Ann Arbor video game champ returns from Pokemon World Championships with honors
Brian Hough, 11, of Ann Arbor, receives his second-place Pokemon World Champion trophy Aug. 12 at the 2012 Pokemon World Championships in Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Courtesy of The Pokemon Company International
Brian Hough, 11, returned from the invitation-only tournament with second place in the Pokemon video game division for those age 11 and younger, winning a $1,500 scholarship, Pikachu trophy and free trip to the competition next year.
The world championships featured players from 30 countries for a battle in Waikoloa. Individuals battled for two days in both Pokemon trading card and video game divisions.
“It’s fun to compete,” Brian said, explaining the intensity of the competition is unlike anything else. “Everyone is trying to do their best and have fun.”
Brian earned his spot at the world championships in Hawaii after he came in second in a national competition in Indianapolis.
Brian Hough plays in the final match at the 2012 Pokemon World Championships Aug. 12 in Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Courtesy of The Pokemon Company International
In his first year competing at the world championship level in 2010, Brian came in sixth place.
Brian started playing the video game in kindergarten before he learned how to read and was hooked since he chose his first Bulbasaur.
About 600 Pokemon characters are included in the video game for players to find and capture in an interactive world. For the tournament, competitors must choose only six Pokemon to battle against other players. Brian said it's important to change teams of characters between tournaments so the other players don't know what to expect.
For this year's world championships, Brian's team consisted of Tyranitar, Metagross, Rotom-W, Hitmontop, Hydreigon and Sableye.
The video game pits an individual against a computer. Brian said he likes the tournament play because he faces other people instead of the computer, which "cheats," he said.
He'll be shooting for the world championships again next year — with the backing of his parents, who have both picked up the video game as well.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Amy Biolchini
Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
I'll admit I was a nerd and played the Pokemon Blue version on my Gameboy when I was that age, but I'm surprised there are so many new Pokemon characters. What popular game do you remember growing up? Has it lasted?
Mike Hulsebus
Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 4:38 p.m.
Way to include his Pokemon team in the article. These are the things that we nerds want to know.