New Hyde Park Pokémon Player Headed to Hawaii

Pokémon is a common household name after 15 years – from the cards to the video games to the TV show. Most children and parents know about the series of so-called “pocket monsters.” 

But for one New Hyde Park kid, Pokémon playing has become more than just a hobby.

Devon Roth, 10, was given a set of Pokémon cards by his father Chris as a young child who told him that “if you’re going to get more cards, you have to learn how to play.”

Through lots of practice with his father and friends, Devon quickly became skilled at the game. So good, in fact that he decided to enter into the U. S. National Championships in Indianapolis.

Though he didn’t place his first year, that didn’t stop him from trying again. Last year – his second time at the competition – Devon placed high enough to be invited to the Pokémon World Championships in San Diego, where he placed in the top eight.

This year he did even better: He came in third place at the nationals in the video game category, earning him a paid flight and hotel for two to go compete at the World Championships in Hawaii in August.   

To train, Devon practices with his father and friends, over Skype and in person. “I’m practicing a lot,” he said. “I’m really excited for Hawaii.”

His family is also happy to see their son doing well at something he enjoys so much.

“It makes me want to let him play more often,” said his father, who along with Devon’s sister. accompanied him to the nationals. The elder Roth will also travel with his son to the World Championships.

For Devon, competing is about more than just getting to play. When asked what his favorite part about going to tournaments was, he said “meeting friends and winning,” as he has met many of his friends through these tournaments.

If he wins, Devon is looking at more than just a new set of cards. The grand prize is a $7,500 scholarship, card boxes which hold 360 cards each and a bundle of Pokémon merchandise. Also – if he places high enough – Devon and his Pokémon team will have the chance to be distributed into the upcoming second versions of the Pokémon Black and White video games due to be released in October.

No matter how well he does, Devon still looks at these as positive experiences and plans on participating in these competitions for years to come.