MOST people outgrow their childhood obsessions.
For Loi Ming Shen, 25, his childhood love for Pokémon didn’t fade – it grew into something bigger.
Long after the TV screens stopped airing the classic anime and the Game Boy cartridges were shelved, Pokémon stayed with him – not just as a game, but as a part of who he is.
It continues to be a source of joy, comfort, and connection to him.
And this year, it is become something even more extraordinary as it is a doorway to the world with Loi heading to compete in the Pokémon World Championships.
The Pokémon World Championships is set to take place on August 15 to 17 at Anaheim, California.
This is a milestone that feels almost surreal – a young man from Sibu stepping into one of the most prestigious tournaments on the global TCG (Trading Card Game) stage.
But his journey didn’t start with international rankings or fancy strategies.
It started at home – with cards, curiosity, and a deep-seated love for the world of Pokémon.
Sibu doesn’t often make the map in the international card game scene.
But it’s here that a small yet passionate Pokémon TCG community took root – thanks in large to Loi and his brother, who owns Lucky TCG Shop.
What began as a shared sibling hobby became a full-fledged movement.
After finishing his day job, Loi could be found at the shop night after night.
He said Lucky TCG became more than just a store as it became a second home.
“Pokémon brought back our childhood and it gave us new friends too. That environment of fun, competitive, and inclusive is what kept me going and what made me want to push further,” he said.
This year, all the quiet effort, late-night games, and weekend tournaments paid off.
After securing enough points in major Malaysian events, Loi earned a spot in the World Championships – his first ever.
He admitted that the excitement is mixed with nerves as it is also his first time travelling to the United States.
But before he can focus on strategies and training, there are real-world hurdles to tackle: visa applications, travel planning and saving money.
“Like many others chasing their dreams, I have to balance everything while holding down a full-time job – working by day, playing and training at night. I’m not a professional player, just someone who really loves the game,” he said.
That love shows in the way he prepares – studying livestreams of overseas tournaments, watching Japanese Champions League as well as United States and Europe matches to take notes on how international masters play.
While the Pokémon TCG scene in Malaysia is growing, Loi said there’s still a visible gap between West and East Malaysia.
He said most major events like the Ultra Ball League or Master Ball League are often held in West Malaysia which is far from Sarawak’s shores.
“This makes it difficult for Sarawakian players to obtain Pokemon League Points for Malaysian player rankings. Most of the big-scale events can only be participated in West Malaysia because it involves the player base.
“Therefore, many Sarawakian players are limited by their geographical location and financial ability to travel and participate in such events,” he said.
On that note, Loi pointed out that there is a need to ramp up promotion and hosting of events for the TCG scene especially in bringing events to Sarawak.
To outsiders, Loi said it might look like just cards and creatures.
He explained that Pokémon TCG is a game of the mind, connection and discipline for those in the know.
“Pokémon TCG brings people together across languages, cultures, and countries – all bonded by a shared understanding of the game. At the upcoming championship, I am not just looking to win matches.
“I am looking forward to meeting other players – trading stories, learning from different play styles, and experiencing what it is like to be part of a truly global event. I just want to enjoy the experience and to see what it’s like beyond Sarawak,” he said.
Loi expressed hopes for his journey to inspire others – especially Sarawakian youth – to pick up the cards, join local leagues, and perhaps even dream a little bigger.
“Because at the end of the day, it is not just about the trophies. It is about what the game represents: commitment, creativity, and community,” he said.
There’s still work to be done – not just for Loi, but for the East Malaysian TCG scene as a whole, including more events, better infrastructure and greater recognition.
Loi said the passion is already here; now, it just needs a stronger platform.
He believes that the best way to grow is to support local competitions, train consistently, and most importantly, not lose sight of why you started playing in the first place.
“Don’t forget the fun, that’s where the motivation comes from,” he said.
Loi knows he’s not the face of a big team or a sponsored pro player, and that might be what makes his journey compelling.
And this August, he will step onto the world stage – not just for himself, but for everyone who ever believed that passion could take you places.
