Jiseok Lee, a top Pokémon VGC player from South Korea, won big at the San Diego Regional Championships this weekend. He dominated the event, finishing with an 8-2 record. Lee returned home as the 2023 San Diego Regional Champion of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, winning $3,000 and 200 CP for the VGC 2023 circuit.
Unique Choices That Paid Off
Lee amazed everyone with his unexpected Pokémon picks and strategies. His team featured a three-attack Loaded Dice Baxcalibur and a Life Orb Mimikyu without Trick Room. Another standout was his Garganacl, using Salt Cure for offense. This move proved crucial in his streamed battles.
Garganacl also had a Poison Tera typing, an uncommon choice that Lee made work. In tournaments, players share their teams beforehand. This meant Lee’s opponents knew what he was bringing, including his unique Garganacl set:
– Garganacl @ Leftovers
– Ability: Purifying Salt
– Tera Type: Poison
– Moves: Salt Cure, Recover, Wide Guard, Protect
Lee’s team also included a Loaded Dice Baxcalibur, Life Orb Mimikyu, Safety Goggles Tauros-Paldea-Water, Focus Sash Meowscarada, and a Choice Specs Gholdengo.
A Winning Strategy Without Speed Control
One key to Lee’s success was his lack of Speed control. He didn’t use Tailwind, Trick Room, or similar moves. Instead, Lee used Pokémon with priority moves, letting him strike first despite being slower. This tactic worked well, especially with Garganacl. It just needed to survive with Recover and Protect while Salt Cure reduced foes’ HP. Then, Lee’s Pokémon could finish them off with their priority moves.
Surprise Builds That Worked
Lee’s Mimikyu was another shock. Equipped with a Life Orb, it focused on attacking instead of using Trick Room or status moves. This Mimikyu was all about damage.
Gholdengo, with its Choice Specs, also went against the trend. While most used a bulky set, Lee’s Gholdengo hit hard and fast.
Thinking Outside the Box Leads to Victory
Lee’s unique choices show that creativity pays off in competitive play. His first major win since the 2016 Korean National Championship, this victory in San Diego confirms his status as a leading player. Opponents will have to respect his innovative strategies and be ready for surprises when facing him. Lee’s win is a reminder that thinking differently can lead to incredible results in the Pokémon VGC scene.