The Unforgettable Victory of Tomoya Ogawa at Pokémon Worlds 2023
On August 13, in Yokohama, Japan, Tomoya Ogawa made history. He won the 2023 Pokémon World Championship in the Senior Division. What’s amazing? He did it with Sylveon, a Fairy-type Pokémon no one else seemed to value.
Breaking the Norm with Sylveon
Until now, in competitive play, everyone wanted Flutter Mane. It’s a Fairy-type that dominated since Regulation B allowed all Paradox Pokémon. But Ogawa chose differently. He added Sylveon to his team, despite its low 0.66 percent usage rate. This move was bold, especially against Flutter Mane’s whopping 64.22 percent.
Ogawa didn’t just bring Sylveon for the sake of it. He used it to win the biggest battle of the season. He even beat a Flutter Mane on the finalist’s team, showing the world that Sylveon could be the top Fairy-type Pokémon.
Gastrodon and Zapdos: Ogawa’s Secret Weapons
Ogawa’s team also featured lesser-seen ‘mons like Gastrodon and Zapdos. This made his lineup stand out. Gastrodon, in particular, caught attention. This little slug won its second Worlds in a row. Last year, Eduardo Cunha used it to win in the Masters Division.
Ogawa’s Prize and Future Challenges
Tomoya Ogawa didn’t just win the title. He also got $10,000 and a spot in the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in Honolulu, Hawaii. His victory teaches us about strategy, choice, and the power of overlooked Pokémon.
With every battle and decision, Ogawa showed the world that sometimes, the most powerful weapon is the one no one else is watching. His use of Sylveon, along with Gastrodon and Zapdos, proves that winning strategies come from thinking outside the box. As we look to Honolulu in 2024, many wonder what surprises and lessons await in the world of Pokémon competitive play.