Leon, 12, had time of his life at Pokemon Worlds

A KEEN local Pokemon player competed on the world stage in London as the first person from Guernsey to enter Pokemon Worlds.

Leon Rowe, 12, outside the giant hall at ExCel London where the Pokemon Worlds were staged.

Leon Rowe, 12, was up against 105 players in his division in the World Championships for the trading card game, staged at ExCeL London.

‘Standing in line to collect my competitor’s badge was a special moment. It was very exciting to see all the players assembled in the large hall. The opening ceremony was spectacular,’ he said.

It was the first time the event had taken place in London, with players from all over the world competing for six different titles, including world champion.

He won three games in a row but that was not quite enough for him to qualify for the next stage. But he had the time of his life, according to mum Maria and was happy with the welcome pack goodies he received and the competitor’s badge.

‘It was a rush to find tables and pairings. My first match was a close one against Palkia mirror deck. Onto Mew and Arceus both decks with quick start-ups but they weren’t set up well. So at lunchtime, I gave the cards a thorough reshuffle,’ said Leon.

He went on to score three wins in a row, totalling nine points. Unfortunately that was not enough to make it through to day two of the four-day tournament.

‘But I had a fantastic time at my first tournament outside of Guernsey,’ he said.

His mother, Maria, said it was every trainer’s dream to be invited to Worlds.

‘It was interesting to see how he would do on his level and what decks would actually be played after all speculation. He thought he might have to play against French or Japanese decks but ended up playing American, first time.

‘He had the time of his life, and is delighted with the welcome pack goodies and badges.’