What's your dream in life? For Ash Ketchum, there's only one answer: to become the strongest Pokemon trainer. But who can claim the title of best Pokemon player ever in competitive Pokemon play?
From Pokémon World Championship stages to trading card tournaments, legendary players have shaped the competitive scene across multiple formats. Let's explore the greatest Pokemon players who started as dreamers and became world champions through skill, dedication, and a bit of luck.
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Best Players of Pokemon Games
Pokémon Video Game Championship Series
Ray Rizzo was a Pokémon Video Game World Champion and the only one to receive it for three consecutive years [1]. The American-born strategist dominated the Senior Division in 2010 and claimed back-to-back Masters Division titles in 2011 and 2012.
Rizzo's impact extends beyond championships. His innovative defensive Thundurus strategy at the 2011 Championships revolutionized competitive play and influenced the metagame for years. This achievement earned him recognition in the Guinness World Records and a commemorative shiny Metagross distributed by The Pokémon Company.
Wolfe Glick presents an equally compelling case for the greatest of all time. The 2016 World Champion has demonstrated remarkable longevity, becoming the first player to win a Regional, National, International, Players Cup, and World. His comprehensive resume includes 10 Regional Championships, 2 National Championships, and 2 International Championships across multiple game generations.
Glick's adaptability shines through his continued success, including first-place finishes at the 2023 and 2024 Orlando Regional Championships. His strategic influence and educational YouTube channel have shaped the competitive culture, earning him recognition in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list. His YouTube content provides valuable insights into tournament preparation and battle strategies.
Other Notable VGC Champions:
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Sejun Park (2014): Revolutionized team building by successfully using Pachirisu, demonstrating creative strategic thinking
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Shoma Honami (2015): Japan's champion, known for consistent high-level performance
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Naoto Mizobuchi (2019): Overcame early tournament struggles to claim the title
Pokémon TCG Championship Series
Jason Klaczynski holds the undisputed title as the greatest Pokémon Trading Card Game player ever. He remains the only player to win multiple World Championships, claiming Masters Division titles in 2006, 2008, and 2013.[2]
Klaczynski's dominance spans different eras of the TCG, showcasing exceptional adaptability across changing card pools and formats. His tournament record includes an impressive 15-1 win-loss ratio in World Championship Top Cut matches. He completed his collection of premier event victories by winning the 2015 US National Championships.
His championship-winning decks — Mewtrick (2006), Psychic Lock (2008), and Darkrai (2013) — demonstrate strategic depth and a profound understanding of the metagame that influenced competitive play for years. This record demonstrates the skills required to battle and win across different competitive formats throughout Pokemon history.
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Pokémon UNITE Championship Series
The Pokemon Unite Championship Series represents the newest addition to competitive Pokemon. Released in July 2021 for Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch, this MOBA-style game features team-based strategic gameplay.
Top players in Pokemon Unite include PeekMP, Goofgg, and GosuEzPz, though rankings shift regularly as the competitive scene evolves. The inaugural Pokemon Unite Championship featured an unprecedented $1 million prize pool, marking it as one of the largest esports tournaments for MOBA games.
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Pokémon Go Championship Series
The Pokemon Go competitive scene reached new heights with Yekai Yekai (Yekai0904) from Hong Kong claiming the 2024 World Championship. The 16-year-old defeated the Netherlands' Martijn Versteeg in the finals, earning HKD 156,000 (approximately USD 20,000) in prize money.
While BrandonTan91 maintains legendary status with over 900 million XP, the emergence of official Pokemon Go World Championships has created new opportunities for competitive recognition. This mobile format continues expanding the definition of competitive Pokemon excellence.
Pokkén Tournament DX Championship Series
Collin "Ashgreninja1" Jones from the United States claimed the 2019 Pokkén Tournament DX Championship in the Senior Division. He defeated defending champion Kato Yusuke in a rematch of their previous encounter, demonstrating the competitive depth of this fighting game format.
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FAQs
Who has the most XP in Pokémon Go?
On May 30, 2021, Twitter and Reddit user AirBenderSteven, received a whacking XP of 73,760 for a single catch! Bonuses were given to him for capturing a Swirlix, and he obtained additional bonuses for an excellent throw, catching on the first throw, and a streak bonus.
Although other players like BrandonTan91 have over 900 million XP, AirBenderSteven’s 73,760 XP in a single catch remains unmatched.
Can you win money from Pokemon tournaments?
Yes, players who compete in Pokémon World Championship events can earn real money. In the 2019 World Championship, the organizers spent more than $500,000 for the prizes.
The 1st placer in the TCG event was able to bring home $25,000. This year, the pool prize for Pokémon Unite is already at $1 million!
How do you qualify for Pokemon tournaments?
For a player to earn a spot in the Pokémon World Championship, they must be invited. The qualification method differs from year to year based on the player’s age, category, and residence.
Before competing, a person must first win different qualifying programs to show that they can be the best Pokemon trainer, even in real life.
Final Thoughts
The question of who is the best Pokemon player ever depends on the format and criteria. Ray Rizzo's three consecutive VGC World Championships remain unmatched, while Glick's comprehensive resume and longevity showcase sustained excellence. Jason Klaczynski stands alone as the greatest TCG player, having won three World Championship titles.
What unites these champions is their profound impact on the competitive Pokemon scene. They've inspired generations of trainers, shaped strategic thinking, and elevated competitive play to new heights.
Their legacies prove that with dedication and skills, anyone is capable of achieving greatness in the world of Pokemon, whether you're in the process of learning the game, hoping to qualify for a tournament, or simply curious about the journey. Over the course of their careers, these players have become role models for those who watch the scene and aspire to compete themselves.
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References:
- https://www.engadget.com/2011-08-17-nobody-on-the-planet-is-as-good-at-pokemon-as-ray-rizzo.html
- https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/favorite-pokemon-tcg-cards-of-the-galar-era-from-tord-reklev-jason-klaczynski-michael-pramawat-ross-cawthon-and-mike-martin/
