Twin Peaks Middle School Student Crowned Pokémon Champion of San Diego

Some kids will go to great lengths for various Pokémon tournaments, but 12-year-old James Leung insists his travel time has always been reasonable. The same goes for the number of tournaments he’s attended.

“Since it’s only been about seven years, 200 tournaments is not that much compared to other people who go to 50 to 60 tournaments a year,” said Leung, who began playing at 5 after attending Comic-Con.

In November, the student was named the winner of San Diego’s Play! Pokémon Trading Card Game City Championship Tournament―one of several in which he’s won.

So how many cards does this Pokémon champion have?

“At least 20,000, probably more,” Leung said. “I’ve never actually bothered to count … I don’t have that much time.”

He does, however, make time to practice three hours every Sunday, which has helped boost his confidence when it counts most.

“I will sometimes get nervous in higher-end tournaments, but I’m actually really confident in my ability,” Leung said. “And I know it’s just a game.”