South Molton's 10-year-old Pokémon prodigy earns spot in world championships

In a remarkable feat, 10-year-old Piper-Louise from South Molton has emerged as a rising star in the world of Pokémon tournaments.

Excelling in the intricate and strategic Pokémon Trading Card Game, Piper-Louise has notched up numerous victories, earning her an invitation to the prestigious Pokémon World Championships set to take place in Honolulu, Hawaii, this August.

Pokémon tournaments are organised events where Pokémon players gather to compete against each other in various Pokémon games, with a primary focus on the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

These tournaments can take place at local, regional, national and international levels, providing players with opportunities to showcase their skills, strategies and knowledge of the Pokémon universe.

This young prodigy has demonstrated exceptional skills in navigating the complexities of Pokémon TCG, a game where players strategically eliminate opponents’ cards to secure victory and claim prize cards. Piper-Louise’s prowess has not only garnered recognition but also enough points to represent the UK on the global stage.

Piper's dad Paul said she first started playing the game at Bridge Troll Hobbies in Tiverton after she began going to the store's Pokémon club on a Saturday morning.

Paul added: "It became clear quite quickly that she was good, so she started to enter tournaments but didn’t know she was going to earn enough championship points to earn an invitation to the World Championships in her first season on the tournament circuit."

In an effort to support Piper-Louise’s journey to the Pokémon World Championships, the South Molton community is rallying together.

Multiple fundraising events are being organised and an online crowdfunding campaign has been launched at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paul-bannister-287.

Every contribution, regardless of size, is appreciated to help cover the £6,000 expenses associated with participating in the Championships.

Piper-Louise, a student at South Molton Community Primary School, is gearing up for upcoming challenges. Her schedule includes competing in the European Regional Championships in Liverpool at the end of January and the International Championships at the ExCeL Centre in London come April.

To further support the cause, local businesses and individuals are invited to contribute raffle prizes. For inquiries or to offer assistance, please contact Paul Bannister via email at pbannister1969@gmail.com or by telephone at 07857 615585.