions.
We are not done.
We of course have our video game competitions still to come.
we get set up we're gonna just talk a little bit about this whole event how we got to this point
and continue to congratulate all of these champions. Yeah it's such an amazing moment to be here in
the Chase Center to experience this. Pablo you and I have both been attending the World
Championship since 2004 over 20 years at this point and to see where it started to where
It's just amazing to be a part of this with you, all of us here at the desk and everyone
here in the arena, thanks so much for making this such a special moment all these years
for Pokemon TCG leading up to this.
Over two decades of world championships from hotel, underground facilities, ballroom, cocktail,
feel the chase and really the pleasure to be here with you guys and with everyone here right now.
And the competition just continues to get more intense every year players get better that's become innovated at a higher level.
It just shows that the future of the game is so so bright.
Talking back to that Masters Division finals.
I don't know if there's anyone more experienced in drag-up than Andrew Hedrick.
I mean even back to before the rotation when all the talk was about Garderville,
Golden Go, Charizard EX, Andrew remained true to this Dragonbolt EX archetype.
He of course popularized this crushing hammer build after the rotation and became the standard way to play this deck.
And all that led to his title, I mean you have to imagine that that experience is really what backed this moment.
Experience, practice, putting in the time, and you know there's something to be said for just continuing to use the same thing,
identifying what the most powerful strategies are.
And if you can, on your craft, perfect your skills,
you can find yourself overcoming even
disadvantageous situations by simply identifying things
that other players maybe couldn't.
I mean, we all knew Dragapult had a very, very big target
on its back heading into the event.
Maybe the biggest attack has ever had, I would say.
And to still come out on top,
to still remain faithful to the archetype,
Even what before rotation Gariborri X was dominating Dragapult,
Andrew was still faithful and found a lot of success.
And you know that was like kind of a point of contention coming into the world championships, right?
A lot of people said Dragapult EX can't win.
It's gonna have too big of a target on its back.
Sure, you could make top cut with it, but surely when you get into top cut,
you'll run into one of those counter decks and it just won't be able to close it out.
But Andrew proved everybody wrong.
And he did not have an easy path to this championship title.
in top eight he played against Crustle and if you saw his list he does not have
any countercards besides crushing hammer still played through every single
option that's what he does so well you can clearly see it in that top match in
our finals match he found a way through lots of heartfelt matches and well
deserved. If there's gonna be a line to find Andrew Hedrick is gonna take it
and that is proven by the lucky helmet blade that we just saw upon
that big stage I don't know if I'm gonna get over that anytime soon.
Yeah, and that's going to be one for the ages, of course.
We had so many amazing, memorable matches this weekend,
but that's one we're not going to forget.
And I do want to mention, I believe it was a clean sweep
for Andrew Hedrick in the top cut, winning 2-0 over and over
and over against such high quality opponents as well.
So he came prepared for this weekend,
and there's office and preparation,
but also staying focused throughout as the pressure
keeps building through all these matches as well.
I mean, why don't we relive the moment of the Lucky Helmet?
We have it right here.
Let's jump into it.
That Lucky Helmet, the crucial attachment.
Even Diego had doubts, right?
And probably in his mind,
because he gave out the special red card,
which coincidentally was Andrew's top deck next turn,
but turns out that ultimately was his device.
Yeah, as soon as Andrew didn't play the special red card,
we knew something was happening.
He had other plans,
And he wasn't wanting to KO this Alakazam, something that seems so counterintuitive to your general Pokemon TCG strategy.
What a pivot to see this line.
Yeah, absolutely. You know, seeing the line, playing as safe as possible, drawing into that dark energy
and putting it onto the Dunsparse to make sure he could claim the World Chip In Ship title in as much style as you can.
You know, Dunsparse is not a Pokemon known for really getting in there and dealing a lot of damage.
It assisted his opponent in drawing the cards that eventually led to Andrew's victory
Yeah, I think Diego may have thought this through a little bit and
Thought oh well even if I get hit by dragapult EX my Alec Kazam will get knocked out
Yeah, I have the done sparse to go ahead and make sure I don't deck out
But didn't account for the fact that Andrew does not have to knock out Alec Kazam
Can just attack it multiple times without doing enough damage and that slight oversight may have costs in the world championships
Yeah, I think we were definitely all perplexed about Andrew's line of choosing not to evolve into Dragapult.
Even the whole crowd were like, oh my gosh, and then he didn't draw Dragapult again out of the lily.
It wasn't that clear line, right? It's a very unexpected decision or likely decision,
but ultimately these four cards is what led to this amazing, amazing play.
I don't think we're ever going to see something like this again in a finals.
Also, Andrew had not taken a knockout this entire game,
and that is why this play works.
Diego played Sacred Ash in his deck,
but he doesn't have Ultra Ball.
There's no way to put Pokemon in the discard pile
for him to shuffle these Pokemon back into the deck
to replenish.
And since Andrew had not taken a single KO,
there were no live targets for Sacred Ash
to refuel his deck.
Yeah, not the line you typically see to end the game off.
If you could see immediately, Diego just trying to figure out a way out, thinking can I shuffle in one to Dunsparse,
maybe multiple to Dunsparse to change things up.
Just slowly realize that the writing was on the wall, and that is how one small decision can snowfall so quickly against somebody who could identify alternate win conditions.
Now, the Dunsparse does of course shuffle attached cards back in.
He'll have a lot of cards in hand, was there perhaps an opportunity to put an energy onto a Dunsparse?
But a tool card on Twitter, put even more cards back into his deck.
Yeah, we did have that option, right?
I do believe we had drawn our whole deck.
There was an Earth Balloon.
There definitely were energies that we retreated trying to prevent this play.
And ultimately, I mean, with the pressure, the movement, everything on the line,
I feel like it's not an easy thing to realize.
I think that Andrew's play caught Diego off guard.
I think that's pretty safe for us.
Yeah, I think it goes to show you even the best of the best.
sometimes can get caught off guard and have a hard time adapting and seeing every single possible play.
Sometimes, you know, it's not your day. Sometimes you're really locked in and you could find those things,
but Diego is so focused on other things, he may not have seen that in front of him.
Now who's to say how this game would have ended anyway, but that wasn't an immediate way to perhaps not duck out.
What an epic moment. The DotSpaar is coming up. They're rammed for a game with the pauses, orders. That was not in anyone's...
That one was not a part of the script. Not a part of the script.
President DPP could not have flipped this one.
Incredible foresight from Andrew Hedrick and he becomes the 2026 World Champion.
He is a five-time regional champion.
He is a singular time international champion.
He got top 32 at Worlds a couple of seasons ago.
He's had tons of other great international and regional successes.
You know, we spend so much time at these events talking about the greatest Pokemon players.
Of course, Jason Kluzinski, his three world champion titles.
Ford Recklett, his five international titles, two incredible runs at world championships for him.
for him. Andrew Hedrick does not have the time in the game that those two players have.
He's still very, very young, but I think it's time he starts making his way into those conversations.
It's definitely making a case at this point. If he keeps this up like you said, Jim, it's
only been a few years of wrapping up all of those accomplishments. The future is
pretty bright for him. Yeah, I mean, even the fact that he has accomplished so much
in so little time, I think just beats volumes of he should be in this
conversation because the other players right how long they take Diego to get
that World Championship and how many years did he try so yeah Andrew definitely
on another level at this moment. Yeah and he and his friends who prepare and
play consistently finishing at the top level this season whether it be
championship points or regional wins or international placements and that is
scary when the top minds are together and working towards every event you know
that when you show up there is a group that is prepared and ready to take down
the thumbs doesn't feel fair to the rest of the time to play right all of the
best players working together how are we supposed to compete they're
dominating up at the top of the game and then he's a really fun thing to be
able to watch yeah and I do think we've seen a trend in the last
several years of how these young up-and-coming players being the
ones to dominate at this level. I think it is inspirational though for some of our older folks
that Diego was able to make a run as well, proving that you know it doesn't matter what your age is
when you're playing the Pokemon TCG skill players are skilled players the best or the best and
anybody can compete and it's always a great time to jump in and learn how to play the game.
43 years old the oldest player to grace this world championship stage and I wouldn't be
surprised if he improves that in future years as well. Best line I heard a little
weekend is Diego could have been the oldest player to a Wonderworld
Championship since Diego. I believe 35 whenever he won the 2017 World
Championships and still doing it now nine years later. Well it's been an
excellent journey to the trading card game Pokemon Go and Pokemon Unite so
many world champions already crowned but we are not done yet it is time to kick
off Pokemon champions where we will crown three first time Pokemon champions
world champions
we are in San Francisco the land of the Golden Gate Bridge and this bridge is
angry that leads in with the awkward jet to take the final KO and it's gonna
to be Hiroshi Onishi to take the set 2-0.
And with the last respects connecting up to Winzlicka,
brings it down to focus as the fat is in.
Joao, the lead, Leishi is moving on to our top 4.
You're going to get one shot onto this knee as well.
What is the fault of this?
Joao is going to be moving on to the top 4.
The damage is done.
His knee is at 33%.
And the fork it comes through.
That weak moves on to the top 4 of the World Championship.
Heatwave following up in the sun and the both targets is enough for Hiroshi to get the double KO!
Two turns and with that, Hiroshi Onishi moves on to Championship Sunday!
We are just watching a boxing match between these two and they are truly trading blow for blow.
Scar Trump's earthquake is going to deliver the finishing blow,
and Takamaw will be moving on to the finals here at the Pokemon World Championships!
Let's go!
Shade Center Traders, are you ready to get started with Pokemon PGC here on Championship Sunday?
starting with your juniors finals. Kazuki Kage going up against Kazutaka, Hado Hori.
Here's that comment, the culmination of all that hard work, the determination and the talent
that these trainers have put on the line this season. It all comes to a close here.
One more match to go for both of our trainers, but one of them will be walking away a world champion.
here to take you through the action of kicking off BGC,
Sierra Dawn, Lee Provost. It is an honor to be here at such an incredible stage,
an incredible arena to be crowning your first Pokemon champion, World Champion.
That is the most exciting thing. Champions has just come around. It's been the first
World Champion of the Champions era. What a title to take away with you. And yeah,
it's been an incredible weekend so far. But starting off with the Juniors,
it's always so exciting it gives us all been a bright future ahead for the VG.
Seeing that we know we can get to see these talents rise up and become these new heroes of us.
This is the next generation of Pokemon trainers and the opportunity to earn a world championship
title today to be sent to many their spot as one of the best so early on in their journey
And for it to start in an arena like this, a stage like this is truly incredible.
Two trainers that have battled it out all weekend and have shown that they are amongst the best.
Now one more battle for our world champion.
Yeah, just suck it in, take up the moment.
The trainers all gonna get themselves ready.
The teams are very interesting going into this match.
We can take a look at Kazuki's team here.
The frauds last, which has that mega scone.
So mega frauds last, mega scovillage.
We've got the basket legion of Kinga with Lycanroc and the Sneasler, a very familiar set of Pokemon we've seen you extremely well, this one making it to the finals, can it get because we beat over the line?
This Lycanroc team, this variant has been so popular and so strong with how dominant Charizard has been, and we've seen this team, this variation take down those big bad Charizard teams over and over.
over but of course having the other powerful options here with the Sneasler and the Vascular Legion
and the King Gambit, one of the most powerful Pokemon we have in this current regulation
no matter what other team is on the opposing end you have options. The fact that you have the
set up King Gambit as well and options to really be able to pivot around to allow this King
Gambit to try and set up, if you can get a sword stance that could be momentum completely
shifted in your favor. Yeah, you've got the sneeze letter help out with that fake out there to get
that king gambler set up whether it comes in the early game to soften things up for that
Pasqualeige or in the late game to close out. It is a formidable threat and something that
has to consider when approaching their game plan. Of course, we've got that Charizard wide,
the Swampert, the Archalagon, the Grimmsnall, Pelopter and the Venusaur. The common trend
here is that double weather the options you've got the Charizard bringing the
Sun to speed boost the core ability on that Venusaur you've got the Pella for
bringing the rain that powers up the speed on that Swamper giving it that
swift swimmability when it does mega evolve and becomes a formidable threat
could be able to handle a lot of those issues on the opposite side of the
field the Lycan Rock that might come to check the Charizard the Sneasler
the King Gamble as well and that wave crash under the rain is so so
This is the Charizard team with the mention having this dual weather mode, which gives
Kazataka so many options in how he wants to approach this matchup.
You can try and just go all in on one of your weather modes, or you can bring a couple of
options that you think would fare really well into Kazuki's team.
And I would be so interested to see how he wants to play this, because if you leave
your weather right, that could be everything for you.
But as well, having the dual weather going up against the single weather mode of Kuzuki
gives you twice as much potential to get ahead.
Yeah, it makes it very difficult to bring that cross last, to get that Royal Veil set
up that you want to support the rest of your team.
The Grim Snow makes things even more difficult because it's got that prankster parting shot.
So you can lead it next to maybe one of those Pokemon like the Swampert or the
Venus other take advantage of the weather and especially in the Swampert scenario,
can pivot out first before anything moves after a mega evolution and overwrite that
weather get in your favor and get that Swampert in that.
Yeah the Swampert's in a nice position. It does have to worry about the faker
from the Sneezer of course I could slow it down and the Arch Alidon is pretty free here to just get
an attack off but is it pressuring and knockout that's the question probably not on this stage of
the game you probably don't want to fake that out because it will activate that stamina ability
and give it a free defense boost but the King Gambit does feel like it's in a great position
to get that sword stance off but the Sneezer goes from the fake out into the swamp
hurt stop it and extracts this turn it's not much being able to stop that we've already
talked about how impactful that sword stance could be once that is set up it's already boosted
by that light bulb that will be starting to really take Pokemon on the opposite side of the field.
A swap out, our Taladon is out, Helper joins the fray and with it setting up the rain. This is
going to enable the swamper with this mega evolution. It's going to be oh so speedy and
dealing oh so much damage. Looking right away to start dealing out powerful attacks onto the
two Pokemon on the opposing end. Potentially, but will this be a protect on this turn?
with the central other they put on the opposing end you do have to make sure the
Pokemon stays safe and correctly calling that protect is safe but when you
have to protect there's always the opportunity to set up already a sword
stand excuse for the King Gambit to deal so much attack on this next turn.
Yeah that's a huge lift has the attack a he's got that King Gambit in the
perfect position now it offers support with that sucker punch it's gonna be
able to go before anything from the attack on the offensive so there's a
field due to big damage to that Swampert. The question is can it take a close to
Sudden Butch? That is what we're going to find out probably very soon. The question is though
is it going to be enough to soften this Swampert up for maybe a Vascular Agent to come in later in
this game. Take advantage of that rain and then pick up and knock out with that. I could get
the hatches protected so it's a sitting target now. But the other thing that Pelipper as well
is threatening that Hurricane damage on this Kneesler. It does threaten knock out there.
super effective damage. It's also negligible.
It's that King Gambit. If a developer comes out with an earthquake, it could be detrimental.
Take that Pokemon down.
Plus two sucker punch.
Now the King Gambit got this up!
For a KO, he enters the swamp for holding on 7% HP, can go ahead and attack and return.
These are no damage done, but Earthquake into the King Gambit is going to deal a lot.
King Gambit doesn't only appreciate these hits and will be brought down to 26%.
Follow-up here from the tower, no attack, but making sure you're set up for a success going on forward.
Tailwind with a speed.
Yeah, the tailwind is really useful because once that Swampert does leave the field and the Swim Swim goes with it,
you need to support the remaining Pokemon in the back when the views come onto the field,
especially because the Sneezer will threaten that Archelidon with those big fighting type attacks.
Now, what you do here, you attack with the Swampert, it's in a great position.
If you go for another earthquake, it would be enough to get that King Gamma,
but it is threatened by that sucker punch.
Do you maybe switch it out, Steve?
For latering, use that pellet to leverage that
into the Kinggather.
That is the biggest threat here.
You need to go after that.
Hopefully the Kinggather doesn't target the pellet there.
A little swap around.
A double swap around, actually, as Grimtaro and Archaladon
come back out.
Archaladon's flabstying in the rain.
And of course, double swapping won't take any damage
if there was a potential sucker punch on the opposing end.
And the switch with Archaladon
Catches that term down a gunshot.
Fantastic switch here from Kazooie, but themselves in a great position now.
Got that Grimstone on the field and the one thing you want to set up next to your Pokemon,
if that source that has been activated on the King of Gambit is a reflect.
You've got the Paxter Reflect you can set up now.
It's going to give you perfect protection and put that much added on.
It's in its perfect environment.
The Rain Setup, it's got access to Electroshock.
If you go after that King of Gambit now,
get a plus one to special attack and start getting some
momentum back and get them back into the game because right now this King Gambit is still a big threat to my plus two to its attack.
Going into this next turn, Grimcarl joining in, if you're worried about wanting this damage from this King Gambit or even this user,
you can go ahead and set up some screens where flex is going to mitigate a lot of that offensive pressure from here on out.
Second bunch in the Artaladon though, plus two, but also showing how big this reflect was in defense and help it later on.
Lightwolf slowly chipped away at King Gambit's own help.
Follow-up from Sneezler.
Nice, but right now, it's a lecture shot.
Of course, in the rain, this will be a one push and a move.
You get the special attack, you don't have to wait for next turn.
Go ahead and fire off a powerful attack.
Sneezler down to about a third.
Dump shot, going into this Grim Snarl instead.
It's not just powerful attacks, but again, reflecting off huge.
He had that reflect so so valuable he had hold poison as well that's put that Grimstone on a timer
doesn't matter a time before it will fall down.
Lepid was coming in really handy for the Star Chaladon just putting it out of arms reach
especially when you've got that reflect kind of force for in those defenses.
Now you've got that electric shot off where's your target in going?
You can't even compare this with it.
You can't target shot out if you've gone with the Grimstone maybe lower the attack on that's easier.
Remember you can't go for it into the King Gambit.
There is also the option of going for a spirit break maybe protecting the Archaladon
Just getting a little bit extra help,
getting into a better scenario,
walking the following turns to hopefully get a big swing
with it going into the latter turns of this game.
Brimstarl on its timer went at poison,
already such low health,
setting up the screens was certainly nice,
but how can you make the most of this Brimstarl
while it's still sticking around?
And of course with the King Gambit,
you have those boots,
but you gotta make sure these attacks count.
The waveform is revealing so much damage to yourself,
Our Talidon with Protect won't be hitting it by a sucker punch as it will fail.
Now close combat, already such low health on the Grimstone, we'll take it down.
It's a really nice play to get back post combat into Grimstone.
You can go for another Dungeon, it's quite risky, it's not the best accuracy here,
but the main thing is that it activates that White Herb.
That is doubling the speed on the Sneezer, so even in a Tailwind,
even if the rain set up to support that small curve that you've come back onto the field,
you're going to match speed, you're going to be actually out speeding those.
And with the damage this one would already take,
and the speeds are going to be in that position where it can just pick that off.
Now the Pelopter, though, good timing to bring it back onto the field.
It is going to set that brain up again for another five turns,
so that electric shock is now enabled.
It is going to be able to stop powering up that archalagon
a little bit more each and every turn.
And the big threat now is the Pelopter,
alongside it that does offer a little bit more offense
than that Grimmsnall was the previous time.
The perfect timing with the Grimmsnall going down to Pelopter,
setting the rain up perfectly and offering so much offensive pressure within
itself too. You get that full five turns of the rain going on forward but you
still have to be also careful of you. I have an attacking move with this Pelfer.
This ping damage still puts so much pressure on the board. There has been a
lot done to really being able to mitigate what this ping damage has been able to do
with these squats. With these well timed for attacks. But, well, let's see if we can make a little bit more use of it.
No sector punch though, scenes are first to act close combat for those drops and another
sense boost on the opposing end. Now a lecture shot in retaliation, boosting up special attack
once again into either one of these Pokemon that's already taken place a bit. Special attack
boost, now going for the attack into the Sneasler, we'll take it down.
Yeah, now for us to now on the board for our teledon. It's pretty getting
extremely hard, each and every turn it goes past it's easy, acquiring a little bit more health.
Now the follow up from the pellet for that weather ball, finally taking that King Amid
down, but this is if you've got a lot of value out of that Pokemon after getting that
sword stand stuff and really punching holes, softening up the office instead of the field.
This rain mode has put in so much work. During the battle though, we have highlighted
Leichenroth and Frostbath as two really big key pieces to this. Leichenroth though,
So, not necessarily in the scene where we'll suggest you want to siege, but with Rock-Lock, who will override that weather?
Yeah, this is the perfect scenario for the Zuki. Now you can mega evolve, overwrite the rain, take away the Elecroshot from a one turn attack to a two turn attack.
On top of that, you put your Lichenrock on the field. Yes, it might be threatened by the Pelopope, you are taking away the rain, so that weather won't become an ice-type attack.
Rock something that Lichenrock has to worry about too much. The more important thing is that offensive, right, that it's got no access to post-combat.
We go after the Archeladon in solo health at the minute as well, if it does land, even through a reflective photo, expect it's going to be close to picking up a knockout if it's double D2 with a potential Shadow Ball and Blizzard.
So it's on the turn though, if you want to override the weather, you have to go ahead and mega evolve.
I mean, with the snowboarding, you can't arrive on those one turn electric shots anymore.
And if you do want to get that weather back, Pelopon has to walk out.
Protect from our Chalodon as Pelopon ends the Pelopon.
This is going to be great for dealing a little bit of damage here,
which would add up going on forward to protect our Chalodon though.
Won't be any damage, but looking to keep going pushing on forward with that tailwind.
Yeah, it's a really hard play for Kazutaka just to protect that Archaladon this turn.
You could just threat both of those special attacks because of the tense boost this is required,
but now that that tailwind activated, everything that Archaladon is going to be
ahead of the close last and the Lightning Rock. The Lightning Rock does have a little bit of
security with that focus patch, so it can go after either of these targets, but we've seen
the damage already. You sell the Rock, but there'll be enough to get the Pelipper,
or just drop us all your attention down the flat Archaladon, but now it's a slot that
is going to be vulnerable as she's protected to not like to go for it again and it is in a position where it will attack which targets it on for though the light drop to break the slash or that crosslash if you can get to protect right on
the Zicky Sander field you could really get yourself back into this game. If you want to look at overriding the weather they get your own out as well you need to swap out the Pelt Surfer and
Probably only the last opportunity to do so.
The Mega Swamper comes out with a well-timed protect on the opposing end,
but it's Lycanroc the target of George Flash Cannon.
Lycanroc brought all the way down to its focus stack.
Yeah, we'll see what it's like in what goes.
It's got the Peloporganers in the close combat.
It looks like it's gazed into the Archeladon.
Is it enough? It's not a burn! It's on!
Those are the best moves of Adam of Archeladon with 4%.
And another one is going to stick around for one more turn
and get a little bit of recovery at back.
And now it's the one for out on the field.
All of the Pokemon have such low health,
but you can switch in the Pelopter
and have this one for really be able to push her.
Yeah, and that's the beauty.
That's how well the Taka is controlling this board right now.
Yes, you might have to forego the Archald on the Houston thing,
but is it put in this one, but in a really advantageous position?
So, be careful about that.
So, a full Pokemon, very low health,
the Archald on will definitely be able to take one.
So maybe the preferred switch here is the Swamper Alcalapurian and then utilize the Archelon
The plus to the Swamper though is it's got that spread attack so it can go for an earthquake
So because it's highest you've protected, it is going to be vulnerable now to a flash cannon now
So the choice is what would be better to keep the Archelon on
Maybe Swamper go on but it is sticking around
No Swamper priority move from this Lightning Rock Swamper already at such low HD
No chance of sticking around.
Follow-up flashcat is so much special attack!
And a broadcast on how absolutely no chance
trading Pailings on this turn.
But now, look at Luki, it's only a life and a half
which is on one HP!
Yeah, and I mean, a fantastic play there, saying,
OK, well, I can utilize the tailwind, it's still in effect.
I don't need to risk my telephone coming on that.
It's Tele-Rock, and that's exactly what we saw there.
Now coming in, getting weather control,
we talked about how important this weather control was.
Because Attacker doing extremely well in this match to keep control of the mature and give the time, won't he detail when he likes to take a fast kill?
That's what the Seaman can take on the Lightning Rock and might get one more turn good.
On a double attack, it looks like it's getting closer and closer to being wrapped up.
Well, if you're enough trying to go for something like the Frostlite,
Calliper, on the goading and House of Wifers, you will be able to stop it.
So Lightning Rock, you stay safe for now, you can run out the tailwind, but beyond that,
If you go ahead and click the rock slide and there's the wide guard on me closing in, that is still just a lock.
Yeah, and that's the problem that you can at least spread attacks.
If you end up with us on the field rising, then there's always a thought, and it's the mind games that it plays there, full senior opponent into the alternative options.
Of course, combat does feel like a preferred option, if you aren't telling them that again, is it going to be enough?
If there's the rock slide that'll go on through those mind games, then why go I'm going to connect.
It's going to connect into both no KO's, but if you can go for a flinch instead, it can be your way to try and make something happen here.
Two Pokemon remaining, it's single attack, it will be enough to take you down if you only have one HP.
And no flinch is going to spell your doom. Arch Alunoth, another Electro Shot for the road.
One HP is all you have to do.
And Kazutraka, take the first game in the set.
Wow, what a first game, so explosive and great game plans from ball to players coming into this game
but has the attacker really taken advantage of the weather on their side of the field
and some of the jewels are really leaning into that archalagon in particular
looking so well to just get the damage, stuff and things up on the opposite side of the field
while kind of setting up that special attack and being overall in the end with that timed tailwind
which is so perfectly just overcome all those threats on Titan's side of the field.
Even looking at earlier on in the match, this King Gambit with the sword stance boost
becomes so scary. But there was a great job done by switching around Pokemon well,
time for pets to really make sure this King Gambit never got out of control. And once you
take that threat down, get your Pelk or Implicit later on, you can Tailwind, you have the speed
and you just do so much damage to these remaining Pokemon. And I mean that the Grimstone was
So pivotal there, really too much offensively, but what it did provide the team was that offensive support with the reflectors.
We hadn't seen that, I think the Lycan Rock could have easily been able to take down the archer on that spot in the game, but it turned out a little bit different maybe.
But, does the attacker just using those tools so perfectly at the right time and not panicking too much either when that King Amber got that soul stand set up?
I think controlling the game and keeping calm and composed was such a great thing to see
But all for Kazooia Pete to do coming into this next game. It's a tie it up
Does have options to be seen maybe the basket each incoming
Because if he's thinking that the rain is going to be the optimal mode
I feel like that is going to give a lot of problems to things like that's one bit
It will get the boost in the range with wave pressures
And it can be an end game Pokemon with that last respects as well
I can really cut through and get the damage you require on those remain
Pokemon. Kazutaka having so many ways to pilot this team, but now Kazuki knows
that rain was the answer for game number one. Giving you so much information on
how you want to handle this game number two. Maybe like the Rockets left at home
try and switch up the Pokemon just a little bit or override that weather
just a little bit sooner. So many questions in mind down a game in the
set with the world championship title on the line. Yeah it's really
difficult to set up against this sun rain team as well because you think you're
going down one route because the Taka might be conditioning their opponent as
well in a lot of ways where they might switch it up and bring that Charizard
instead of the rain. Getting into game number two, it's time to see if there could be the bounce back, what a big twist from the get-go.
Rainbow's left at home, cause the Taka to bring out the sun instead,
Viazor and Charizard going up against the Skeezer and King Gammon. Yeah and now
Now there's Charizard and Prime Physicians and Mega Revolve.
Of course both Pokemon here are going to be susceptible to that big card.
But can you risk being passive here?
I think although you don't want your Venusaur's Sashgream brought in, yet can you protect
it in front of a King Abbot that can potentially set up a Soul Stance and then become that
big threat once again?
Because Charizard and Venusaur aren't as good defensively as the Pokemon we saw
in game 1.
Not anything likely are tell it all on that Splunker.
Then nobody will be able to take those priority supply switches as well.
So do you just go for two attacking options here, you go for it.
The heat wave, the lead, the receive power, that goes to that.
So you have it to slow it down.
Mega Evolution with the Charizard from Abutaka.
And it was not a problem in game number one, to let this King Gambit set up.
As long as you have an answer later down the road.
Charizard doesn't protect, will just keep that fake out instead.
And then actually just a double up fake out, Charizard doesn't move,
but was still eyeing up an attack which gives King Amit can still get the Sundry Punch off.
Sleep powder though in return. King Amit does your one move, you bring the Charizard down low,
but on the next turn you have to take that mandatory turn of sleep.
Yeah that's the advantage of actually the Sleep Punch coming out, the Sleep Powder going after it.
Now there is a guaranteed turn, the King Amit is going to move this turn and now that seems
like it's susceptible to the Sleep Powder as well. This Charizard is pretty free now to go
over a he-whip or a weather ball into either one of these targets and now you
can start building that momentum. The venous sort of big part of why this is
working has, because if you've got a way to get around this, is maybe the skull
building in the back. If it is, you can maybe switch it in against half the immunity.
Shoot that sneeze with that full cost. You're going to take three quick rounds.
From that Charizard, one more ray and you can use it by that Sun as well.
No swap seems really too strong at this point so sneeze, blur, sneeze in and
will protect. So, Venusaur will still feel the sleep powder for that reason and King Gambit will take that first turn of sleep.
He waits from the Charizard out. You have the Sun on your side. It's super effective hit. And King Gambit has no chance at waking up the first
fail taken in this match. Yeah, what a way to handle that threat in King Gambit without taking any damage.
Really, on your side, the Charizard has been softened up, so it will be susceptible to damage later on.
but with this finish you're on the side of your field.
In the sun you're in a great spot to keep that pressure on.
The problem now is the cross-lash condoms
feel it will be able to overwrite that sun with its snow
and the finish will only lose that cross-shoulder.
It will become susceptible also to that
and it will be able to threaten from that cross-lash
at the same time.
If you want to get the weather back,
four counts of talk, you have to swap the Charizard back
out and in again as snow with the mega evolution.
Charizard will protect on this turn.
You've already taken a lot of damage and if you want that weather back, you can't afford to get KO'd. Double protect on the board.
Now we get an opportunity to see what Lester's team and Blizzard is going to do nothing and same with Caesar's attack.
Yeah, now the double protect is about all we're trying to do.
We'll see if the boss can't back off into that base or maybe expecting a switch there.
But it's not too bad because what we need to do is to shift the base off slightly if it stays on the field.
Break that focus latch and the blizzard will be enough to get that and that run out to Tarzor as well.
So, because Luki in a really commanding position now is all on his attackers who respond in this scenario.
They need to get that Tarzor out of the field if they're going to take weather control again.
The problem is, he's just protecting that being so, so are we going to see maybe a double switch?
The good question is, it's a pelota lift, and in fact it is.
It's a great Pokemon to bring in now to get rid of that snow and really start to stun him.
I think that's good.
Charizard needing to swap out our Caledon to join the field and set as it will be that double swap
Is it the two most of whether it is a palover come out and with it the rain bring both
Weathermotes to this map to contend up against the snow not the most accurate
But will connect in both targets palover and our caledon taking some damage
That could strip so much from us it's in this much
It will be a close combat as well, but on this next turn, Helper has the opportunity to just not move.
And with that close combat, you can just burn down too much damage and you're going to be so fast on this next turn with the unburdened.
Yeah, and now there is a scenario where you go to the Z and then close combat into your challenge,
and that combination of probably being enough to get your challenge on here.
on here and there's no reflect helping it out this time that white curve activating as well on the
sneasler and really really difficult scenario can help them pull out and it take another blizzard
it might be a roll so close loss does have to connect though the accuracy isn't the most
reliable when the reins on the field so it's a preferred environment but you could maybe switch
it out to get regain control of that but when you get better staying on the field
in a very exciting and offensive pressure that you've got right now.
For Frostbast, if you stick around going for those inaccurate attacks
and knowing that there's an archaladon that could go for that flash cannon into you
to start making sure that Housetalker has all of the momentum in the match,
you need to swap, like and rock, yet again, brought into this match.
Follow up close combat into your archaladon and already have one of those defense boosts
so it will take this hit even though it's getting so, so low on damage.
Damage the Pelopon though frozen is it going to fall coming up next gonna be this they get staying because our chaladon
Still looking to get those boots and really be able to
Take more momentum into this mess, but it helps her keep the frozen pretty sure
That's where you can really get slowed down a sneezer will hold on frozen so you can't double up and take it down
Now you've got the crosslots to bring it in at any point and override the weather, but
I think you've got a planet and time it so well because you know the Charizard is a
fact.
Now you can utilize it in close combat, although the arch-allegance of the defense usage is
going to be susceptible to going down to that powerful attack.
Now like in Rock, the perfect Pokemon here, the Acceleron.
is Celeron into that Pelopter.
There is no reflect we talked about that already.
So the Celeron probably will be enough
to pick up the knockout there.
Forced one of those remaining Pokemon in the backpack
out onto the field.
And with your Celeron already having taken so much damage,
it's forced into a protect as Pelopter goes down
with that as Celeron.
So now one of your modes of weather is gone.
You still do have the Charizard to be able to contend.
But again, if you bring it out here,
Kazuki can go ahead and bring the Fraffus back in so maybe you just have to go for the Venusaur,
swap the Charizard into the other slot, but again if you get that turn wrong you might never get control of the weather again.
No, and that's a big problem. The one plus that Casatega has right now is the Venusaur does have a proper sanction.
It does have a little bit of room to remove that. It is going to threaten Tsupada because of that and it does threaten super effective damage into that light and rock as well.
Pretty much any of those options even in the resisted one, but this needs like probably enough to take it down
So you have to be careful not to lose a slot and then really use a resource as well
Close combat yet again into our charlodon turn after turn has really stacked up and another
K-o taken in Kazuki's favor now just down to the two rock slide to break the focus on the Venusaur and deal a lot of
damage
A myth, like it has to stay the way, stick around, and Charlery being forced out onto the field doesn't appreciate that at all.
It's a huge miss now, and now in a position, it doesn't matter what the Sun's coming onto the field, because you've got that straight switch from Sneasley, you would imagine, into the Froslass.
Overwrite that Sun, and then the Light and Rock is enabled. That core field ability is taken away. The Rock's light is coming out, it does connect.
Will it be enough to get the Charlery, or will it be enough to get the Venus sold off? That is the question.
Sneezler walks out, the Dukie House won the weather war as snow set up once again.
Venusaur is going back to being slow and stars are so pressured by this like in Ross.
Ross is not being tricked into going for the single target so you can get some damage into the Venusaur.
Take the KO and only one Pokemon remaining in your quest to get this to a game number three.
Yeah, it doesn't miss its target.
It takes down the Venusole and that Charizard just waiting in the wings.
We all go into the Game 3's era, like you say, and a well-played match with Gizaki
is getting some backing to this game, the adjustments here,
and doing it in such a great fashion.
You sell her off into the Charizard, the target that it's at,
that all this time right at the end of the game to lock it up,
take us to a Game 3.
a series of going the distance so expertly played, coming out from Suzuki, contending up against not
one but two weather modes. You have to be so careful with that cross-lap and those pieces,
and the perfect preservation of that light and rock to make sure you can force the Charizard out
onto the field, put so much pressure onto it to really be able to clean up that match. Something
like the slate powder is quite important, but at the same time, when you look at the
the Sneasler allowed to keep doing all the damage turn after turn you were able
to get so much pressure from the get-go to force that. Yeah in the freeze we
take here it did prevent maybe the tail being set up but I don't really know if it really
changed the outcome overall. I think the big thing is that upon out here
because we people are really conditioned into not bringing the light off.
It would have been easy to say I expect the rain mode again so I'm not
gonna bring the light off I'm gonna replace it with a vasculature. If you've done that there then the
I think bringing it to this game was a huge, huge play, and it really paid off.
And now they're back in contention to let the trophy, one game, is going to decide this era,
which trainer will be able to overcome the other.
Two very deserving trainers, both with a win under their belt with one more match
to determine who our world champion is going to be.
whether it's going to be Kazuki Kage or Kazutaka Harahori.
One more match for who is going to be starting off their Pokemon journey in the junior submission with the highest title of them all.
Only one more match and so much pressure.
Pressure that no trainers really get to face on a stage like this.
They can always see who's gonna come out on top trainers. Everyone here at the J center
Gotta make some noise for these two young trainers. Let's give them an energy
Determine our future world champion
What it just fits that we're gonna see from both trainers coming into this game three that is the question on everyone's mind
We're gonna see the rain more because it's a cat. We're so successful in that round one game on
We're going to see the Charizard mod again. Venus always very polished.
In Land of Sleep powders and it's in the right position, you can keep control of your weather.
It's going to be hard because you need to control that, keep that contained.
Or we're going to see the Basque Legion finally come to the game.
Is that going to be the Pokemon that could be used to soften up some of these targets on the
opposite side of the field? If you're expecting the rain, it makes a lot of sense for that
Pokemon to come. It can cause a lot of issues for that swamper, but if you're expecting that
and this is what makes this matchup so beautiful.
I think why the intricacies of it
are all dependent on the leads.
Getting into the game, it's time to see
where the trainer's minds are at.
Why does Justin will be made at Swamper,
joins the break, next to our Chaladon,
on the opponent King Gambit and Sneasler.
If we tell you this fake out
and this out of store sense once again,
King Gambit can put on so much pressure,
but do we get to see a swap
and just the Swampers that try to go on the offensive.
And do we see a switch up from that fake-out sword stance play from Kuzushiki?
Yeah, I love the Leeds here, but they're not the option where they can take advantage of the Rains with the fear of their Leeds.
You've got the Archalinon with an Electroshock, it's not likely to get fake-out,
given that it's a stamina accreditation for any player at the spot.
But you've got the Swampers, both got the fake-out into that,
and the Archalinon switches out to the Pelotaron,
and you've got the instant abilities from Red Willow to get access to Swift's wings.
To get the Jokers on board with these targets, it'll help you to backstab around the side first, so if you attack them, that is going to be a huge, huge detriment, even if you get a full-fledged setup, but that is the case.
You do have your perfect caught in the next few, you have that fake-out, and you've left soul-stands and plays required to get the damage you need on the opponent's side of the field.
And you are the swamper on the field, of course. We're going to see a mega-evolution and a pellet first coming all out to bring that rain up.
The question is, will it be a make up from the Sneezer to make sure no damage is there? Sure enough, Womper will plant and no Earthquake.
Now, Sword Snaps, plus two for this King Gambit, a big second one's next turn. What happened?
Yeah, and the chip damage really depends on the last one, but now it's a future fight.
Now, here's the question, is it enough with that chip damage to get this one further?
I'm just out of range, that's all but if it is out of range, it will be a scenario where it can't get earthquake.
Gotta think, Telepath is gonna be able to follow up, but no one should get in harm's way.
Maybe get in a reflect setup like we saw in that game one to protect everything and that's exactly what we're seeing.
Kazataka in game number one has no fear of letting that King Gambit set up with well-timed switches and another one there.
Drums are coming on out, no damage from King Gambit.
Now, Sneezer early on will get that white herb activation fast, drop back to normal and speed.
So important, with tailwind from the pelliper.
You want to make sure that this Sneezer can continue to pressure with potentially a dung shot onto this Grinchnarl.
Yeah, and if either into that pelliper as well, that simply doesn't have to be activated.
This culture could be enough to get the pelliper before it can attack,
because these are in a great position even despite the tailwind going up.
But the problem is that Grinch don't know on the field that he's gonna have that crying spirituality.
She said that that might turn the reflect of the sword so vital in that first game to get around the threat of that King Gavet.
The difference in this game is that King Gavet hasn't taken any damage so far, so that's a whole hell.
It's sitting in the perfect scenario just to constantly try to use the pressure,
but you start holding back how to clean rather than that sucker punch.
We suck your punch, but it will be enough.
The free plus for Primstaw is going to get the damage, but the plus you can damage it with our play form still is so significant.
The user with the follow-up, Primstaw, will connect. Primstaw is our full health. It will survive the hit, but it's not real low.
Yeah, real low and probably in range of even a resuscitated suck up at the next turn.
Just decide to go for an attack of course. It has got past this bit of an option to kind of spot each other and it seems like we've beaten that slot.
Still got the scenario here, the stopper comes in in a bit of a better place now, it's kind of earthquake but it will be kissing the Grimstone which isn't ideal, you've not got your preferred partner, Pelopon has been taken down so Grimstone is going to be successful, you've not got the option to switch either because you can't bring your arch-halodon into an earthquake.
Do you rely then on the wave crash, and if that can be enough to get the thing out of it, that has to be your target.
You've got to be careful going all the confidence into that smoke bomb, because if there's a protector, it opens it up for Sleezor to get some more damage on the board.
A light stream setup for later on, Spectre punch into Swamper, not enough for the KO.
But again, if we see this wave crash, we're going to do still on 3-4 potential to yourself.
We're going to put it all on the front, so Earthquake hits everything on the field to KO.
What if the Zuki Pokemon going down, but also your own Rift Star?
Yeah, it's a really big play here.
You'll make the correct call, as Sierra saying,
but wait for the Pokemon Pokemon, because you're hurting yourself
and taking the Sucker Point puts you in a really old position where
the Swamp Rift now is not going to be able to really take it
but finally out of this Rift, as you would like it to,
but at least getting the Sneezer of the field will be one threat.
Now you can take Bullet Back into the Tailwinds,
and they're still in effect.
What's really scary though is earlier on in game number one you're able to take care of the tank to protect this king gambit so much sooner.
Now it is still sticking around. This wampr is taking so much damage and there's only two Pokemon left for Kanataka.
You have to get the most well timed protect to make sure this king gambit doesn't get a kill onto this wampr or deal so much into this archalodon.
But if you get that call wrong, that could be game losing.
He's really good, I think, this one point in the finish here where he needs to protect
I think it's the obvious target to go after, the 7th punch
Even despite the tailwind, that's not the thing
But it does, because you can see that, go after that Archaladon instead
And they do!
Dude, Mark is off to enter the Archaladon, bringing it down to us and half of its health
He gambit is on its liver, but if it's a follow-up, Archaladon sees so much flash
standing into the light, and we're all focused on it still in fact needs it does hold on for at least one more turn
to fire off the powerful attack of its own.
Close combat, so it's split the difference. It did target into the swamper instead.
You were hoping that the close combat might be into the Antaladon, but a really small protect there.
But the one thing that doesn't have a hazard being able to do is remove that threat in the King Armored.
Now it's still threatening another second punch. The group will go down to the light, and we fall damage here.
But it's done so much work already in this game, and your Chalice is now not in the rain, not in the preferred environment
Same with the Small Bird as well, you do have a kill in it in effect, but is that really going to help you against the priority attacks from the King Gambit?
Goes for the double, but the fail means that Sucker Punch still isn't going to do anything, so no damage
If Light Around follows up there, it could get Kale into the Arch Chalice instead
Twalbert sticks around, our Chalon provides the hit with that defense, dude.
And now you still have two Pokemons for Pazotaka, they can tend with.
Flash damage into like, Naka on one AP is enough to claim the KO.
And Twalbert, it's still a winner.
You still have to worry about the King Gambit on the next turn.
But you can go for Protect again, and then our Chalon's done so much work.
The problem is, for Kazuki, there is still another Pokemon to join the field.
And with it being this broad class, you can go ahead and get this mega evolution. You are at full health.
Yeah, this is a great time. The Froslas to join the party, it is going to be able to get the snow on the field
and it is going to be able to pressure that whole challenge on with those Shadow Balls, a single target.
It will be into that slot, it does care about that reflect on the field. It's only got one turn remaining as well.
But like you say, the Swamp Rift is going to be susceptible to the sun, but you've got to protect against it.
The card is exactly, call it maybe, it's worth going for it, have some peace to that, so I would tell me all of you not, just keep it checked with that sort of place, remember the light screen is still in effect, but I don't think it's going to be enough to allow that, I'll try it on the room to get some of that off.
Fast-forwarding the whole car
First, we got this Pokemon are so low
And for our class with the mega evolution
With this note, it can offer so much damage
Our Traladon with the protect
And if it is a Sucker Punch, it's that product we wouldn't do much
Which does get it right, a failed Sucker Punch
Swampert on the other side
Unfortunately, with the DNA Blizzard, a dual target attack
Swampert is not safe
And it's enough to take another KO
Only one Pokemon left
And Kazuki's journey to becoming a champion with only Arch-Herald on remaining on the opposing end.
Yes, at the Fossilist and the King Garment have this pin now, the Sucker Punch.
The Arch-Herald cannot attack without taking that Sucker Punch damage first.
Even if that's not enough, the Fossilist dead to be able to follow up and cause things out.
And the Arch-Herald on the other hand, it's looking slimmer and slimmer each kick of the clock.
Attempt of the Double Protect, but it will fail.
Such punch does no damage, but the stronghold has this opportunity to attack, and with the blizzard, it is enough!
Congratulations to your junior world champion, Razuki Toggi!
The Nominal, phenomenal player there from Kizuki, how well they got that King graphic in the
right positions at the right time.
They got the maximum value out of that Pokemon.
Incredible trainer.
The talent showing through the testament.
That dedication.
through the testaments, the dedication, it's all come through a combination here and they are a junior world champion. Absolutely fantastic.
To be a trainer so young and achieve a feat unlike any other someday Pokemon world champion is incredible.
And being down a game in this set but never wavering bouncing back in game number two and of course that incredible game three.
I'm so excited for his football journey going on forward because he has a very, very bright future.
Yeah, I mean the way that they've managed the ball position throughout those games.
It looked a little bit shaky after the game won, but you saw this one bird kind of dominating the wet-o-control tent.
But I think keeping the post last so clean for the last moment, the right time to get it onto the field,
and maybe leaving with that King Gambit with the Sneezer to perfect partner, right?
Faker getting room for that sword stance and you think it's well it's there to soften things up
We talked about that something like across last can come in late game
And then do the damage get the knockouts are required to cause things up
But it turned out it's if you just play that king down with so so well
And it's stuck around longer and longer and longer and that pressure to fight with openings
And it meant that if you get into those positions swing that momentum and then clinch those wins
they were all important then taking his problems again just a phenomenal, phenomenal play.
That's what makes him such a strong trainer and what makes this team so incredible because if you
don't target down the King Gambit there's other options on the team to be able to just use the
entire thing. It's not so expertly played, such well done job but it's time to go here from
from our newest World Champion.
Thank you so much.
Let's hear it for our first ever
Pokemon Champion World Champion,
Kazuki Konami!
Congratulations. How does it feel to be the first ever Pokemon Champion World Champion?
Who was the most valuable Pokemon on your team throughout this competition?
Of course, there were many family and friends who helped you throughout your journey to become our first ever world champion here today.
Do you have any shout-outs or any messages you want to give to anybody watching at home?
Thank you for my family for bringing me here.
Let's hear it one more time for our junior 2026 world champion, Takuki Kansei!
Alright, that is one world champion down to the video game division. Two more. We're going to pass this back to you.
Let's turn our attention to the Senior Division World Championship Finals between Carlos Verasegui
and Vikram Piyakarajan. My name is Rosemary Kelly and I'm so honored and excited to be here next to Aaron Zegh
to bring you through this next Grand Finals.
San Francisco! Let's do this!
It is so exciting to be here with you Rosemary. My name is Aaron
Cybertron-Zeg and I have been waiting a long, long time to be here. The 30th anniversary of Pokemon,
Pokemon Champions, first-ever world championships, and we are here in a legendary arena in
Chase Center. We're about to crown a brand new world championship. It's already such a great
start on this championship Sunday that we got to crown our world champion and the junior's
division but now we move our way up to the seniors and these are two competitors
that are so ready to take the stage both regional champions but they still miss
out on that elusive title can they claim that final crown the world
championship to add to that trophy case I want to hear your scream right now
Everybody here in the crowd has told you that it's a truly fast and electric experience here.
You all can see it's one of the best ones you've ever seen.
Yes, the heat is the best.
What do you know?
We are running toward the coming stage.
Out of all of this horror of the Senior Division, I actually feel the crowd under my feet, Erin.
That's how bad the stadium is getting.
It is unbelievable.
You all are here as a part of Pokemon history.
The senior division in particular is an age group that many of the games best players initially started their careers in.
I think about 2014 World Champion, Sage on Park.
He finished second at the World Championships in the seniors division a few years before then.
There are so many of the game's greats who start their Pokemon journey here
and of course evolve to become the Pokemon master that they eventually turn into
and it's a big opportunity for our two players here.
especially because you don't get too many years either to be able to try to grab this crown and it's a
Amazing proving ground before you do age up into the master's vision and see if you can continue the legacy that way
But for both of these competitors one comes from Europe one comes from Latin America
It's very exciting to see them both be able to clash here on at this global stage
And we're gonna get a chance to see them do it for the first time in this world championships
What's also exciting is we just saw the school weather team win, right?
However, our talent on Charizard meanestore, that is one of the two teams that will be represented in the finals here.
Staring down, actually, the very first team left was Crown Champion, Info-Con Champions over at the Indianapolis Regionals
with Charizard and online mega flowette.
So it is the tale of a brand new team that has popped up leading into the World Championships
versus one of the strongest teams coming out right when we started this game
game as you take a look at our players accomplishments. Both regional champions, Carlos getting that title at the special championships in Lima just this year as Vikram took home that accomplishment in Lille in 2025. But for both of them, this is one of their greatest achievements to be able to be here in the final two at the world championships.
What an incredible experience to have.
And it's going to be a potential battle between the Charizard here, of course, one of the most
Crucial Pokemon in this format. This Pokemon has been dominant ever since we started in Pokemon champions
Only fitting to see it here B-Crown World Champion
But Rosemary the question is which partner mega evolution will B-Crown World Champion alongside it?
Is it going to be that Floette or is it going to be Swampert?
Both of them very powerful mega evolutions in their own right.
Floette looked at as we started out our journey in Pokemon champions because of the immense
offense that it can dish out with those very tight attacks. But with a Pokemon like Swalpert,
when you do have this dual weather option, that gives you another mega evolution just to keep
your opponent guessing. Let's take a deeper look at Carlos Barastiqui's team as you do see
that Charizard and Floette at the top that can both mega evolve. Dual team here with
and evolutions and the Charizard is the ancient power so that means that it can
have a big edge against the opposing Charizard and one of the things that I
want to stress in this matchup is which Charizard is going to be faster
because both of these Charisards can actually hit each other for super
effective damage right and so ancient power being a really powerful attack
four times super effective the Venusaur is a really big blue on the team
but is able to be the super disruptive and threaded with sweet
powder can be led with that Charizard a big question I have with you
rosemary in this matchup is which mega evolution you want to commit to if you're Carlos. Bringing
Charizard in a matchup when you seed out rain on the opposing side often can feel really tricky.
So you might want to think about going with a calm line, Floette, try to get a boost up. Once it
gets calm line and you get that special attack and special defense boost, it's difficult to
knock out. If you pair it with the Incineroar Cinnation Venusaur and protect it well,
Floette often can just overwhelm the opposing side. But Floette is tearing down a very big
physical threat on the opposing team, which is going to be the Mega Swampert.
Mega Swampert can do a lot to every piece on Carlos's team and that damage can
add up really quickly. That's one of the key differences between these two team
compositions is that Carlos may take a couple of turns to actually get that
engine started and then be able to press the go button, but for Vikram
there's damage all over the place. Whether or not you wanted to come from
this Mega Swampert, that keeps evolving immediately, getting that Swift
You can swim activated with the Pelopter to work with the rain, or you can just go on the
offense with something like the Charizard, or even the Archalodon in the rain.
Exactly.
For the viewers, I think that Pelopter, Archalodon, and Venusaur is going to be a trio that we
will see a lot of throughout the course of this set.
Now, what really makes Vikram's team unique is your ability to flex from mega evolution.
You can do Charizard, go with the Sun.
You can also bring Swamper, and Venusaur outside of the Sun is still really threatening.
That is one of the key Pokemon I'm looking at for Vikram in this matchup.
And it can be really disrupted with sleep powder, but also don't discount it defensively into
that Floette.
Floette can take a lot of damage from sludge bomb, and Venusaur can be used to slow down
its offensive pressure.
The main question though is, how comfortable do you feel bringing Swamper in a matchup
when you're staring down not one, but two different Grassbite Pokemon on the opposing
team?
Right.
You've got the super effective damage from Machigacha and Sinistra, and then the
The Venusaur from Carlos can threaten with a one-hit knockout with the Leafs storm, and
so there's a lot of different threats that you have to think about when choosing your
Pokemon to bring to this first game.
And is that actually going to be something where you have to think a couple steps ahead
and try to bring some counterpicks?
I expect this to be a Venusaur heavy set.
I think Venusaur can be led on either ends.
For example, Incineroar on Venusaur on Carlos' end is a defensive lead.
You get an Intimidate off which can neuter the opposing Swamper, the Venusaur can also
immediately go for Sleep Powder.
And for Vigrum, you have a lot of different options.
For example, you can leave a Charizard Venusaur, set up the Sun, immediately start going for
Sleep Powder.
You can consider something like Venusaur and Swamper, where the Swamper exerts a lot
of offensive pressure.
Well, Venusaur says, hey, you have to respect my Sleep Powder.
So it is a big decision on which mega evolution to commit to.
And I think there's also maybe a world where you see Charizard and Swamper
in the same battle with Swampert, not mega evolving,
although I think that is probably
the less likely path to Vikram to take.
And I think Grimmsnarl is a really difficult Pokemon
for him to bring into this matchup
because you're staring down fake Alchemist in a roar
and a set up Pokemon in calm mind flow way.
Something to call out on both of these team sheets
is going to be the stat alignments
of both of these Venusaur.
One for Carlos is going to be timid.
So that's going to be a stat increase to its speed.
On the other hand, for Vikram's Venusaur,
That is a modest stat alignment.
That's going to mean more power and special attack.
That's a really good point.
And another thing to pay attention to
is going to be how these Charizard interact with each other
should we see Charizard come out as a mega evolution pick.
And this is because you have ancient power on one side,
you have weather ball on the other side.
A weather ball in rain is one of the ways
that this Charizard can deal with threats
like opposing Charizard and opposing Incineroar.
And so whoever has the faster Charizard
will have a big advantage.
And here we go folks, game one of the Secret Division World Championship finals.
For Vikram, it is going to be the Swamper and the Grim Snarl, and for Carlos it's going to be the sign that Charizard and Venusaur hit the field.
It's going to be the Grim Snarl, not a pick I actually expected to see here, and so the Grim Snarl is immensely helpful in setting up those screens,
but right now Venusaur is inserting so much offensive pressure into Swamper.
If you are Vikram, you know that the Swamper can just get knocked out by a V-Sword immediately.
So, Swamper may consider going through a Protector. You may consider switching out into your own Archialon, for example.
But right now, Carlos is all of the Office Witness Duo.
And if you switch out and Carlos calls you and goes for a Sleep Powder, it can be disastrous.
Sleep Powder would put a Pokemon to sleep and stop them from moving on this turn.
But swapping on the weather would also be able to stop something like the Mega Evolution on the Charizard.
First up, though, it is going to be the mega evolution of the Swampert, and Charizard just protects itself, hoping to scout out whether or not a sneaky Pellover in the back can be as weathered as it overrides later.
But Swampert also willing to protect itself in the face of a leaf storm from this opposing Venusaur as Brimstaws gets up a light screen.
That's going to be great against both of these special attackers.
Oh, the first sweet powder comes out and it will miss! Like I said, folks, expect to see a lot of Venusaur in this set.
That means Carlos is not able to accomplish anything this burn. However, of course, Venusaur still breadings that leaf storm onto the opposing swamperer.
So, you are mid-throwing. Fridge Fire was here, could go for a party shot, right?
And of course, mutualized damage up, but if Charizard mega-falls, Charizard will set up the sun,
party shot will come out, power brick will come in, immediately changing the weather back into rain.
So it's a fakeness to start off. Charizard does not want to get risk knocked out immediately.
So we'll switch into the Incineroar, a really big Intimidate here.
Intimidate's going to meter the damage output of the Swapur, who likes to be a physical attacker,
but that Swapur's going to shut that drop immediately as it switches out for the Archialodon.
A Pokemon that would handle the...
Oh! Ooh!
I was going to say the Least Arle a little bit better.
We are going to see that Partix out of sale because as Greistarle is a Brakester Pokemon
and then to the war is a dark side you cannot use those support groups into it.
Our Chaladons which is into that leaf star take the stamina boost and that's going to help increase defense.
Really nice defensive play there. If Swampert just gets one hit killed by Leafs form it's a disaster.
Swampert is such an important both one to thread in one hit knockout onto things like
Incineroar and Charizard. For Viprem right now his goal is to start getting a little bit
of damage onto the Venusaur. Then ideally you put it in Ice Punch Bear range from the
the swamper. For Carlos, your goal is right now, it don't have a lot of damage on the
board. We also saw the commitment to Charizard. It's not going to be that set up for that,
right? And so, Grimmsville right now is going to pivot out. This does leave it vulnerable
to a sweep counter for the switch to Pelipart.
But the Pelipart is at least going to step the rain. So, you think, oh, it does
hit. It's going to hit, step the rain, and for the Archialodon, that is sitting
next to it. You're going to have this one turn electric shot now. But, as we
to see this Incineroar still waiting to say to Fred,
it has not gone for a fake out of this turn.
There's likely some type of attack
going to come out in a moment.
The first, the special attack boost,
our lecture shot gets on leash,
and you're gonna start to stack up damage
against the Incineroar.
Not enough to put it in range
of being able to consume the citrus fairy,
but then our Chaladon is immediately going
to get that special attack increased,
taken away with the parting shot,
as Carlos gets a nice hit it out.
I think that was a really big defensive turn by Carlos.
While he has not done any damage there, putting Peloper to sleep and Peloper not taking any
sleep turns means that he's incredibly vulnerable right now.
And the question is, would you really want to switch out, right?
Swamper, obviously an incredibly powerful Pokemon, but if you switch it in and he keeps
up something like the Sweet Butter and Thief Sword while you're throwing away, what might
be your biggest win condition?
Party Shot and Charge Shot also neutralizes his damage output, so I think Harlow's
has found a really good position for Charizard and Venus to do a lot of damage right
now.
switch out. I think being the safest defense switch here.
Charles is going to finally mega vault. And virtually now different
circumstances have already shot out once again, bring the rain.
But where is Carlos Berman right now with the Venusaur? Could it be a
sleepout or a child on or even the Crimsonaral switch in?
You got to get through this next turn first and it's going to be the lead
storm. Venusaur has already taken a special attack
drop and with the light screen up that's going to be even less damage
to this Crimsonaral. A great defensive switch but it will be the
The weather ball also targeted towards that slot, so our Chalron gets out of these first couple of attacks spot three.
Means it can go for a Dragon Pulse, into the Venus or start to whittle it away, and that's going to be 56% left.
You can see Vikkro celebrating there knew that there was the potential Sleephound or like could go into our Chalron
or a Keywave or Weather Ball, Sleephound or Neutralizing our Chalron on Keywave or Weather Ball doing so much damage.
Right now though, Vikkro does not have the heavy damage dealer which is Swampert, right?
The lightsaber is also slowly expiring.
I think if you're a Carlos, it's so important to try to conserve the speed and store for the endgame against Wampir.
It's similar to the comeback in for yet another defensive pivot you're saying,
I don't want to phase up Party Shot with Pelipher coming out.
Prim Scyro actually says, look, I saw you switching a little earlier.
Party Shot doesn't work against our types.
We're just going to manually switch into Pelipher instead.
Oh, it's going to be Pelipher connects with our Chaladon.
That's going to be two sleepy Pokemon on the Prim Scyre with the Pelipher.
something instill a sleep archaladon now going to take a nap on the field and
Feels like a momentum has swung into carlos's favor. Yeah, it's really back and forth because the main thing is for carlos
How are you going to deal damage into archaladon? The answer is charizard. You have to position it well
But you also want to conserve the venus one right because venus one of course is going to be such an important
tool to deal a swamper
So carlos quick really nice effectively has gotten okay damage
Obviously gotten the sleeves off won't pressure with too much damage right now
So looking to pivot into something a little bit stronger and charge up to be the first to dance to the air.
Very safe to get this in because you do see the caliper and Archalodon asleep on the other side.
As Archalodon is going to take his first turn, Harding shot from the Sincerer is going to drop this special attack again.
As Les Carles gets his Sincerer out to keep it with these Intimidate drops for later when that Swampert makes a reappearance.
But now we actually get some valuable information. Maybe we see this fourth Pokemon that Carles has brought to the game, or Venusaur comes back out.
comes back out.
Yeah, you know, what's interesting is,
I think both Sinish and Garchomp provide a lot of options,
right?
It is going to be the Garchomp here.
OK, and you can see, Vapor actually maybe a little bit
surprised to see this Garchomp.
Helepter takes a turn to sleep here.
And so now you have basically what
is your strongest offense to duo on the team, right?
You have a lot of damage pressure.
Helepter, though, of course, could potentially wake up.
Has that wide garden.
So you have to be cautious of cooking your spread moves,
like for a Clayport T-wave.
I think if you're Carlos, you might expect
to make a switch with that caliper right now.
So if you anticipate a switch, it's an opportunity to do a lot of damage.
I think for Vigram, Grimstar was a post-plot lap is not super important at this point in the game.
But the swamper is so important to try to get to the endgame, right?
So caliper is going to switch out right now.
But this is Carlo's opportunity to burst down in terms of damage.
Swamper has to switch into these attacks.
And the first dragon flop is going to do a good chunk.
And Heatwave now connects onto both.
Our Chaladon is also going to take a considerable amount of damage,
but these stamina boosts can start to stack up against this Garchomp.
Our Chaladon wakes up though, and gets a super effective crack,
and falls into the Garchomp on the other side,
but this Garchomp will still be around for the next turn.
This has been a really extensive game back before.
You can see the screens, the party shots,
it just really adds up,
and so both players are slowly doing damage 20 to 30% here and there,
but no big knockout yet.
Right now, though, of course, Vikram is threatening a big play.
You're chowin' on all the Swamper can switch into Pelopter,
and then the other punk punk can just target down the Charizard, right?
Swamper, they hit up a lot of damage on that switch in.
Charizard on Carlos' end feels like you kind of need to conserve it, right?
And so, of course, if Vikram predicts that and targets the Garchomp,
then you can just get an immediate knockout onto the Garchomp.
And so, now, Vikram, once again, going with this Weatherborne,
being able to pressure and set up the reign,
He's got his main ace in Swamper in on the field,
but it's taken a lot of damage.
And so key dynamic this turn is,
do we see a Pelipper switching into either spot?
And yeah, does Charizard switch,
does Pickham call it, and knock up Garchomp?
Charizard has the ability to protect itself,
but Garchomp does not with that choice scarf.
As the farewell comes in,
it's hoping to get that intimidated drop
down onto the Swamper so that maybe Garchomp
or a partner can come in on the next one.
The Pelipper decides to switch in for the Swamper
to chef that intimidated drop,
also set up the rain now for that partner,
Chaladon and Pellipers also can be able to take that Dragon Claw as our Chaladon
gets set up. Another Electro shot to boost back up its special attack. I can only
go in one direction and that is going to be the end sooner or on the receiving end.
A great defensive switch by both parties here. For Carlos recognizing I think if I
lose Charizard I actually cannot beat the Archaladon. This is what makes
Archaladon feel like a final raid boss. And so Carlos recognizes I need to get
but in a game where I can basically have Charizard eating the Sun against our child on I'm gonna switch out.
Charizard's tracking closer doing okay damage, but that tracking line's a pellet for get under 50%.
So, another one is likely not going to knock it out, but activate that citrus fairy as well.
Incinerator on the field right now, of course, does pressure with Faith out.
Normally, you don't really want to give stamina boost over to our child on, but you might be okay with that.
Say, look, my gold to deal with this is gonna be Charizard anyway.
Another defensive switch here, it's just constant rotation weapon battle.
A Charizard's going to hit the field once again in a battle versus sun and rain.
Feels like just a matter of time before we're going to see the first knockout of both competitors
being methodical about how they get there.
Our Charizard free to go for another Dragon Pulse.
We'd have loved to be able to see the guard chop there, but we'll still take some good
damage onto the Charizard.
As it's in a war, another parting shot helps reduce the damage output of this
our Charizard and get another switch.
Beautiful defensive play by both here. You can see how much both players are looking to have weather control.
You've seen the sun, you've seen the rain, you've seen the sun, you've seen the rain, and this tension is so crucible about it because
if you lose your weather setter, it will just be a huge advantage given to your opponent.
However, Charizard and Venusaur now out on the field, pressuring Sleephunter once again.
You can go for something like Sleephunter into Archildon and a Keywave.
The Grimstar of course could go for a parting shot, bring that pellet bird in, and of course the rain is up.
Tarzan and Venusaur just don't have offense really to deal with your child on.
So for Vikram, it likely makes sense to try to get that pellet bird back in on the field once again.
But Rose, how many times have we seen the weather change at this point in the game?
Too many to count right now as the pressure cooker has continued to mount and intensify.
Venusaur is going to swap out again for another defensive hit into this incinerator,
meaning that it won't take one of the attacks from these Pokemon a little bit better,
but our child on his opted to protect itself instead.
Note that the threat of the Charizard in the opposition is just a little bit too scary.
Waiting for the Prince Charizard to set up a light screen so that the special attacks are not going to be as powerful.
Charizard though still can't connect onto the Prince Charizard,
and if there's been a lot of you stacked up onto it,
then that will be the first KO of this game number one.
Crystal goes down and a fresh switch in with the light screen
that was just set up for Vikram.
I want to explain that dynamic because I think
Vlad, Venusora obviously, for many,
is exerting a lot of options
that were actually sleep powder pressure there.
The Incinera switch in there was hoping to see
a parting shot going to Venusora potentially,
blocked it by being dark fighting,
and saying, now I just get an op out onto you.
Still a clock rush into KO,
and now Inciderick is out on the field with fake-out pressure,
but once again, you've got our Chalonot in range,
so it feels like the Charizard needs to pivot back out.
And so I do think that getting that first kill is a big deal.
Harlow's inching this advantage just a little bit more,
but I feel like the tides return so quickly.
Once again, though, conserving the Charizard,
saying, look, Garchar here can switch into an Electro Shot.
Garchar's graph typing will make it a huge Electro Shot,
but there's also no threat of that
if you just fake out the Archalonot
and stop it from moving on this turn.
The Compelliper finally wakes up.
It has then asleep this entire game
after that first sleep powder.
Bruce Lee does stay asleep there,
so that Pelipper had it woken up,
could've gone through something like a weather ball
to knock out either of these Pokemon,
maybe set up a tailwind as well.
Now it will be able to wake up on the following turn.
Our child is not actually exerting
that much offensive pressure.
Our child has these defense boots.
You can go through a dragon claw
into the Pelipper slot,
and maybe swap map out into Charizard once again.
It is this dual leather going back and forth.
And I think Garchup has gotten decent damage
on a Pelopter for Carlos.
You really want to just get one more knockout
and just win the weather war, right?
If Pelopter falls, that's it.
It's gonna be really difficult for Swamper
and our Chalonauts to beat your Charizard in the sun.
So instead of a one to get,
maybe it's out using his make out
and it's gonna be Charizard coming back in.
But this might open the door for Vithra
to finally get some type of knockout.
As Garchomp goes first, Pelopter is going to survive with just a sliver of HP and the
citrus bear is going to help him recover some, but a Chalice, let's lose a Dragon Pole!
A KO now secured here for Vikram as Garchomp falls.
Garchomp will fall, but I think that it actually did a decent job in this game.
Pelopter wakes up now, gets that tail end up as well, so speed over in Vikram's
favor.
However, there now is a free switch in and Denisor is a very strong book I
have on the field.
Another thing to consider, Pelopter cannot protect throws, and so as a result, that means that you can always target that spot.
For example, a leafsword into that spot would knock out Pelopter for the incoming Swamper.
So, even though Talon is up on the opposing end, Carlos does have a Venusaur in Sun, which of course doubles his speed.
And here, Talon has even so many parting shots where it don't think it'll get a knockout onto either of these folk ball with his damage right now.
You would like if you were the Swamper to have the rain to activate the Swifts from abilities.
But at least you have the tailwind to try to make up some of that deficit.
You're not going to be able to have to switch up with Pelopter.
Either way, though, to get the rain back, it's going to require two turns.
But from to manually switch out this Pelopter,
but then you don't want to give up too much damage from this bumper either.
Right now, Carlos has a great position in this game.
Letting the sleepstorm loose means that the Pelopter is going to get knocked out.
And weather control finally in Carlos' hands.
And this is what I was saying, Pelikar can't protect, if you stay in, you get knocked out, if you switch into Swamper, you get knocked out.
Dragacross doesn't do enough either, and now it feels like Carlos is full control of this game.
Even though Talon is up on the opposing end, look how much damage that leverbots us.
Like I said, this char is our easier win condition into our challenge, and Carlos is
concerned that he perfectly dropped the course of this game.
So, bigger than that, we'll be able to bring in that Swamper, Talon is up,
but it is going to expire soon.
And, like you said Rose, that's better, just completely gone in Carlos' favor.
Right now, your Carlos, you are probably looking to stall out this kill when there's only two turns left.
So you can consider something like protecting one whole plant, switching it in center for the other slot.
Then you have fake out pressure the following turn, and so Carlos is getting very very close to winning this first game.
Still some speed control turns that Vikram can use to try to get back into this one, and Swapper protects itself for the first one.
doesn't want to give up too much damage over to the Venusaur.
Maybe he is hoping that it will switch out here
so that Swampert can have something to do on the next one.
Our child on those hoping to make up the difference
that Dragon Balls does knock out a big threat on the field to this Swampert.
And so we are down to a 2v2 in this first game.
But hey, that's a 2v1!
As Charizard lets reach the weapon bomb, another knockout secured.
And Swampert is going to have to do the work of three more Pokémon.
And Carlos is saying, you know what, I'm okay actually just staying in because I have that door filled up.
I need to store it basically with its boost, its speed. We'll neutralize the tailwind on the opposing end.
And because Swamper has actually already taken a lot of damage, I can close out this game with the Incineroar and the Charizard combination.
And so now you can go for something of course, like a bait-out.
Firstly, this Charizard does not have Solar Beam, right? So we'll have to go for Weatherball.
It goes for the Double Protect. That's actually a big fail because it means now there's a lot of free damage coming out of Swamper.
Swampert with three of its allies fallen has a lot of work cut out for it
But the weather ball is going to do enough that you think if you get one big wave crash down into in server or Tarzan
You are going to end up falling to the recoil damage and that should be game over
Carlos should take this first game have a double protect come out. You don't take the fake out chip
You don't take that first weather ball and then you pretty tired we have that with a great crash
Nothing said intimidate was already activated. Swampert is gonna go for a protect now
but this is Carlos's game and I think both players are already probably thinking about their game plans for the second match
In the second match, then what do you consider?
You brought your brain mode if you're a victim to this battle. So do you actually consider bringing Charizard instead?
It's a really good question. Yeah, I think the Venus war is actually a Pokemon
I'm looking at for instance something I mentioned coming into this game where it was nice defensively, right?
It was able to set up screens, but I think the problems that fit from do not have any opportunities to get big swings
Our child on when it does not have any special attributes won't do very much in it
It's a weather ball. We'll finally come out and Carlos is perfect giving a car
So it'll take yourself out and actually not the charge and as well show casey
How powerful it can be but still not enough obviously a little safe to report
You gotta give swap with the effort though for not going down without a fight
But it's too long, the final Pokemon left standing in its first game means that Carlos wins, game number one!
So as we head into the second game, I think part of what makes this team so scary and flexible is how many different modes that you can lead into, right?
I think if you are in different shoes, you can consider like you said Rose, going into the sun boat instead, maybe going for Charizard and Venusaur.
I think that the Venusaur in particular is a really valuable pick for Vikram because you can use it to sleep powder the opposing threats, right?
Mandi has sleep powder into the Charizard. Big deal. We take a look at this first game.
Big sleep powder missed right away, but the Venus or otherwise was quite clutched,
getting basically all of its other sleep powders, and also getting some two-turn sleeves along the way.
Now that Pelipers spent the majority of that first game asleep with all of the
methodical pivots that were made, you had to make sure the positioning and the timing was just
right for this Charizard for Carlos to finally start dishing out damage. But once the damage
which was mounted, it was impossible to mount the comeback as Vikram watched one by one his
Pokemon falling to the hands of these Venusaur and Charizard duo.
Yeah, I think if you are now in Vikram's shoes and you're thinking about adaptations, you
can run it back with the same four Pokemon, but it felt like Harlow's just was one step
ahead in terms of pivoting, right?
So Charizard Venusaur is one adaptation.
You can match the opposing Charizard Venusaur.
Like I said, Venusaur's swamper coming into this game is also an interesting one
where you do pressure with sleep powder while kind of protecting the Swamper.
I think the goal, ideally, if you're going to bring the Swamper is you have to knock out that Venusaur on the opposing side.
Swamper, as you saw at the end of that first game, is a big damage dealer, but it only basically got one big attack of that entire game.
The reason for it is it never found the opportunity to hit the field very safely.
It's just very difficult to pile in.
So I do think, like you said, Rose, that Charizard might be the adaptation.
Maybe you bring it and the Venusaur together.
sometimes I wonder if you can't beat a maybe join and try to dish out those sleep powders and since it was such an effective strategy for Carlos you might want to consider doing it but as you would call that too just the offense on the Charizard you don't want your Venusaur to be on the opposing end of that and so it's also still a tricky positioning game no matter how you slice it.
Couldn't be a Charizard Venus or versus Charizard Venus or mirror?
I think when I was looking at this matchup coming into today
I thought that the sleep powder and the Venus was just so strong on both teams
It is a very scary move to click we saw the finals start with that miss of course
25% chance to miss but it can swing things so heavily in your favor
Especially when both players are looking to switch so frequently right we saw Pelop or switch in and just immediately get put to sleep
Well, if you take a look of course on Carlos's team, there's also no protect on Incineroar
So landing a sleep powder into that or whatever switches in would be a big deal
And so I wouldn't be shocked to see Charizard Venus or now come out from both leads
And I think if you are Carlos you can also consider maybe saying now I actually reveal the Charizard strategy
I'm gonna go with with Floette and try to go with a calm mind-based strategy, right?
If you want to go with Floette, you can leave something like Incineroar and the Floette immediately
Which of course allows you to pressure with fake out into calm mind
You can also play more defensively leading something like Incinera and Venusaur which allows you to go for something like fake-out sleep powder early,
neutralize the big threats, then bring in the flowlet and start setting up. And so the options are endless for both players here, but Carlos has that game advantage.
And I wonder how much more
Vicker will lead on this Archalodon. That was a Pokemon that I feel like had a lot of potential in that first game,
but you saw the stamina boost not mounting to anything particularly effective
And a lot of the damage from Carlos's team actually was coming from special attackers
I really like that point because if our child is able to be in the rain
Well, it keeps looking electro shot right but the problem for big room in that last game was the rain was not up for half the battle
Because Charizard was just swapping out and in and out and in so as a result for child
I can only click electro shot every other turn and damage output is just way lower
And you saw I was able to chip away right maybe do 30% 40%
But it's just not enough and here we go folks game to Carlos one game away from becoming world champion
The big ones can still pull it up. And like I said charge our Venus or there it is folks
That's these on the field and a mirror really pointing at each other right now as the charge are to be a source
They're down across you from each other Rose. I'm scared
I'm scared for both players right now because both players have the pressure of sleep powder, right?
This person already is really interesting because you can protect your Charizard
Hopefully see how it goes into that slot and go for something like slumped on the keyway to try to knock out the opposing Venusaur
Right, so mega evolution is going to come out and of course this allows you to now move first on basically both players and
You have to worry though again and keep in mind that Carlos's Venusaur is ticket
So it is likely to be the faster between the two even though we haven't seen them
to public and see each other in this match just yet,
but it's a mega evolution for both
as they have hit the field.
So now what comes next?
Which penis will go first?
And A is going to be called on to get the sleep powder.
It's a Vickron's Charizard.
Does stopping his tracks for this first turn?
But Vickron's Vessor can respond to that
with a clean powder on his tongue.
And so both of these Charizards will get involved
and be asleep at the job.
Oh my goodness.
You can see Vickron's Charizard,
by the way, mega evolving first
and also taking the sleep turn first.
So, unless there's E-tying,
might just be an indication that
Vic the Charizard is faster.
Like I said, coming into this battle,
whoever Charizard is faster
will have a pretty big advantage there.
And so, now, lots of things like can happen, right?
Peloport can switch in on the opposing side,
then you can go for a leather ball into Charizard,
but as you pointed out, Rose,
it is gonna be timid Venusaur here.
Mod of Charizard on the opposing side as well.
And so, Venusaur is going to skip it out.
Is it going to be the Pelopter to change the weather and terrain?
It is.
I said the Venusaur on Carlos's census,
I still lose first here.
It couldn't be a sleep pattern to that slot.
If it is, that would be a great call out.
Of course, you cannot put the opposing Venusaur asleep,
but you could put either the Pelopter or the Archalodon
to sleep.
But it's just a sludge bomb.
So that's steel-type Archalodon coming in
and not taking any damage.
OK.
So turn to a sleep.
Now, Con, Archalodon has now been positioned
in the rain.
If you are Carlos, you're probably
to get a sleep powder off, maybe put the archaola on the sweep and pivot that Charizard out.
It's the same dynamic that we saw from the first game, but I do like the adaptation from
Vikram. I think Charizard also just poses decent damage drop of course of this game and so.
Big question I have right now is what is Venusaur able to accomplish. It likely wants to go for
sleep powder into Keter's slant, but if this would be absolutely devastating. It is too bad that
this Venusaur doesn't have Earth Power in this particular case because you would love
up you'll get some damage down onto the opposing archaladon.
But you will take another sleep powder connecting
onto the opposing pelliper.
Archaladon though now has this opportunity
to get the Electroshot.
Get that special attack increase.
Maybe it will be useful for these subsequent turns.
But is this going to be an Electroshot
into the Guantanamnus or is the Viosaur
Viosaur is the one on the receiving end
and that's just gonna be some chip.
It's a fantastic call there
and unlike last time where Insider
was able to neutralize the archaladon early,
this time and there is no card in shot.
And so, a Narchalodon at plus one is so much stronger
than a neutral Narchalodon, right?
You're pressuring that Dragon Claw into the Narchon.
Venusaur now maybe wants to angle for a sleep powder
into our Chalodon, but Carlos does not have that much
of the damage and that's the thing
with this choice card, Narchon.
Like we saw earlier with Dragon Claw,
this is under 50% of Halifur.
You can go for a battle type attack
to the Narchalodon,
she's gonna stack up this stamina boost.
So, Narchon once again kind of in an awkward position,
which is why I was thinking Sinister
makes sense in this matchup.
Okay, you know who needs damage you can go for rock slide that gives you a flinch hand actually still doesn't decent amounts of pelliper as well
But of course will stop spacking up that stamina
Looks like it's seven to be three hit knockout from the rock side onto the pallet bird
But we're not gonna find out whether or not this or child enough won't blink because the rock side because Venusaur has said you're just gonna go to sleep
But pellets are linked up so that is a damage
Ohhhh
And that is going to be a huge Pokemon out of the way.
An absolutely huge trade there.
Now, Venusaur, no longer sleep powder.
And I think this is what's really awkward about Choice Spark Bar Chalk.
It's a pig in this matchup, right?
Yes, it's fast, but it is not necessarily threatening what he's knocked out.
And once you commit to a move, now you're just locked into that rock site, right?
of course, however does hit the field and so you pressure a lever ball into the opposing
or child on that obviously do a lot of damage and so I think big room got a really great
turn there and limited in Venusaur meaning no more sleep powder is big but Charizard
now regains weather control.
So Vikram says, okay, I want to reset for rain trying to bring out Venusaur.
But this is so risky because what if it is just going to be a weather ball into
that slot?
You also have to worry about the block slot switching to your Venusaur that
focus that is now no longer going to be able to keep this minisaur in this if it
does take a super effective attack. Charizard is up as well. Leatherball does some into the Archalmon.
Minisaur is about to the next turn.
Oh my god!
God, how does the count get so lucky? Starks for that survival.
So intense right now. Archalmon does manage to hang on.
It's a big offensive trip for Carlos, but now Vickra once again has the ability to either pivot him
However, I actually don't think you want to do it right now because you've got the Venus or out in the field
So you might want to angle for something like a sleep powder into Charizard and it is going to be that and it does
Connect Vifrum inching closer and closer to taking us to game three
Garchon can still go to the rock slide though, which could stop this Archaldon from moving if it does manage it to wake up
on this turn but the stamina boosts are starting to really add up here against the visible
office of the star chop.
But our child has been stopped.
He pulled down with a gun.
And our watch is a star chop.
And so a true focus on left here for Carlos
as we enter into the latter parts of the second game.
And that is the difference between getting that special attack
with our child on a half moon being at neutral or even minus one.
Huge dog out there.
That's two KOs.
And now that is leather control over in big room favor.
Carlos of course still does have Charizard and it is sleeping and it's just so, so scary.
If you consider right now obviously has fake out pressure in Zikid or Pokemon, or you could
fake out Unisor, Charizard, hook to wake up, hook to key wave, right?
I think that's basically the best bet, but it is still so tough because Vikram of
course can pivot in a telepter and of course change the weather.
Wonder if you can go for an ancient power though with this Charizard.
This is the one attack that I'm thinking of.
Carlos keeps himself in this game if he gets a big call.
That I think is a really great point.
Venusaur is going to swap out here.
It's going to be the Pelopter.
So, the weather now turning once again back into rain.
Rain asset is that Chalodon protects itself.
Just doesn't want to be on the receiving end of a fake out and double up.
Even if this is going to end up being a water type weather ball from this Charizard,
that could be enough to knock out the Archalodon on the other side.
You also afford yourself some time to get some leftovers recovering
For bit from there
Maybe there was an opportunity to actually just have attacked with the arch out on knowing that the Charizard would be guaranteed to wake up
They're one and three chance it was a throat chop. It wasn't a big thought a lecture shop
They're actually would probably knocked out Charizard and just won the game from bit from saying look
I'd rather just guarantee that I get the earth pellet for in safely
Of course, different signature power Charizard now guarantee to wake up those wake up
It's gonna be the weapons also not got our Calidon
But that means the pellet will be able to get a weather ball or a tail window right now
Tailwind for speed control, but a weather ball would be super effective into either of these fire-type Pokémon.
Because Incineroar goes for the parting shot to limit stock of this Telepter's special attack output,
so it might not save itself from the partner coming in and trying to get some damage down.
Tailwind is set up at speed control and lets you see what Vikram brings in next.
So it's going to be a detail, and as you saw, initially, a partless Incineroar is faster than that Telepter,
so being able to drop that special attack immediately, it's going to be Venusaur.
And big room put it all together the pellet first offense right now is quite good as you mentioned rosler
Is that ancient power on Charizard that is super effective damage into a pellet first right now in center on Carlos's end
Cannot protect itself, and so it is very vulnerable to a weather ball sleep hot or target the Charizard and is going to find
It's part there that's a big connect will public or follow up with a double up to the weather ball
So Angel powers off the board for the weather ball
It's hoping to secure some big damage into the Charizard at minus one special attack though
It is not going to be enough to get the knockout now, but you should be able to follow that up on the next turn as Road Chop will not knock out this pellet from here.
You can just see the strength of the rain, right? Of course, Carlos has that flare blitz, could have gone through it potentially onto the Venusaur slot, but he doesn't want to take that much recoil either.
Maybe predicting Venusaur's potential to go for the protect. Either way though, right now, Vikram just is in the driver's seat.
cover it has taken turn to sleep so it can go through something like a protect cover even
if you protect what are you going to accomplish right in center to maybe parting shot in the
caliber maybe you play let's meet a sword when there's no one turn of tail and lap this
note Carlos right now back against the wall and this power for showing how to be a huge
office the tool in this matchup.
The damage is going to start to add up and Charizard stays asleep so now really nothing
that it can do in this turn as blood ball comes out that's going to be damaged
down onto the insurer as weatherfall finishes off this Charizard and now it's shot at the insurer.
The last Pokemon standing in game number one has to make up for its allies here.
Another parting shot to drop this Pelipper special attack down to minus two,
but a 3v1 is too much for this cat to handle.
And there's just no way to close out the game in terms of damage for Carlos.
So, they broke. Besides, I'm gonna drop Swamper, I'm gonna bring Charizard,
Bowl players need Charizard and Venusaur, but it is Vikram that strikes back here in the second game.
And I think now both players are likely are ready to look into game three of course.
Still not over yet in the sense that the Incidero is standing on the field,
but there is no way for it truly to deal with all of Vikram's remaining Pokemon.
If you are Carlos then you've got to start thinking about maybe that card jump's not going to come out.
Can you switch up away at the Incidero?
Scott that's just buried, but it is just slowly going to fade.
of course the weather ball not comes out in the rain has even a couple special
tack drops but will still stay and we're going to get game three folks what an
exciting series so far between these two incredible trainers Carlos and Vickra
evening off the game count and it will be this decisive game three that
determines the world champion in seniors division so tense here what do you do
if you are Carlos you went with the same Pokemon and I think the Garochrom is
something like sometimes felt like a liability.
The question though is, well, what do you replace
the card chop with?
It's not like signature necessarily feels better, right?
And so, is there a mode where you potentially
consider going into Flowette?
We haven't seen Flowette hit the field once
throughout the course of this battle so far.
Thing about Flowette though, that's very awkward,
is obviously into Charizard and Venusaur,
those are two Pokemon that resist very tight damage.
So, it might feel tricky to weave in,
but if you're able to get a free
combine boost with it and have signature healing
in the back, so Pokemon that can be
very difficult to deal with.
Carlos might also just say,
look, I'm going to run it back
and I'm just going to change
how I play those opening turns.
We're both going to go Charizard, Venusaur.
But I think for Carlos now seeing what Charizard
is likely slower than Vikram is a really big deal.
The speed interaction is super important.
We confirmed that Carlos's Venusaur is faster
and Vikram's Charizard is faster.
So now do you think about going back,
maybe hoping that maybe some of the sleeve turns
are a little bit luckier for you?
Is it one sleep powder that's different that might make you a world champion?
Thousands of fans here in the crowd as we get into game three here,
the senior division world championships.
It has been a back and forth battle, honestly, incredible play by both players here.
And I'm really excited to see what the mix ups are for game three.
I think there's a world where big room also could maybe say,
I'm actually going to go back to Swampert.
Do you think that it feels more unlikely that the Venusaur Swampert is one
of the mix-ups that you can go with on that side of the field.
Otherwise, I think the Charizard Venusaur lead
with Telebar and Choudon is very scary.
And knowing that you are faster with Charizard is a big deal.
If you're Carlos though, and you say
you want to bring the Choice Guard Garchup,
you can consider leading it immediately.
Because, of course, the Garchup is actually quite nice
defensively into most of the moves.
You pressure with Rock Slide.
If a Venusaur just misses Sleephater on Garchup
on turn one, well, Garchup's like, OK, cool.
I'm just going to Rock Slide.
I'm going to break your Focus Ash.
I'm going to do a lot of damage,
maybe even potentially knock out the Charizard
depending on how it is trained and so if Carlos says I don't want to go with the
flow at mode I am looking at Garchomp as a lead potentially. Garchomp and
Cineror you have fake out as well to guarantee that you could potentially get
a rock slide off on that first turn but the dual weather mode has definitely made
this a more exciting match up between these two trainers. Pelipper and Charizard
both available to try to command the weather from each other but I do
wonder whether or not we will see either of the other mega evolutions in this
game. One way is for sure though it's going to be an exciting game three finish
to crown our world champion in the seniors division. Everybody get ready.
Carlos, Branzigli and Vikram, Tia Karajan are almost going to get into this final game.
And for our competitors you can see they're playing on this grand grand stage
the largest stage that we've ever had in competitive Pokemon Game 3.
Everything on the line, a world championship title on the line.
Let's see what the mix-ups are.
Well, for now, it's going to be a right zap for Vikram of the Venusaur and the Charizard.
But we do see Carlos, which seems like Venusaur hitting the field, and Garchomp with that choice card.
There's that Garchomp I was talking about.
If you were expecting Charizard, Venusaur, now you say,
Now you say, look, I'm going to put the odds a little bit more
in my favor.
The way that the Charizard Venusaur normally
wants to deal with this is I'm going to mega vault.
I'm going to sweep out of your guard chop.
I'm going to go for something like a heat wave or a weather ball.
And firstly, because it's leaf storm on Venusaur,
you can angle for a knockout immediately
on your guard chop the following turn.
However, if sleep outer misses guard chop,
it's an absolute disaster.
I think that's what we're going
to see here on Earth 1 to start the game.
Mega Evolution first, though, as we
wait with beta practice to see what will happen next.
As Charizard for Vickra of Mega Evolve,
it's not a mega evolution for Carlos.
It's just going to be a protect of Vickra of Venusaur
as a double protect here.
Scouts out what this Garchomp is going to lock into
with his choice card.
We get confirmation, it will be the rock slide,
so that makes this next turn even more important.
And crucially, Carlos and Charizard
do not mega-vault there, right?
That's for two potential reasons.
One, if you think Vickra's not gonna mega-vault Charizard,
you don't wanna set up the sign
allowing Venus to now case the smart car, Trump.
The other thing that I think is unlikely,
but I do want to bring up is,
is there ever a world in which it's
flow wet there in the back?
I think unlikely.
Vikram says, look, I do not want to play
with the potential sweetheart or miss.
Let me switch our child on.
And Charizard now is going to Megaval.
So it's not going to be the flaw in the back.
Kyle is just saying, I don't want to give you the speed
advantage early on for fun.
What's interesting here is Venus works
at actually sweethearts.
The Charizard and say, yeah, go for rocks like,
give me a defense boost.
Would be quite nice.
And that's exactly what's going to happen.
So if we don't get that first part correct, a sleeping Charizard and that Garchomp crossways
to the rock slide is going to get that stamp that we set up on our child on, and buy this
our child on some valuable time if that Pelopter is leading in the win.
Charizard will firstly take its first turn of Zeke here.
Now if you're a Vipgrim you have to play the Switch Venusaur out into Pelopter, set
up that ring and immediately launch Electroshot into the Charizard slot.
Your guard chop is locked into rocks by two and it will not really deal any damage to our child on.
We do around 40% to Telepher, but that's not the most. You see how good this defensive Telepher is.
And I think Carlos feels forced to switch out the Charizard, right?
Because you don't want to just take a lot of damage or face full Electro Shot.
It's going to be Incineroar coming in here.
So, the Intimidate not really making any big difference.
It actually just leaves going here.
Not just going to switch in.
And your guard chop takes so much damage.
Vikram's saying, look, I'm going to prioritize knocking out your guard chop, which clears the path for my Charizard.
There's no way to stop the Archialodon from attacking on this turn unless you're able to get the rock slide glitch.
There's a 30% chance to do so, so isn't it going to be this time to give Carlos a favorable turn?
Not this one!
Dragon Balls is going to knock out the Garchop here as we get that second attack into that Pokemon.
And I think it is a perfect opening here for Vikram.
Really well done.
I think, you know, one approach to knock out Garchop is like I said, sweet powder and then leaves form it, right?
But with that, you know that you might miss the sleep powder.
So basically, Vikram says, I'm going to make your choice card work against you.
You're locked in the rocks right now.
My Archialenon basically completely walls you, finds an amazing position for your Archialenon
and knocks out Garichoppe without getting a rock side into Charizard.
I think a whole point of freaking Garichoppe in a matchup like this is ideally to get that Charizard.
And so I would say the advantage of every ghost in Vikram's favor.
But of course, there is a sleep powder on both sides right now.
Karla's asleep cover would be able to connect first on to the opposing Archalodon since this Venusaur has been confirmed to be faster.
But there's also a peek out in place since that Incineroar freshly switched in.
So there's a way for you to be able to stop the opposing Venusaur from doing something off this turn.
That's why we're going to end up seeing a Protect here.
Zork could also just fire off some obstacles.
So we see a double Protect from this Venusaur and is Archalodon to make sure there's no funny business on this turn.
Sleep powder, not going to do anything,
but it's also not going to do anything.
The main question for Carlos is
how are you going to deal enough damage?
Be our child on the opposing side right now
still sitting fully healthy.
The answer, of course, is going to be the Charizard in the back,
but that is still asleep.
It's only taking one part of sleep as well.
It's over mid-frame now. Okay?
Sleep powder comes out and it's going to be a mess on our child on!
That's by the valuable time here
for a fixed-prone Spinosaur
to actually get some damage out
We have an owl with that bloodbomb. Dragon Pulse as well.
Just going to help to widow away the speed as well as HP.
But at least it's our Choudon to have to eat a parting shot to drop it's special attack.
But with only three Pokemon remaining, Carlos has to bring back out the sleeping Charizard.
Charizard comes out, but it is such a difficult position right now.
Sunlight also fades and so that means that you don't even necessarily have to switch an Eliphar, right?
The risk of switching in Pelopter is it comes out and then gets hit by a sweet powder and then you just can't wake up with it in the following turn.
Has to take that one turn guaranteed sleep.
Right now though, of course, if you're at Carlos, I think you still want to shut down that Archalina, so you can go for a sweet powder onto it once again.
Charizard here, maybe just says, you know what, I'm going to stay in and I'm happy to just put Keyblade, I want to try to knock out your Venusaur.
Vikram of course can't hit that Pelopter. He's got the Pokemon advantage right now.
The momentum is definitely on his side and no switches here.
You can see who Vickrealm is saying,
I don't know about this one.
Charizard stays asleep though,
so maybe we do get to see some damage go in that direction.
But right now it's the sludge bomb fell by the project
as it was exiled up as well with that dragon pulse.
It's not much accomplished that turn,
but Charizard does stay asleep.
Have that woken up?
If I didn't just spin a key wave,
knock out the opposing Venus or a vehicle besides,
I don't want to switch him hell up there.
maybe out of respect for a speed powder or a lead sword into that slot.
Now it is going to be Carlos' Venus sword that is switching out into a Cthulhuard.
Can Carlos retaliate back and get a knockout right now?
Are we going to see Venus sword potentially switch out into Pelibur?
There's the swap.
All right, so we do have one under view of Pokemon in the back
and now we know it is the Pelibur.
Tell me just at the right here and that's going to be weather control for Big Bro.
Charizard is taking the lead right now.
But it does get a double connected heat wave onto both Pokemon.
But look at how little damage that's going to do with the brain and neutralizing that fire type damage.
And if the Electro Shot coming out from our Chaladon, no sleep powder, Venusaur pivoting out,
this is such a powerful attack you have to imagine. It wants to park down that Charizard,
and it is going to land its mark into Charizard. It's not going to get the knockout,
but it gets big from one inch closer to becoming World Champion. This game was already difficult
for Carlos, but now it feels nearly impossible to win.
It's really tough when that Charizard doesn't have a block of HP left to play with,
and you have to rely on your opponent to step back up the Sun with their own Charizard
so that your Venusaur can come back out with that speed advantage.
Right now, Pelopter and her Chaladon really looking tough here for Carlos to take down.
It is so tricky, especially with Sweet Powder missing.
The first thing you have to do with your Carlos is you need to find a way to get
Venusaur back out onto a field that is seen how they're off.
So Charizard is going to protect her.
You would think it wants to switch out, but if you switch out,
Venusaur is just a Voldervolt.
Electrotr comes out once again.
And folks, this is our Chowdon, a Pokemon that often feels
like it is as strong as not stronger than Mega Evolution
in Pokemon Champions.
Will target Charizard here, as Incider won't be able to
hit it out, so this is what I was saying.
Number one for Carlos is Venusaur out on the field.
And also reducing the special attack, that fizz our child out of his bedding from those electro shots.
No, you didn't get the damage down in the Charizard, but you did make that our child on a lot more threatening by adding plus one to his special attack.
So the party shot coming in very handy there broke that Incineroar.
But now that the Democor is on the field, you don't really have a lot of HP to play with for either of these Pokemon on Karlo's side.
And what's tricky is, well, you have Sleephounder, but what is the Charizard's slot going to do?
It does not have the sun for it. It feels like it wants to switch out.
All of its moves basically will just death be our child on Unpelloper.
And so, Carlos probably wants to look for a Sweet Powder.
Maybe you can go for something like a Protect and switch it in Cineror.
The problem is then you just get doubled up into.
It's just going to be staying in. So it's going to be Sweet Powder.
Does land on our child. But this means Peloper can get a lot of damage.
And will get a knockout onto either of these Pokemon.
Ancient Power though. Super effective damage.
is not do that much and will Peloper retaliate back if just knocked out Charizard is so
that just feels like it's game over.
Their Charizard getting his first hit and trying to sleep though and Elder fires off the hurricane.
That is going to be a knockout onto the Venusaur. Just two Pokemon remaining here for Carlos
against the Incinimore and the Mega Charizard that has to go up against the world.
They're from so high for Pokemon to play with.
And with Venus we're going down. I mean this Charizard now cannot be our child on our child on himself
It's such a strong wing condition ancient power does okay damage in a pellet bird
But now that the rain is up big room basically just has to stay look
I'm just gonna keep our child on in rain
You are not going to be able to handle it
And I think we're gonna see our child on claim another world championship here Rosemary
I think you're right where you feel like we're just molded away from being able to see that and
And Vikram, being the world champion, but you can't give up here at Carlos, you still have to fight left and poke him out on the board.
As you play out the rest of his condition in game, we see the caliber meet the field for his Venusaur on the other side, so that is going to be the Pokemon that takes that ancient power.
Our child all wakes up though, so Electrostot is ready to get fired off!
But if that's gonna be strong as ours, that's gonna be a knockout and leaving its center on an island!
Vikram has come so close on this stage before, top four at the World Championship.
Charizard is going to faint and he has won Pokemon away.
Incineroar, one of the most classic iconic Pokemon staring down our Chaladon.
He's not going to have enough damage and Vikram now feels it.
He knows that the title is his.
What an incredible season here for Vikram.
Got top four at the Turin Special Event earlier this year.
How's it been able to make it past that in this season?
So imagine being able to get to the finals of the World Championship and take home the World Championship title just to look at an incredible season.
Venusaur, let's loose a sludge bomb.
Poison this Incineroar to put it even far on a timer, but it's our Chalron.
Get this Electroshot ready to go and to fire off into this Incineroar,
This could just be the final attack to get the world championship.
But we're going to have to wait one more turn,
as this Incineroar does not fall to that one electroshock.
So go for a player blip into the Venus Lord,
get one more knockout on the world stage.
You have to give so much credit to Carlos here.
Such a phenomenal player.
And the Svanthrab I think was quite tricky, right?
When you are a team that only has Sun,
the rain is so tough to be opposing
the ability to flex between dual weather.
There's a reason why this is one of the top teams coming into the world championships.
We saw him in the junior division.
I think we're about to see him in the senior division.
Pelipper coming back out and
it's going to be the final turn of the battle now.
Instead of where it cannot help but look across at this Pelipper on our
childhood, I wonder how it could even stand tall to this offense.
As we do see the forward come through, that's going to confirm.
Vikram, the entourage on Azure's world champion of the seniors division!
An absolute treat to watch both of these players, you see the sportsmanship there, absolutely amazing for these incredible incredible senior division players to be able to play on this stage.
That first game I think was a masterclass by both. So much constant pivoting and switching.
Switching. Take a look at that crowd, Vikram. That is your world championship winning crowd.
You can see the fans celebrating there in the seats. And wow, the Chargers are going to be in a sort of plushy.
That was the adjustment that Vikram needed. And I love how he faded out the guard chop in in three, switching in our child on.
What a treat it was to watch these two players go up against each other.
It was just an incredible positioning battle.
going back all the way to that first game where Carlos was able to take that style so
methodical thinking several times ahead about how they're going to get my Charizard into a position
to really put this one for into a bad spot. And so Carlos really setting the pace and the mental
for how the rest of the series was going to go. And that was a marathon. Like that first game
it was just constantly switching back and forth the mental fortitude that you need to have
to be able to play this game at the highest level not through just one game but through three
games is incredibly taxing and I think like Carlos put up an amazing fight
of course sweet powder with Venus or coming into the match we're saying you
expect to see a lot of sleep powders it's going to hit it's also going to miss
and I think that the positioning battle in that third game bit from just knock
y'all guard Trump so quickly giving him a huge huge advantage and just absolutely
amazing by both of these players and once again they're playing at the
freaking chase center that is a memory that they will remember for the
rest of their lives. And what a great display and we can really see why both
of these competitors came into this world championship as regional champions, but
only one gets to walk away as the world champion. So let's hear from our newest
world champion.
Let's hear a big round of applause for your senior world champion, Vikram D. Durantkar!
Vikram, you just said you can't believe it, but I have to ask you, if you had to describe it, how does it feel?
It's absolutely amazing. I've been dreaming of this for about three, four years ever since I started playing the Pokemon.
So, it's been fun to get this achievement. It feels absolutely amazing.
I mean tell me about that team dual weather. That was such an innovation coming into the world championships
How did you pilot it throughout the weekend?
So just most games I've been saw and then
Well, yeah, switch money in arch. Yeah, I'm being a saw was not very good in this tournament
But in this game it will have to be amazing. So I can play
Showed up very talented for sure, right? Yeah
100%
And I'm sure you have a lot of friends and family who helped you make it to this incredible moment.
Do you have any shout-outs you want to give to them?
I want to shout-out to my family, to bring me here, to take me to all the tournaments across the world.
I want to thank all the UK community, the Indian community.
I'm going to make people thanks.
Thank you everyone for helping along the way.
Let's hear it one more time for your 2026 Senior World Champion, Big Rep here in Toronto!
We have crowned two of our video game world champions.
We have one more title to go.
Let's go ahead and take the tourcasters for our Masters Division title match.
Wow, that was an incredible set.
We have had two incredible finals already here in the Chase Center to kick off our
champion's era of the video game
championships. My name is Evan
latin. I have the distinct privilege
of being joined by my good friend
Scott Glauze here to take you
through the masters division
finals coming up. It's going to be
an incredible match here. Two
really impressive players and two
players very different stories
right at one hand we have the
champion for the PJCS I think
considered by most trainers to be
the most difficult tournament
other than the world
championships to win. On the
other side we have a player with
fewer accomplishments that is
really surprising from a game
really surprised at the beginning of this point and prove that he's just as equal of a threat.
Absolutely. This is going to be an incredible matchup between two highly skilled players
from Japan. Like you mentioned, Hiroshi Onishi is our current PJCS champion out of Japan
and that is a title that comes with a lot of pressure behind it and a lot of history.
In fact, two of our former PJCS champions have gone on to then win the world championships
in the very same year that they won that tournament.
And now, Hiroshi Onishi is going to try
to put his name right next to those legends.
Yeah, I think it's worth noting, too,
there have also been two champions
who have made it to the finals
and fallen just short at this final step.
So don't count his opponent out either.
You may not have that decorated resume yet,
but hey, having World Championships there
really changes how it looks,
and he's just a few games away.
Absolutely.
His opponent, Takumo Yamazaki,
is also a very strong trainer
who has gotten hot at exactly the right moment.
This is a competitor who has been competing since 2009
and finally has a big finish to put on his resume.
I know this is something that he has worked so hard for.
Even when the results weren't there,
he kept at it, he kept going forward
and that persistence, dedication and hard work
have landed him a spot here in the finals.
Yeah, I think that's really impressive.
It's giving you a very frustrating game
when things aren't going your way.
You know some four matches kind of don't suit you as a trainer
Maybe you know kind of just doesn't play to your strengths. Maybe it's more offensive than you want
Maybe it's more defensive than you want. You know, maybe your favorite strategies to start good
Maybe just for unlucky right it happens to all trainers sometimes and they can be really hard to push through those situations
This game where just doesn't seem like anything you do works
And I think to stick with it for so long
It's really deserved achievement to do so well at this tournament. Absolutely, and I am so excited to be getting into this match
Let's go ahead and take a quick preview of this finals
Over a season of furious competition which saw the introduction of Pokemon champions to the competitive scene
over
390 of the best trainers in the world
Battled their way through the year to make it to the games premiere event
The culmination of their effort brought them to San Francisco each trainer chasing the same dream
becoming the first ever Pokemon Champions World Champion.
Now, after days of unforgettable battles, only two trainers remain.
One match, one champion, history begins here.
Hiroshi Onishi came into the 2026 World Championships
as the reigning Japan Championship Series Champion,
winning after making an incredibly bold play.
This could be disastrous!
First quick, first heat wave following up for Roshi to get the double KO!
Throughout his run at the World Championships,
Hiroshi continued making these bold plays,
and for catching his opponents off-guard and earning him the opportunity to compete
for the biggest title of his career.
Takuma Yamazaki on the other hand is competing for the first time at the World Championships,
making it through phase one of Swiss with a strong 7-in-1 record.
But after losing in the first round of phase two, he had to win every single match from
then on to find his way into the first ever finals matchup of his career.
Their paths couldn't have been more different, but on this stage they now collide with a
world championship title on the line.
And while they both enter as competitors, only one trainer can leave as the first
world champion of BGC and Pokemon champions.
Tomorrow, I will definitely not lose.
Let's have a good match tomorrow.
I will be the champion on top of that.
Oh man, I am so ready for this matchup.
Hiroshi Onishi versus Takuma Yamazaki.
Scott, are you ready for this matchup?
I'm so ready, Evan. Chase Thinder, are you ready for this matchup?
That's right. In just a few moments, we will know who our first Masters World Champion is going to be of this Pokémon Champions era.
And I could not be more excited to have these two strong competitors on stage. We're going to see some incredible action out of both of them.
It should be a lot of fun here a little bit different sort of a match-up that maybe we saw in the junior and the senior divisions where
The teams we saw in those divisions may be a little bit built more on the chemistry of the Pokemon right kind of how the abilities
Interact with one another these teams are much more about power on one side with Roshan
We have the big 16 that's kind of been dominating this format so far built around the strongest attackers in the format
You know Charizard and mega flow at largely considered to be the strongest mega of all Pokemon this format
You know, guard shop, king gambit, basket legion, so scary.
Both trainers have those Pokemon in common.
On the other side of the field, we have just six, right?
I'm critically missing that Charizard
that's been the most used mega of all Pokemon.
They're at the entirety of this Pokemon Champion's Era.
I said that Dragonite that we saw hanging out with Takuma during the video.
Really cool adjustment here.
So two fun approaches to trying to make the strongest team you can
in order to defeat the strongest trainers in the world.
Absolutely. That is exactly what you need
to defeat the strongest trainers in the world.
You need the strongest Pokemon.
And Hiroshi Onishi knows exactly what it takes to do that.
Of course, he is our defending PJCS champion.
And like you mentioned, this is a classic VGC team
here in the Champions Era with that dual mega Charizard Y
and the flowet Eternal Flower.
It's a little bit different coming from Hiroshi though.
I think it was incredibly impressive watching him
play his matches earlier in this tournament on stream.
I think a lot of the players maybe thought,
hey, you know, I have to deal with this team,
but I can skill my way around it.
I'm experienced against this composition
and it just felt so different coming from him.
I personally, that semi-files match
he made a really impressive read
to pick up a big double knockout.
It's just not a move that most other trainers
would have been willing to go for.
And you see why he's probably the favorite in this match.
Absolutely.
And you have to take note
of these small little adjustments here.
I'm looking specifically at this King Gambit.
King Gambit has been one of the most dominant Pokemon
in the MB regulation here, and you can see Hiroshi has opted for the four attack variants.
So not sword stands, no protect here, and also critically using the Okka variant
instead of the Trouple variant to reduce fire instead of fighting.
Now the other poker that team to keep in mind too is that Wimzaka would be very important
as a difference between those teams. You know, one of the two Pokemon that's unique on his team,
that Tailwind could be very important. The Pokemon on his team kind of
would naturally be a little bit slower perhaps than his opponent's Pokemon,
because he doesn't have that speed control option so he's able to get tailwind active
going to have a pretty big advantage with like moving first and kind of having more
stat points because his Pokemon are trained a little bit differently. It can be very
important this matchup to keep. One's a cut in mind if his opponent's able to
stop a second tailwind from going up they could be very important for him but
we see on his side of the field there's some fun tricks as well. Absolutely and
the big difference of course is that Dragonite over the Charizard. This is
a Pokemon that was added to this team specifically for opposing Charizard
and Venusaur matchup, so no Venusaur on the other side,
but the Charizard does not like looking at this,
probably enough to scare that Pokemon away.
Yeah, I think it's very likely it's going to be Mega Floette,
which then makes things a little bit tricky here, right,
where the Mega Dragon ID, Choiceguff Marchup,
that was so impactful throughout the Swiss stage
and in the top cut round eight.
Maybe we'll give a little bit more difficult of a matchup here.
Again, very important for that Limsicut to get the tail
and actives with the front of that devastating rock slide
is weakened a little bit, but hey, you know,
if there's a Floette-centric strategy
that Sneasler is also a Pokemon that differs between these two teams.
I think very likely that Sneasler is going to be an important Pokemon in this matchup.
I think how much Sneasler can get done is going to be very important.
While I can do a lot of damage to any of the Pokemon on his opponent's team,
you can't attack both Pokemon at the same time.
It's a bunch of single target attacks, so I think targeting wisely is going to be very important for Takama.
Where on the other side of the field, I think trying not to let Sneasler get too much,
punishing at any time attacks, making sure that it doesn't get three or four super effective attacks off,
which would be devastating.
Absolutely. Keep your eyes on that Sneasler if you were cheering for Takuma out in the crowd.
You're going to want to see that Pokemon go to work. Our trainers now have exchanged
team sheets. That means that they are in team preview and getting ready to hop into game one.
Let's hear it for both of our finalists here as they head into their first game of our finals.
the ground is shaking up here at our desk as we are headed right into game one Hiroshi Onishi rocking his PJCS champion title up against Takuma Yamazaki.
It's just the competitor title, but that's going to be Floette and King Gambit led from Takuma alongside the Vastilegid and Floette from Hiroshi.
So, as expected, that's Floette, a central Pokemon for both of these competitors.
I think both of them are likely choosing to answer a Mega Evolve Pokemon, but we don't know that for a certain.
Certainly, you can choose to bring one of these other Pokemon in the back and pull the Mega Evolution on Floette.
I think Dragonite is much more likely to appear as regular Dragonite than your Charizard,
who in this matchup is going to struggle a little bit more and then initially to next to the flow at the boat runner
of course, now King Gavin at the tight advantage against the basketball
who is just threatening any major powers of sucker but you can do it or I am headed to the flow at so what will happen here?
You know a double target these folks are to still pick the King Gavin up as well
So if we want to see what both the trainers decided to do out this first turn
Well, let's see if they've been studying their opponent's cockama will be the first to mega evolve his
is Floette. Now, Mega Floette on the field for Takuma, immediately
messed by Hiroshi Onishi as well. So both of these competitors
have opted to activate their big power mode. Floette both on
the field next to two strong partners, Vasculation gets the
Aqua Jet out to avoid any sucker punch coming out from that
King Gambit. That's some important chip and does catch
the sucker punch. King Gambit is not able to use his
priority attack, and instead, just take some chip.
However, Pakamo is able to fire back with 8,000 in lead,
but here comes the light of ruin,
just blasting into that King Gambit
and eliminating, erasing it off of the field.
King Gambit, the number one threat of this meta
is down, but Floette taking an immense amount
of recoil in return.
Yeah, a lot of damage going down both directions there.
They first knock out, go into Hiroshi,
and that's a very important Pokemon
to deal with in this matchup.
You know if you can't get the tail end up another option with the slower poke press try to use moves
It's increased priority instead such he sucker punch such as the extreme speed turn the way this team gets around now having speed control
And that's now one powerful means of die to being slower taken out
And what a smart line there from Hiroshi with the aqua jet and the life of
guaranteeing the KO on that King Gambit in turns one
However, Takamon now is able to mask Vaskalegion bringing out his own and of course, what we know and love about Vaskalegion is it just loves when it's partners things.
Yeah, there's even more damage that last respects him, but you might even need the last effect here, right?
I think it's kind of using it if you're calling a switch here.
There's essentially a big advantage here in the board stick, even though there's a disadvantage in DKO.
Okay, both these Pokemon, we can flow it easily and range you an Aqua Jet here, so you can kind of use whatever you want.
Maybe that's like Vasculigian being threatened by a knockout from either of the opposing Pokemon now.
And again, we gotta assume the Pokemon Antacomus that are likely quicker because there is no speed control here, so these Pokemon are probably both pinned.
Okay, we're just trying to use that Vasculigian to pressure the pin on Floette and Vasculigian, and Akuma gets the Protect out of the Floette.
does not get it out of Aqua, or Pascualegion which fires an Aqua Jet into Flowette dealing just over 40% of its health.
Takes a little bit of recoil back which will allow Tokima to clean up the Pascualegion with this dazzling gleam.
And critically, that Pokemon that you shouted out from the very jump, Sneasler gets in for three.
Yeah, loving that situation especially the opposing Flowette is just, won't it protect so very vulnerable on this turn.
Also, Pascal Lager escaping the battlefield safely is a big deal too, but loves to be the last Pokemon remaining.
After three Pokemon, as he was back down, he actually corrects wood shots almost every Pokemon before, not easily every Pokemon.
This particular matchup other than King Gambit. So, a great thing to have in the back here.
It looked very good for Hiroshi as the spell started up, but now it's time for him to look like he has a big advantage.
Well, Hiroshi has now been able to bring in the Whimsicott with that major priority threat, King Gambit, off the field.
So there is the opportunity for Heroshi to go for Tailwind, however, like you mentioned,
Floette just whiffs it's for techs.
Yeah, so it was really complicated.
And it's great that the rims account in the back where you get the tailwind,
and this put a likely last for the remainder of the game,
but how do you have enough Pokemon remaining for it to matter?
Obviously both these Pokemon being threatened for damage or a potential fakeout,
so you're going to have to guess what slot a potential fakeout is going in,
or maybe just a double up to knock it out of his Pokemon.
Do you risk sacrificing his Floette that's already been weakened very much
and trust that final Pokemon?
Or do you try to get the Floette out of dodge here
and maybe try to use it to fuel some damage into the tailwind.
I think it's going to be difficult to win the flowette for me
because there still is that vasculage in the back.
You could check it with Aqua Jet later.
So maybe then unrevealed Poco is going to have to win this one.
Okay, Whimsicott here is now forced to protect a fake out into the Whimsicott
and a dazzling gleam would have been devastating.
And Hiroshi knows he's on the back,
but tries to go for a double protect on the flowette,
but does not get it.
Instead, Hakuma will be able to clean up the flowette
on Hiroshi's side with another dazzling gleam and now all of a sudden, Hiroshi is on the back foot.
Two Pokemon remain. Yeah, Hiroshi's gonna have to do a lot here now. There's a lot of action that's
still need to be taken that Focus Sash and Sneasler hasn't been broken. It's going to have to be
attacked at least twice, a lot of threatening a lot of damage so it would be very difficult
to throw a double target. Now you still have to wait until the Fasculation's back. You know,
even if Wim's got able to use a tail in here, which ensures Sneasler's going to survive
the turn with that Focus Sash. This step is certainly enough for the advantage. And that final Pokemon is King Gambit.
Pokemon that's often a little bit slower even in the tailwind.
Yeah, this is really rough for Hiroshi staring down the Sneasler with that King Gambit.
This is again the four attack variant and it has the Aqua Berry, not the Chocoberry, so it cannot take a close combat from that Sneasler.
Yeah, so how do you deal with the situation? Like, you have to hit the Sneasler twice first.
You'll get that sucker punching and boom blast might not be enough right so is there a path out of this game one for Hiroshi?
Well Hiroshi has to hope there is or come up with something else in game 2 because right now it is Takuma Yamazaki
who is in complete control of this finals. The Sneasler and the Floette exerted so much pressure onto both of these Pokemon.
I would have been the place to go for a tailwind and try to iron head flinch the Sneasler that might be the only out here.
Yeah, if you can get the iron head flint here that could be helpful
There is the king gambit going for the iron head this time into just the flowette
So getting that Pokemon off the field and testing and wins the caught with the focus ass to maybe be able to close this out
But like I mentioned no truffleberry king gambit is knocked out in a one hit
From that sneezer which still has its focus that
They're likely able to close the game on its own
but it won't lead to the Vasco legionale being able to come in and help out.
There's not really anything women can do here about the combination of
you and Akwajah in a close combat. I guess you could try and onboard the Stalker things a little bit,
but I just don't think there's a path to Hiroshi in this first game.
You have to think about it. How are we going to recover and win
game two and game three in order to keep this chance of becoming world champion alive?
Yep. Time to start planning for game two if you are Hiroshi Onishi.
If you are out there cheering for him, he is going to need your energy
because Takuma Yamazaki despite not having a finish to his name, his resume is blank except for this
finals appearance here at the World Championships and he is about to be one game away from being
the world champion. And it's the right time to get hot. Nobody cares about a tournament win more
than this one. This is the one everyone plays all year to try to win. It's the greatest prizes
and I think critically fitness trainers the greatest prestige. Everyone wants to be able
will call themselves a world champion.
All right, and Wimpsacott will just protect
that his Hiroshi's falling out for a little bit more time.
You can see it on his face,
trying to think through these lines,
trying to understand where things went wrong for him
in this game one,
in time to go back to the drawing board for game two.
Yeah, I think one thing important to keep in mind here
is the training prepared for the next game
is with a team preview of the subsequent game, right?
The whole line is gonna come down here,
not be nearly enough for the basket legion.
But, you know, what you leave, right?
It's so difficult, this format you've hidden out of bad lead matchups as we saw in this game where there's not a whole lot you can do with how difficult it is to make good defensive switches.
Wimzaka's focus actually is going to be activity here, but boys in touch going to finish it off as if it had any chance, unfortunately, either way.
Well, that's okay. Basque Allegiance sends its last respects and Wimzaka will go down here and Takama Yamazaki with the game win, one win away from becoming a world champion
from nowhere to the top.
And that's just how the set is going to go.
A little bit different pace than we saw in the senior division finals, right?
No pivoting here, no parting shots.
It's going to be all about these big blows.
And because of that, the lead matchup is so important,
where there's just no pivoting.
There was that huge trade on the first turn here,
where there was a big knockout,
picked up that light of ruin,
but the damage in return was a huge problem.
I mean, critically, there was no speed control
or luring in the game.
By the time Wimsicott was able to come in
instead of that kill when it was just too late.
The game had already been lost.
And I think no key to the second game.
We're just gonna have to be careful
about making that sort of trade.
His Pokemon are naturally slower.
All of these Pokemon do a huge amount of damage
to one another.
You can't afford to take a trade,
especially picking up a knockout,
which can be really dangerous in this situation, right?
Where you have one Pokemon,
your points team is threatening yours,
and the other one isn't so threatened,
and you pick up a knockout.
You can just bring the perfect Pokemon in there
to continue to push that advantage.
You'll get to careful.
You just take knockouts at the right time.
You need to win by knocking out four Pokemon,
not by getting the first knockout.
Absolutely, and while that was a very cool line,
like we mentioned, just so much damage taken in return.
You have to wonder, of course, these players
do not know everything about each other's teams.
I think Hiroshi probably got some very important information
about the speeds of his Pokemon,
relative to Takuma and recognizing,
okay, maybe I definitely need that tailwind
and speed control much earlier on.
Yeah, I'm gonna be really interested to see how Roshi adjusts as well.
Now, I think one of the advantage I was kind of expecting,
in behalf of the more established players,
you'd think, hey, you know, these players have had 24 hours to prepare for this event.
But probably is a bigger network of players to help them prepare.
I think the biggest advantage of that is in game one,
when, you know, both sides are kind of playing blind,
they don't know how their opponent is going to approach this matchup.
However, game one went to the underdog here,
and from that point, you kind of think the pay, things are more even.
So Roshi may be in trouble here,
but I'm sure he has a plan for the second game,
And he's been very good at the clutch throughout this tournament and throughout the PGCS.
So definitely don't count him out yet.
Absolutely. And as our players are getting ready to hop into game two,
let me hear you if you are out there cheering for Hiroshi Onishi,
because he needs your support right now.
Needs this second game in order to force a third decisive game here at the finals.
But of course, Takamoyamazaki is so close.
He can taste it, I am sure.
He has stuck with it, he has worked so hard
year after year after year to be ready for this championship.
Yeah, such a tense moment for these trainers again.
The lead matchup is so important in these matchups.
I think we often speak about, you know,
turn zero team preview being the most important turn
of most games, but it's so true in this regulation
and B where there's so few Pokemon
who are great at pivoting,
Neither of these teams are especially good at it, right?
They're really strong because of their offensive power because once you get this adventation port position
It's so good at pushing those advantage
You kind of can't afford to get on the back foot in this matchup because it's so difficult to recover
Here it is game two and dragonite out on the field for
Tokima Yamazaki, this crowd is going crazy for dragonite
But back this would be dragonite's first ever world championship
should it win here, but up against Floette and Vasky legion, two devastating Pokemon.
Yeah, Dragonite appropriately trying to claim the trophy with its own hands,
but that's what Masterpure, both have kind of passive advantages.
I think it's important to keep this Dragonite's options in mind as well.
It is holding that Mega, so it can become Mega Dragonite,
but it's much stronger than some of the other Pokemon that can Mega evolve in its regular form.
It doesn't have to Mega evolve.
So while Floette being shown on one side of the field,
it's a good indication that Charizard is incoming.
I think especially because there's a difficult matchup here anyway.
Dragonite isn't nearly as strong as it would tell.
It may mega evolve here, but there may also still be that Floette in the back.
So, Veroshik going to have to try to solve the puzzle here, figure out the way
Takuma is opted to approach this matchup.
Okay, and Akama again just trying to show a damaged threat and then retreat it,
but also you're going to see mega Dragonite on the field at the Finals of the World Championship.
And Floette will respond by Mega Evolving as well.
So Mega Dragonite on the popular side,
next to that Vascular Legion that has switched in for the Sceasler,
next to the Floette and Vascular Legion for Hiroshi.
That's just going to be a protect, a Mega Protect, if you will, from that Floette.
Afraid of the Sceasler, Dragonite makes the call,
Dragonfall, thinking Vascular Legion over 50% health,
that is going to be a true hit KO,
But Hiroshi catches the Vasculation on the twist!
Vasculation's up nothing! One hit KO for Hiroshi!
Oh, it's a huge knockout!
I was kind of wondering if maybe he was going to get caught there with Float
protecting in front of that dragon-type Pokémon.
But I think he'll be very happy with that trade that I'm
dealing with the Vasculation for the rest of the game,
and still winding up in a fairly good position here.
Trying its multi-scale as it has, but it's going to be a tricky turn to play.
Here he has committed the mega evolutions of providing the information
that probably were not going to see Tackin goes out to let this game, and you just don't
find something like an Aqua Jet to break the multiscale on top of a fairy type attack
to try to pick up the Dragonite. So, it's going to need some help from its partner here, maybe to
end up in a safer position. We have seen these things already. It is going to come back in to
try to dissuade a double target of its line. Did you really want to ignore me while I'm
sitting in front of a four-wet that's just protected, much like you saw in the previous
game? Yeah, I'm going to say if Dragonite wants to rely on one of its partner,
us. These are a pretty good partner to have in this moment right now. Not only threatening fake-out
pressure into slow-wet, but also big damage from Direclaw. An interesting spot here for the Baskillige
as well. You already see it's slower than the Dragonite. It would be knocked up by a Dragon Pulse,
but I'll see if I can't deal with it quite so well. I'm actually immune to a close combat as
a ghost-type Pokémon, and that Direclaw's not for me to do enough to pick it up. So,
Dragonite would need to deal with it itself at once if it could knock up this turn, but I
think it's also relatively likely to push like, hey, your Baskillige you've done good enough,
you've backed out your opposite number. Maybe I'll save you for later in the battle, but it's
time to blow up so you can switch out for now. Well, Takuma's Sneasler has been exerting so much
pressure on this Chloet, forcing a protect and now forcing a switch and huge damage coming out
from that life orb, Basquillige and Han too. Sneasler with Aqua Jet's Firefall will whimp into
the King Gambit, but the Dragon Pulse will follow it up to deal pretty decent damage for a
resisted it. Yeah and it didn't seem that resisted there but kind of an interesting call. The combination
was a tactic, hey you know if you leave Flo went to get in I will pick up the knockout with direct
claw and then you know the Dragon Fools would move over to Vaskillige and if you make a switch to
something else the combination of those two attacks is difficult for most of the Pokemon
that seem to resist but didn't get it the best possible option to switch in there.
Immune to one attack resists the other. It takes some pretty important damage there but pretty
quickly stands on a ticket and it's on on damage now. We've mentioned before it's a very
important Pokemon to smash at especially because maybe you don't have to deal with dragonite just
yet right it's a big of all Pokemon it's very powerful I get it but what will easily with that
1v1 if the two Pokemon are left together at the end so poking down to Sneasler makes a lot of
sense if you get back that out and the final Pokemon before it can finish the game it's understood
game three yeah we were talking about four attack king gambit we also have to talk about
four attack Sneasler no protect available for talking about the keys. Sneasler will retrieve
for King Gambit.
Vascular Legion fires off another Aqua Jet
dealing good damage into the King Gambit on the Switches,
running out of time to deal damage, though,
with that life orb.
Here comes the heat wave.
Aqua Barrier proving itself to be extremely useful here,
allowing it to not take super effective damage
in Vascular Legion's one hit point and a dream.
Critical survival there.
There's the Couchhouse leaf from King Gambit.
That's going to connect onto the Mega Dragon.
It's dealing a decent amount of damage,
but even more importantly, multiscale has been broken.
Yeah, that could be very critical later in the game,
but that multiscale active,
the opponent have to use something,
a light up rune to pick up the knockout.
Now, any of the fairy type attacks would easily knock it out,
and this poor team game,
but it's weakened pretty significantly
on the opposing side as well.
It's far from being in the end,
and Dazzling, Lee Reigns,
but that could be kind of the win condition now, right?
You could somehow keep Baskillie June alive
to check the speeds like everything else,
peeking it up to pick up the Dazzling,
Lee back to key away to win two.
And there's still an unrevealed poke,
He has a huge advantage here, both in terms of the health of the Pokemon and also information.
He would, of course, distance-full for Takuma to plan his endgame, not knowing what that final Pokemon is.
Absolutely. I was just noticing that at the same time, not all Pokemon are revealed from Hiroshi.
He still has plenty of options while Takuma is trying to find a way back in.
Sneeze their in for the Mega Dragonite and another Aqua Jet from Vasculation on its way out.
out like what will take damage that
fast-leaded means to faint here and a
sucker punch from the King Gambit on
Hiroshi side will also connect on to
Takuma's King Gambit and you have to go
for that because the low kick is plenty
to pick up that little bit of hit
points remaining. Things getting much
closer now where two knockouts getting
picked up for that turn. Potentially
Takuma is now only two knockouts away
for becoming a world champion but not
so simple where what's going to be
able to re-enter the battle as well as
that unrevealed final Pokemon will have to see if they can do enough to keep this in this game.
Sun is to a game three.
That we are still missing a Pokemon on Hiroshi's side that has not come out.
Who's that Pokemon if it wins the cut?
Tailwind plus Dazzling Gleam goes crazy right now.
Absolutely. And a very interesting spot here as well where Hoshikawa is thinking through Mr.
And we're, hey, I know what my last Pokemon is.
You don't know.
I can think about what we're doing in the next turn with full information.
you guys can use that Windsacot.
So we wind up in a very interesting situation here.
The fairy aura from MegaFlet going to boost the damage
of both these Pokemon, as you say.
You know, like Tailwind would be very critical here,
allowing the Float to speed up and knock out the Sneasler
before they begin to get a big tyrant wall off.
You know, they suck their punch for King Angle.
It would be great and all, but just not nearly enough,
especially because we know that final Pokemon in the back
is a Dragonite.
We're certainly not going to be able to get these two
fairy-type Pokemon in Tailwind.
Absolutely, Windsacot and Float, best friends
forever ready to help Hiroshi force a game three here in our Masters Division
Finals. Both of these players you can feel how important this game is to them
as they are taking their time to figure out what to do. Tailwind from Wimzacan
allowing Hiroshi's Pokemon to be the fastest on the field. Sucker Punch
will whip. Here is that dazzling gleam connects on to both Sneezer and King
Gambit. That's a double K. Oh and with just Dragonite in the back Hiroshi.
Onishi is about to force our third game three of our championships.
What incredible play.
In this tough, you see how the strategy is meant to work,
able to make a much better trip earlier in the game,
picking up that big knockout on Takuma's basketball legend,
and then get the late tail end in order to ensure this game state,
where there's not really anything Takuma can do.
No way Dragon has been able to beat these two fairy-type Pokemon.
Looks like the back isn't something we often see,
but I think it makes a lot of sense in this matchup.
I mentioned during team review, hey, you know,
you see a second tail end up, you're going to win for sure,
but I think it's very difficult to realistically do that,
the Spatcher, instead of trying to train a little bit early
or to get that delayed tail end where you don't need
a second tail end to win.
Well, talk about just checking his coulbs there
to make sure he knows exactly how much damage
that extreme speed could do into Floette
as Winsacott cleans up game two for Hiroshi Onishi.
And now, all comes down to this.
one game for all the Marvels.
Yeah, I mean, it's the right way for this to end, Brad.
Who would have wanted any other way
these first Pokemon Champions,
Pokemon Video Game Championship, World Championship,
going to come down to this final game here.
I have to see what both trainers have to do.
We've seen both trainers tap to winning this game, right,
where there's a way that they can do it.
I think the switch up for Pokemon
is very interesting to talk about there.
Like, we've been looking at the match with it.
Oh, it's really difficult to bring
Mega Dragonite here, right?
I looked pretty good early in the game.
I don't think it's impossible by any means to win a Mega Dragonite game.
I think that switch into Vasculage was really the problem there.
Not necessarily Mega Dragonite itself, but
Floette was hugely impactful in that battle.
And I think the opposing Floette, if you check it, maybe it wouldn't fit.
Maybe it's a little bit easier there.
I'll be very excited to see what Hakuwa does there.
If it's possible, he was expecting a different switch of Maroshi.
He ultimately tried to do the same sort of thing into the second game.
Well, here it is, game three of your Masters Division finals.
Get loud for our two finalists!
Yeah, Kartoff has to come to any of these games, but he is in the arena for sure.
I can't imagine what's going through these trainers' minds right now. It's such a critical decision.
Again, this is not a format where you can do a whole lot of defensive switching, right?
You saw what happened in that second game where one bad switch really made things difficult for Takamon.
And that makes this position so important. You have to get your lead Pokemon correct.
And you have to select the best mega-evolving Pokemon as well.
Neither side forced to do it in the previous game, but they've both shown some of their hands now.
They both trainers have a good idea of how their opponent would like to approach this match.
But now you have to make that read. My opponent do the same thing.
the same thing as they got my head they figured out what I'm going to do and you
know they've also had 24 hours of preparation they spent a lot of time
thinking what they believe the best after this matchup was you know how is
this working real life you know still keep it hey the way that I looked at
the matchup before it was right or are you making a last minute adjustment here
trying to improvise your win to get the world championships in this final game
of the season. Gosh it's such a spooky position to be in in this game
three scenario potentially having to improvise a solution to this matchup
but these are two players who have proven time and time again throughout the
course of this tournament they are more than capable of doing so Hiroshi Onishi
of course as the JCS champion has excelled at this highest level throughout
the entire season Takuma Yamazaki has been dreaming of this day where he could
become a world champion hasn't gotten there in the past and now finally
one game away from pulling it off.
I can't imagine how nervous these trainers must be.
One game away either from the biggest accomplishment
they'll probably ever have in their Pokemon careers
or a loss that they'll consider for the rest of their lives,
what could have been.
Game three, it all comes down to the SV Fluet
and Charizard team versus the Fluet and Mega Dragonite.
I am so thrilled to be seeing this third game here.
I really wanna see how these two players
going to adapt because it looked like I was so shocked at how good mega dragonite looked at the end
until flowette had full health the whole time. Yeah, when was the time that it was going to continue to
be that staggered book on the back? I think it's really difficult for dragonite to handle it, right?
Where maybe not the rest of the game. But hey, talk about that for a second. I'm going to bring the dragonite.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. Perhaps he gets what he wanted. The Charizard on the other side of the field.
The whole point of bringing dragonite to the team rather than Charizard. It helps you against
Opposing Charizard and here it is in this third game perhaps Dragonite's caught Charizard right where it wants it
What a call out from Takuma Yamazaki
I showed Mega Dragonite it didn't work in game two so you must think that I am you're free to bring the Charizard
But no Takuma believes in that Mega Dragonite and catches the Garchomp and Charizard a classic lead
Still a lot of potential trading back and forth. You know, that's something we see so often one side
Maybe the most iconic lead combination of Ho'Kachef yet so far.
On the other side, Nugget Dragon, anything's a little bit weird, but particularly this.
Keep in mind that Garchop is going to be pretty bulky, that's very popular,
going to be able to take a single attack pretty well here.
So, go through some of that for them to read, and I want to see what they do.
Yeah, that's going to be the mega evolution right away from the Charizard.
That means that Floette is most likely left at home here,
which is exactly what you want if you are mega dragonite.
There it is out on the field now both Charizard and Dragonite mega evolving.
In fact this would be their first world champion for either Charizard or Dragonite.
That's just going to be a protect coming out from Dragonite.
As King Gambit fires off a sucker punch into the Charizard.
Feels a decent amount of damage.
Charge jump goes for the rock slide to try to break that multi-scale
and deals super effective damage onto Dragonite.
It's a little bit of a chip onto King Gambit
and it's going to come down to this Charizard
who gets to keep Wave Off and will miss into the protect of Dragonite
but connects onto King Gambit.
No Okavari but 1% health remaining!
King Gambit gets to threaten on another sucker punch at whatever it wants.
Yeah, no Okavari, no problem
and that creates a really fun situation this turn.
I may not want to go for a sucker punch on that Kar-Chon
where you knock yourself out and let's get the damage
but now Charizard's the one being front.
A combination of these sucker punch and extreme speed would knock it out.
So do you want to risk losing your Mega Abul Pokemon so early in the game?
And this Mega Dragonite is so happy to be facing down Garchomp and Charizard.
With its multi-scale still intact, it can easily survive a Rockslight and a Heatwave double up from Charizard.
And another outfit thing to keep in mind, Mega Dragonite and Mega Charizard at the same speed.
So it's easy to have this Pokemon on your train, but we don't need to even know how these terms work to play out.
You could have both that Pokemon opt to attack.
Oh, Rock Slide from Garchomp, connects on to Vasculation and Dragonite.
Super effective damage, breaks the multi-scale heatwave from Charizard.
We'll connect on to both the Dragonite and Vasculation.
Does Dragonite get to move on this turn? It does!
Dragon's pulse connects on to Garchomp!
One hit, two hit! Oh, and Mega Dragonite!
And then you see why he made the Dragonite so powerful.
It gets lead against that combination of pulse, but it's so iconic,
and it shows these damage, it has 6 of them,
they've got chopped in one knockout,
and so the great spot is it's his charge, all right?
What is charge I'm really going to do in return?
Now these fire type attacks looking,
not quite so dominant as they normally do it.
Two Pokemon that resist them.
Yeah, absolutely devastating for Hiroshi Onishi,
not being able to pick up the KO onto the King Gambit
means that Takuma still has that resource in the back
and got the basket lead in
without getting burned by the heat wave,
threatening big damage onto that Charizard by itself.
Yeah, I think it's sort of a fun spot here too, you know,
within the ancient power of these Charizard being so impactful in the past, but,
you know, I'd rather just type the Fashions a little bit differently.
However, it's very funny. We get to get the Fashions facing off,
and it's its opposite numbering.
Since interaction before, but not really so much as them attacking in the same turn, right,
in the second game we saw the Fashions touch the opposing Fashions
on a switch, so we're going to see this, these Pokemon face off.
But again, you'd expect in a team matchup like this one.
The team with Crimson Cat usually has less speed,
training, and the Vasculation.
So, perhaps the Vasculation on Takama's side
would be faster here.
A good, very critical approach is this turn right.
Already a little bit down in resources
can't afford to lose Vasculation for nothing.
But an awkward position for Takama to be in
with that King Gambit sitting on one hit point
would have loved that additional hit point to be gone.
So King Gambit could change and boost the power
of last respects.
Instead, just base power on that attack, which means that Takuma is going to double protect
to see what Hiroshi is thinking into this matchup.
You see that ancient power, Dragonite going to take it a lot better if an HR is wood,
but finding out what his opponent is doing, and yes, so we see the last respects targeted
into his own basketball legend, Ancient Power, which would have been super effective
into the Dragonite, and now we see an interesting glitch.
Okay, well, we've seen what one player wants to do.
On the octopus side of the field, how do you adjust to the right view? Try to sacrifice to give it to me, as you said.
I think it's going to be difficult for you now, with both these Pokemon having to use their protects, they're both vulnerable.
I'm definitely going to sacrifice it once you want to double switch, so how are you trying to target these Pokemon down?
Often when you're going for a double protector, try to fish for a protect on the other side of the field.
To allow you to double charge, especially if you believe your vasculage is faster.
But doesn't find it there, and now Roach can predict either of these Pokemon, potentially baiting Tokamite to a game losing mistake.
Oh, it is so tense right now.
These players are on a razor's edge.
Charizard gets the Ancient Power, connects on to Dragonite.
Not enough to pick up the KO.
Dragonite is holding on no boost for Charizard either,
and they drag it close into Basque Allegiant,
feeling just over 50%.
That means I talk them against the fire off
the last respects and pick up the KO on Basque Allegiant
before it can move.
And now Hiroshi Onishi, the JCS champion, is down to his final two Pokemon!
Charizard stuck on the field as well. That drought's not going to last forever,
but great fear is Charizard's ability to be an impact in this game,
wanting to see what this final Pokemon is.
But where is similar position in the previous game,
Hiroshi was able to turn things around,
wanting to see again what that final Pokemon is.
Has it really done as much damage in this 30th is the second?
Is there still some way he can break this one back?
Well, if there is, Hiroshi is going to need to find it out of Wimzika.
Vocusash in tact has the ability to set Tailwind, but Vasculation has priority.
So does Dragonite Tailwind.
Doesn't matter as much to these Pokemon.
Yeah, but it's still all going to be about making a read.
And again, there's still that King Gambon in the back.
You know, one HP and a dream, but it's still going to get a Sucker Punch off regardless of this speed condition.
And then once again, there's still another Pokemon.
We aren't sure what is.
Where is she probably going to point you at some point?
Get a tail with them.
Maybe not so helpful here.
Well, here Reddy has the speed advantage.
Most of these players are making their decision.
They know that each and every turn right now
could spell victory, could spell defeat,
and they have to make their moves exactly correct.
Fast forwards you can attach.
You're going to get some problems later.
You have an Aqua Jet,
so just check the charge after the remainder of the game.
Well, there's the extreme speed coming out
from Dragonite into Winsacott, making sure that Winsacott no longer has its focus at.
And here is the power of one hit point King Gambit, able to switch in for the Vasculigent,
protect that Pokemon, and allow Takuma to have a new switch in next to Dragonite.
Unfortunately, Dragonite will go down to a single target heatwave, critical hit.
But that means that it's now down to 2v2.
Well, does he have to get it up?
I mean, our sunlight does fade, and Vasculigent could lock that one.
At some point in the game now in Aqua Jet,
which caused those two Pokemon remaining to be a world champion for Takuma.
All he has to do now is find a way to knock out this Winsicott,
and Sneaselor is a fantastic Pokemon to do it with.
However, will I knock out this Winsicott with my Sneaselor?
Yeah, well, it could be a big advantage there.
Still, it hits a protect put.
Takuma is so close now,
hitting exactly the right final Pokemon,
and he can case the world championships.
Takuma Yamazaki has worked so hard.
He has blinded at this year after year after year,
to just have an opportunity to compete at the World Championships.
And he has taken the most out of it possible,
getting here to a decisive finals.
Wim Zaka will protect itself.
Charizard will protect itself,
trying to catch something from Takuma here.
But that's going to be the fate of Sneasler!
Takuma shoving his tax, Tarzan falls for the faint, breaks through protect, and the Oslo check bleeds up!
Incredible for Takuma, only up to double for tax.
What a huge knockup, we almost never see fate in this level of play.
It's so difficult to get in situations where it makes a difference, but there's just nothing Hiroshi could do.
He had the perfect hook by him at the perfect time. There's no counter play to that.
Pick up the big knock, I don't think there's anything Winster got to do.
There's nothing remaining for Winzikop, but to go back home and try again next year.
Takuma Yamazaki with the Diaclos locked out Winzikop.
And with that, Takuma Yamazaki is your world champion!
What an incredible moment, Takuma Yamazaki has worked so hard, so many thankless years
grinding away, competing in this game that he loves.
And after all of that work, all of that dedication,
he gets to stand tall in the center of the Chase Center
as our world champion.
I think he should be an inspiration for all trainers.
He shows that you stick to it if you're dedicated,
if you keep battling through those struggles
or worth something.
He has earned that world championship.
He has worked so hard for it for so many years.
an impressive style to flashy faint play to win that decisive back up.
Such a flashy way to become a world champion.
We almost never get to see faint work, but when it does, oh boy, it feels so good.
And oh man, Scott, I'm tearing up a little bit back here because seeing someone like Takuma out there competing still after all these years competing at the highest level
and becoming now the world champion.
If you haven't won a regional, it's fine.
If you haven't won an international championship, it's fine.
You can still come to the world championships
and be a world champion.
Yeah, if you haven't started playing yet, start now.
He proves that dedication is what matters.
He did everything he had to do.
He put all of that work in.
It's just so awesome to see a trainer put that work in.
I think definitely the underdog imported to most trainers
coming into this matchup.
But hey, it doesn't matter if people don't believe it.
You have to believe in yourself.
he did, what an impressive way to play. And again, I just love how things worked out, probably just
how he drew them up. The combination of things and all these put forth, but all these increased
priority moves. You're dreaming of situations like that one where there's nothing your opponent can do,
you set up this perfect pin. Usually try and practice. Doesn't quite work out that way,
but he has such a great plan for this one. I think it's just such a cool way to win.
Absolutely, an incredibly well-deserved from Takuma to be our world champion. And of course,
Congratulations to Hiroshi Onishi, our finalist here at the World Championships.
No small feat to go all the way at the JCS and now make it to the finals,
but it was Takuma Yamazaki who just had a little bit of a better plan there in the end
and came out on top. And you know what? Congratulations to Dragonite on your first World Championship!
It's been a great, great post-common era. Great that it could pull off.
And great that it earned it, too. I was kind of wondering if we were going to see Dragonite this match here,
but one of the pretty people there is at the stage for its friends to finish it off all right well
It is time to go back down to stage. Gabby introduce our new world champion to the world
Let's hear it for the first World Champion of the Masters Division, Takuma Yamazaki!
Takuma, you are our first World Champion in the Masters Division for Pokemon Champions.
How do you feel?
Pokemon Champion's Masters category's first world champion.
How do you feel right now?
I can't believe it.
I'm really, really happy.
I absolutely cannot believe this. I am over the moon right now.
The casters were talking about how you started competing in 2009 and you never gave up to
make it to this stage today.
Do you have any advice for anybody who is on their own Pokemon journey and who dreams
of becoming a world champion?
What advice do you have for other players who want to become world champions?
I have been training for more than 15 years.
I have not been able to win since the beginning.
I have not given up even if I have not won for a long time.
So, let's enjoy the show together without giving up!
And of course, do you have any shout-outs you want to give to anybody who might be watching?
Thank you very much.
away. 15 years of playing the Pokemon video game culminating to this moment.
I know you've all cheered once but let's cheer one more time for our world
champion, Takuma Yamazaki!
What an amazing grand final that we have had here for all three of our video game divisions.
It has been just so inspiring to watch everybody to take the stage and to claim that title.
Fifteen years.
I was there at the very first Pokemon video game showdown when VGC officially became
a part of the competitive Pokemon circuit.
We were playing Diamond and Pearl.
There were 32 players.
We were in a small ballroom in a hotel.
And here we are in 2026, so many years later,
making Pokemon history.
I cannot tell you guys what it feels like to be a part of this.
And you all are all a part of history as well.
So give yourself a round of applause.
Our in those ballrooms, they were a magical,
magical experience way back then.
to be here now is truly unbelievable. Kazuki Kage, our junior's finalist, both of our finalists
here showed us such an incredible match. We were watching here backstage along with all of you in
the crowd and I said just then, if you hadn't told me that these were our juniors, I would have
not had any clue that they weren't our Masters Division players. Such a bright future for these
to champion competitors.
And I cannot wait to see what else we have in store for them.
It was just such a fun matchup as well,
featuring four different mega evolutions
and both of them playing their hearts out.
It was such a thrilling three game set.
And to see two of the most popular team compositions
go up against each other, this weather war,
three different weathers represented as well
with the frost last, the Charizard and the Swamper.
It was just such a good setting.
The fact that all three finals went to three games
just made it that much more intense.
Now, I'm gonna have to have a little bit
of personal bias here
because Vikram is coming from the UK as do I.
And I could not be prouder to see
just how far our community has come.
And Vikram just showed us all the way through that game.
That was back and forth all the way.
Carlos played it so, so well,
but they would just toe to toe
in the end in that game three.
I couldn't believe how well Vikram positioned his archaladon just to take it to that final
placing.
And both of them were on the precipice of history for their prospective regions.
Right.
Vikram being the second world champion from the UK.
But of course Carlos had a chance to do something amazing for Latin America as well.
Coming in as the top points leader, it was very impressive.
No holds far for all.
And what a master's final.
Right.
Coming into this tournament, the big question is,
are we going to see Charizard dethroned
by another Pokemon for Mega Dragonite
to come out in game two and game three?
I cannot tell you.
The cheers in this stadium, the roars when it mega-volved,
every time it got a knockout,
every time it took a survival, just unbelievable.
And to stick with Dragonite, right,
this classic gambit of,
Dragonite's really good into Charizard.
It's not that great in a full-on.
And to stick with it in games two,
even after losing to it,
and then bringing it in game three,
just absolutely phenomenal.
And you couldn't have asked for a better picture finish.
For all three of our champions here
at the World Championships, let's throw it over to the stage.
We're gonna be crowning our champions here
in San Francisco.
Championship Sunday, baby.
Once again, living up to our expectations,
shaped by an entire year of in anticipation.
granting us the grandeur this community deserves.
Thank you again to everyone here in the Chase Center
and all of you watching at home from all around the world
for supporting these extraordinary titles
and these tenacious traders who showed everything
they have to offer on this stage.
As amazing as today was, we're not done yet.
Let's go ahead and crown our final world champion
of the 2026 competitive season.
Let's celebrate our finalists for the Pokemon video game
championships.
Starting off with the junior division,
your runner up, Kazutaga Kazutori.
And your senior division world champion, Vikram Sia-Gharakar.
And for our BGC Masters division, your wrestler, Hiroshi Onishi.
And your final world champion of the 2026 Pokemon World Championships,
we have Takuma Yamazaki!
And with that, the 2026 competitive season has come to a close.
clothes with everything that our trainers have showed us and all of you
watching from home, what work did we really out for? Well, there is one thing.
Soon enough our closing ceremony will begin but as we prepare for what's to come
let's head back to our analysts as they recap these matches and all of the
tremendous song we have had throughout this weekend.
Hello everybody welcome!
Of course we've had a great day, so much action and honestly that finals in VGC just to put the icing on the cake was beyond phenomenal.
I wasn't expecting Mega Dragonite, I don't know about you guys at home.
My heart's still racing honestly.
I'm a big fan of VGC, Mega Dragonite pulling through this first champions. How many VGC?
100% I mean, you know, it wasn't on really any of our radars coming in. The question was is which, which Dragon-esque Pokemon was going to be making it all the way, right?
We thought it was going to be Charizard. The question was, is it going to be dethroned? Well, Tecuma just showed that actually there was a different path to victory here.
And not only that, another Dragonite made it through top eight as well.
So it's not even just like this was a one-off, this was a miracle run.
It happened twice in this world championship.
And not only that, they didn't even work together on that team.
Like two people independently decided that Dragonite was the call for this tournament,
which is super exciting.
So, Mega Dragonite fans, I know there's a lot of you out here in the arena.
Make some noise, yeah?
Yeah?
Yeah!
I had to do that once, forgive me.
All right, I'll let you off this time, but let's jump back in time just a smidge and let's celebrate those Pokemon Go
finalists once more and take a look at how the day wrapped out with Pokemon Go, because really it was something special.
had so much fun and honestly, there were plays that I had never expected to see before on
Pokemon Go either. I've been playing a little bit myself this season and the better has changed
so much in such a short span of time. And what's really cool too is that we've been
getting new meta games for each of the international championships. So coming into the world
championships I also wasn't sure what we were going to see but it was really exciting.
I'm always looking forward to those brackets, refits.
Yeah!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Watching someone's charity from the losers' bracket all the way to the grand finals, being
able to take that centre-way and just bringing everything down to, for this to be a close-up,
game three, everything on the line, that's very exciting to watch.
Exactly that.
I mean, it's just that those close finishes, exactly what you want on Championship Sunday,
you want to be thinking about like, hey, how can I do everything that I can in that
moment?
just Pokemon Go of course, Pokemon TCG. Yeah. Such a roaring
finals. We were watching at backstage in the green room and
even though those games were so tight, our players showed so
much skill. I mean, I was watching these juniors play
and their sequencing was absolutely incredible. Like, I
mean, Pablo, you're our like TCG analyst. I mean, surely
you must have been like taking notes and just breaking the
game down mentally. Like they were playing what looked to me
that we're going to have to
play. Absolutely. I mean,
masters level play for sure
for both from both of them.
Uh, Dragon pool tears. Dragon
pool beer matches are always
very hard to navigate
correctly, and both players
like different lists, having
different options at their
disposal, knowing what to go
aggressive would not to both
players played absolutely
amazing this weekend. It
really goes to show that we
I think it's a good thing that
you can just shine and that
really showed in RTCG seniors
bracket as well where. One
might have thought it might
have been a one sided affair. If
I gave you an on paper analysis
of both of these decks, you
would say, Oh easy peasy 11
squeezes. I know who's going
to win. However, Kobe put
up such a fantastic fight,
you get that leg up and if you've got a disadvantage in the matchup and you're
thinking like hey I've got one chance to get a game off of my opponent and then
maybe just maybe in the next two games I can take some take it all the way maybe
find some opportunity but I mean it came back the other way one-sided matchup
reared its head in the end in that series finals and honestly the TCG
The Master's Finals was one of the most exhilarating games of TCG I have ever had the pleasure
of witnessing.
Andrew Hedrick vs Diego was phenomenal.
I could watch that again and again.
Honestly that ending of the match, the lucky helmet finding that incredible line by Andrew
Hedrick.
They were having the option to possibly refidlicate from that moment but not seeing
the way out of that situation.
Just amazing play between a veteran of the game
and a brand new name that is, well, not brand new anymore,
but really someone who's been in the game for a bit less,
but making a big name for himself so far.
Absolutely.
Andrew has had so many fantastic finishes,
winning regional after regional,
and now finally converting that
into a world championship title.
Such a great way to do it as well.
And what a great way to also crown
some more young players in VGC that have been able to show us an absolute masterclass.
Looking at this matchup, looking at all the matchups that we had over the finals, this
was one of the most technical between all three of our sets of finalists.
And to see it in juniors is not only a credit to the way that they're approaching it.
They're using the same sort of teams that we're used to seeing in the Masters division
with all of their quirks, all of their game plans, all of their flowcharts.
seeing the way that both of these trainers piloted those teams it was it was honestly unbelievable.
I think it was Scott who said backstage that he thought this was honestly like a master's finals
if you just didn't show the player cameras. It was so well played by both Kazuki and Kazutaka.
I really can't wait to see more from these trainers as they continue to grow in the
video game championship series but our seniors finals as well. I mean again another technical
match between both Vikram and Carlos. It just felt neck and neck the entire time.
They were trading blow for blow all the way through that game one. I don't think there
was a KO until turn eight or nine, which is almost unheard of in this meta game where
players are making trades, they're trying to get in the right position, especially when
you've got a team like Vikram's where you're using the sun and using the rain and you've
got to try to get in the right position. In this case, it was about getting that rain up
against the sun that Carlos was bringing. And he was able to do that so, so masterfully.
And then in game three, I mean, just both of game one and two, they were so close. They
were so tight. They were neck and neck all the way. Then game three, Vikram just turned
something on and was able to just take it by storm and become our world champion.
I was watching down here with Ben and we were both just in awe at the players and then I learned a little bit about these two from Ben as well and my goodness I was
was.
With some of the information
you know what then why don't you go over what you told me back here.
You know this is this is crazy. I really did think
looking at this matchup night.
No way. No way.
No way are we going to see that
dragonite coming out right.
It comes out.
Takuma doesn't win that game.
You know Hiroshi finds a way through using
the double fairy, the whimsacott, the flowette, boosted by the fairy aura, it's putting so
much pressure on, you had the basquit legions battling against each other, the two life
orbs battling it down as well, the two king gambits facing each other down with different
sets, so many things in common but so many things different between these two teams
and then game three, Charizard Dragonite. I feel like this is the ultimate way to
to defrone a Charizard in the finals, right?
In the 30th year of Pokemon,
as well, the two OGs from red and green and blue.
We've been waiting 30 years to see
whether or not it's Charizard or Dragonite,
and we've got at least some evidence as to the answer.
And of course, we have to save the best for last.
At least for this year,
we have to talk about Pokemon Unite
as they were able to finally,
our final crown,
final world champion here this year but let's talk about some usage stats first
and what I find really interesting about United is just how different their
meta came most compared to some of the other titles present here. I mean if you
would have told me that there would have been 86% usage on Feraligator only
next to 85% usage on Dastian throughout the weekend I mean. But this is
this is also like picks and bans right? Exactly yeah. And it comes up in the
draft. How many times has that happened all the way through the tournament?
I mean, I'm sure BGC is a little jealous that they get to use mule because we haven't
had the basic goals available. I'm looking at the side up. I'm looking at the side up.
The side up looking pretty juicy right now. I mean, mega for a legator as well. Probably
a little jealous of it. Not a big counter for it here.
We'll get Mew eventually. We just gotta, you know, find it first. Maybe go on an
adventure to some rain. I saw
a drop outside. I don't know
if. Yeah. Oh, that's a good
shout. That's a good shout. I
think where else for alligator
tends to come up. It's actually
in Pokemon go, but dropped off
the meta recently. And actually
we've seen a much higher
percentage of Don Dozo kind of
taking that top spot. And I was
really pleased to see history
and electrode because that's
a Pokemon that I haven't
managed to get on my team
it's going to continue to do well.
But you did just finish using your golden bottle cap
on your course alone this weekend.
And there it is, number three in usage.
It's pretty cool to see all the variety.
I love Licky, Leaky, Tick-A-Ton, and Polio.
A story that doesn't usually feature in other games.
I mean, I love the variety of all the games
that the gameplay allows.
I think it's some of the exciting thing
about the different formats in different games.
Like you talk to players from TCG versus VGC versus Go
and the different Pokemon that are available,
the different Pokemon that we're like,
hey, that's the strongest thing in our game, right?
It always varies across the board
and seeing Pokemon go and playing in the great league.
Of course, it has to bring some creativity,
the stronger the Pokemon overall,
the kind of weaker that it is in the competition.
You have to balance that
between using some Pokemon
that aren't necessarily as strong on paper,
but actually become a lot stronger.
Licky, licky at 62.5% usage is absolutely crazy to see.
You'd never see it in the video game, right?
Well, not yet, but maybe someday.
Maybe someday.
So I can't surprise these two with this question,
but I can surprise you.
Who do you think is number one in usage in TCG this weekend?
I mean, I would go for Dragaport.
OK, well, let's roll that graphic.
And Survey says you were right by a significant margin.
But I mean, when we're talking about scary Pokemon, have you read what Bonyu does?
Everyone's thought it's a big, bad mega evolution Pokemon,
but you stopped half of your opponent's deck from being utilized.
Oh, that's the itchy pollen!
That's the itchy pollen!
I've been in words in TTT.
That's when my eyes have actually been itching all day.
There you go.
Now, I'll tell you what, although it says, obviously,
we have 29.4% Dragapult,
That's actually quite a low conversion rate from our initial pool of Dragon Pop where it was much larger.
So the players really did some great innovating to be able to bring these other decks really far,
much further up on the graphic, especially Crustle,
but we were seeing really dominate those top tables.
I feel like, I mean, smoking as well was a subjective conversation going into some of our,
like NAIC and some of the regional competitions as well as like,
Hey, maybe this is a little bit more technical, like you've got to solve a puzzle every turn.
Yeah.
But actually seeing it come in and be favored coming into the world championships is something I really like to see.
Like players looking and saying, hey, right, I'm meant to be at the top of my game.
I want to use something that could express that skill.
Yeah, Slogan definitely brought like a shame in Konon drum to the whole meta game.
In terms of what it was, shame into counter-Slogan, to respect it or not.
So many things that play out like you said and a lot of puzzles to be solved each and every turn but I mean
BGC have its own puzzles that return so many possibilities such a variety in the meta game as well
King Gavid at the very top. That's very surprising to me. Yeah, it is that it is that I mean if you've been paying attention to
The meta games and a and and B as we've been calling him in Pokemon champions
I think King Gavid up at the top is it too too surprising
What jumps out at me the most honestly is Megasaraptor down at number nine are presumably
Megasaraptor at least and Megascovillain at number 12.
I mean I was expecting to see Staraptor maybe a little bit higher for a day two conversion,
our phase two conversion and I wasn't expecting to see Megascovillain make the graphic at
all to be quite frank.
Yeah, there was a lot of conversion for Megascovillain, Megapros last, the
team that won in the juniors division, but only two of them made it into top cut, but
those two, Scovillain and Frostlass also made it to top four, so they converted so, so well
across the tournament, almost the perfect position for that sort of position. That's
what's been happening in our grassroots tournaments, right? But now we've got a little bit
of fun that we can have with everyone in the audience. We've got a little QR code
that we're going to be able to show you. You can scan it, you can get up here on the graphics,
see if you can be up here on the big stage and join us here on camera. So get out your
cameras, scan that QR code. There we go!
I see someone! Hey!
There we go!
There we go!
I heard him!
Hey!
Hey!
Oh, she's so kind.
I can't get this into the world.
That's it. Show us all of your plushy meta-pens here.
I see the plush.
Out there, I want to see your Bidu plush, please.
Oh, my God.
Oh, this is so cool.
Oh, wow.
Oh, wow.
Oh, look at this.
Oh, the Togepi hat.
Shuffle.
Shuffle.
Shuffle.
Hello.
Hello.
Oh.
Oh, no.
Hello.
Hello.
Hello.
I love you. What a beautiful, what a beautiful close-up. What a beautiful close-up.
That's a nice teeth map.
Very nice.
This is so cool. I love it when arenas have that little bit of interactive element to it.
Technology's incredible!
All right. Well, I mean, what a world championships this has been right top to tail. It's been such an amazing event across all of our games.
We've had so much action Friday. We've had so much action Saturday coming into here on Championship Sunday.
I don't think anyone could be disappointed at what we've seen at all.
This has been such an amazing championship.
And I just want to thank everyone here, our players, everyone that's turned up to support all of our champions.
this weekend but not only that support Pokemon XP support all of the competitors that maybe you've
traveled with as well this is just thin the perfect storm this has been the biggest world
championship we've ever had and we couldn't have done it without you but that's enough for a
month let's go and get the closing ceremonies
And I'll be no doubt that we won't back down
We could be champions side by side
We'll be inside of the mall, we can go
Up and down, up and down, up and down
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh-oh
We could've taken the hours
Just one round, take them all
We could've done the first
This could've made everything for you
We could've done it all
We could've done it all
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
We could be
At least that every turn
They would carry you away
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
I'm just a bit stronger
I'm moving this
This is our time
Right now
And I'm on beat
No doubt
We're going to fall back down
We could be champions
Side by side, feel me and drop the roll
Left without a reason
Showed like there's season
And they did it on this time
I never want you on your feet, I
Put it all on to my mind
Never hear of the pain
You told me that's what I am to
All of you are the game
I'm the one who made
Never put out the pain
No one wants you to pay
I'm too
On another day
Who got to give them things on the ground?
Who knows just when the sun's gonna rise?
Another horizon, when they turn
When vice comes for shine
On the shine
On you
You know I'm not giving my all
Cause even when we trip we don't fall
We only think that's what we call a big closure
And we don't think that's what it is
To stop the world at my shoulder
We're going to love you
We'll never give up on the fight
So we can ask you what I'm doing
For the love of the game
For the good boy and baby
Never go down the lane
More heartache than pain, I do it for the love of the day
Give me some comfort, leave me room to be
The time that we've been through
Oh, set me on shit, yeah
Let the day end long, let the speed of the run
To the old way, it's long enough
I won't let you go away
I'm turning all your life, I know you ain't what you're trying to do
Tell me that's why I do want to never forget you
You didn't love me, never turned out the way
And on my head you play my tune
For the love of the day
For the love of the day
For the love of the day
for the love of the king.
I want to be the very best, don't want everyone
We know what we're going to do
Look at us
Got a tattoo on us
Don't touch me
I'm going to punch you
Can't teach me
I'll teach you
Don't get in my way
Got a tattoo on us
Got a tattoo on us
Got a tattoo on us
Got a picture picture on us
Oh, we might get spanked in a world we must be fed.
Oh, we might catch up on.
Once more drunk, the courage will pass through.
In the ditch, man, I'll teach you how to get it back.
Oh, we might catch up on.
Better catch up on.
Oh, we might catch up on.
Oh, we might catch up on.
Got a catch on fire!
Got a catch on fire!
Ooh!
Got a catch on fire!
I'm gonna catch a ball, I'm gonna catch a ball, I'm gonna catch a ball!
Oh, can I turn him up a little bit?
Turn it up.
Woo!
Now that's what I'm talking about!
Give it up one more time for our dancers.
Orchestra, our choir, Pokemon, and Lauren Allred.
You are so wonderful.
I'm all taken here anyway, you're welcome so.
Thank you so much for your attention!
This is how a community comes together.
And if anyone knows how to do it, it's the Pokemon Community.
As we continue with our celebration, it is important for us to take a moment to recognize
what brought us all here.
No matter where you journey from, at some point in our lives, we all fell in love with Pokemon.
And that shared affection brought us here under one roof to celebrate, compete, and
support one another in the way only trainers can.
And that is something we should truly cherish.
This community is truly remarkable.
And I'd love it if you could join me in thanking all of the people that make an event like
this possible.
So, please give a wonderful thank you to our judges, developers, production crew, partners.
And of course, the trainers, that's what everything they had on the biggest stage Pokémon has to offer.
We've witnessed breathtaking competition.
We've still seen a captivating performance.
And now, friends, let's get loud, stalk your feet, put your hands together, make some noise
and give your warmest welcome of the weekend
to the president and CEO of the Pokemon Company,
Mr. Sunikazu Ishihara.
Thank you!
Congratulations to all the new world champions!
Congratulations to all of our new Pokemon World Champions.
The final matches were incredible to watch.
And of course I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of the staff that helped make this incredible event possible.
And now I would like to share the latest Pokemon news with you all.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Pokemon Go, and since its release in 2016,
it has become a very popular item in Japan.
I'm still looking forward to it.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Pokemon Go.
And since its release in 2016, many Pokemon and features have been added to the game.
And of course that evolution will continue into the future.
Let's take a look.
Yoramichi is the first time in Pokemon Go to be used in the Battle of the Five Battles League.
Now it's just all for the first time in Pokemon Go. Mega Evolved Pokemon will be able to compete in the Go Battle League.
I'm really excited to see what new strategies you'll be using in the battle against your rivals.
So I'm really excited to see what new strategies will emerge.
Trainers battle with their friends and rivals alike.
And I hope you'll discover your own unique team combinations and battleshackers.
The Mega Hall Pokemon will become available in the Go Battle League,
beginning with the Go Fest Mega Finale.
So please jump in and experience these new features for you to enjoy yourselves.
And next week's incident will also mark the return of Armored Mewtwo for the first time in six years.
Please look forward to that as well.
And to all the trainers joining us here in San Francisco, following this closing ceremony,
special mega raids will be taking place throughout the city.
We hope to continue to enjoy raids after the show and look forward to the special encounters
that await you and new with Megawall Pokemon.
Next, I'd like to share news about the Pokemon trading card game.
This is the 30th episode of the game.
Today, we have prepared a little bit of a preview of the future of Pokemon cards.
Thanks to the support of fans around the world, the Pokemon trading card game has also reached its 30th anniversary.
And today, we prepared a video which offers a sneak peek into its future.
Please watch this. Let's take a look.
What did you think?
In the long-last, the Mega Evolution will soon be appearing in the Pokemon trading card game as well.
We'll also see the addition of a new Mega Attack Rare card in the launch of
What's next following the Pokemon T-15 Mega The Ancient Series?
So please stay tuned for future announcements.
Next, we have a very special video that we'd like to share with everyone around the world.
This is the project of revealing to the world for the very first time.
Please take a look.
For the first time in seven years, a new Pokemon movie is on its way.
The protagonist of this new story is a Pokemon TCG player who is battling and striving to
become a champion, like many of you here today.
And this film aims to show taste the competitive spirit for battles shared by trainers around
the world.
We're hard at work on production and we're really looking forward to bringing it to audiences
everywhere soon.
The Pokemon library was released in 2020.
Please look forward to future updates.
To the film Pokemon Wild Card will be released starting in 2027.
Please look forward to future updates.
This year also marks the first time that Pokemon Champions has joined the World Championship
stage. We're really excited that so many of you fans have enjoyed the game so far in the evolution
of the iconic battle systems. So now I'd like to share some of the latest news about Pokemon
Champion.
As you can see, a variety of new Pokemon, including Z Mega emotions, will be coming to Pokemon
champions, starting September 9th in Japan's standard time and we hope you also enjoy the
more thrilling battle they bring to the battles.
Thank you.
So, while our time together here in San Francisco is drawing to a close, we can already look
forward to more adventures together next year.
But where will the destination be?
Let's get over on the front side.
Let's take a look.
You
I'm going back to Japan and I'm going back to Asia.
It's beautiful.
I'm going back to Japan and I'm going back to Asia.
For the 2027 Pokemon World Championships,
we returned to Asia for the first time since 2023
when we had the event in Japan.
We look forward to welcoming all of you
to the beautiful city of Singapore.
And to all of you watching us online from around the world, thank you for joining us.
And now, that brings us to the end of our broadcast.
We'll see you again in 2027.
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