The Pokémon Trading Card Game Champion: A Champion’s Story
The 2025 Europe International Championship (EUIC) of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has concluded, and Ryuki Okada has emerged as the champion, defeating Natalie Millar in an exhilarating final match. Thanks to a media pass provided by The Pokémon Company, I had the opportunity to speak with Okada after his victory, delving into his mindset, tournament preparation, and insights into the current competitive landscape.
A Journey of Success and Gratitude
Okada began our conversation with a humbled heart, expressing his immense happiness with his achievement. "I’m so happy with what I’ve achieved," he said, his smile genuine and wide. He took a moment to thank everyone who had supported him on his journey to this moment, from his family and friends to his fellow players and mentors. This sense of gratitude underscored the weight of his victory and the community that backs him.
Staying Calm Under Pressure
When it comes to preparing for major TCG events like the EUIC, Okada has developed a unique ritual that helps him stay calm and focused. He revealed that one of his key strategies is to bring a favorite tea from Japan with him to tournaments. "I try to replicate my experiences in Japan as much as possible," he explained. "It really helps soothe my nerves and keeps me focused." This small but meaningful ritual allows him to maintain a sense of familiarity and comfort, even in the high-stakes environment of international competition.
Crafting the Perfect Deck
Selecting the right deck for a tournament is a critical decision, and Okada’s choice for the EUIC was no exception. "In Japan, we are already in the post-rotation format," he shared, highlighting how this influenced his selection. "I’ve been using this deck for a good while now and feel very comfortable with how it plays." His familiarity with the post-rotation meta gave him a significant advantage, allowing him to adapt and refine his strategy based on the evolving landscape of the game.
Analyzing the Meta
When asked about the top decks and usage stats at the EUIC, Okada provided some insightful observations. "The usage stats for day two heavily favored Dragapult ex and Gardevoir ex," he noted. He was particularly surprised by some Dragapult ex players not incorporating the Dusknoir line from Shrouded Fable, a move he found puzzling. "The Dusknoir with the Cursed Blast Ability is usually a solid pick for the deck," he explained. "It allows you to easily snipe an opponent with 13 damage counters, making it a powerful tool."
The Balanced Meta and Key Cards
Okada described the current meta as balanced, attributing this to the introduction of new cards. One of the most impactful cards, he noted, was the Budew from Prismatic Evolutions. "Budew has been incredibly popular during the EUIC," he said. "Its Itchy Pollen attack is a game-changer, blocking opponents from using any Item cards for a turn." This disruptive ability makes Budew a versatile and potent addition to any deck, capable of quickly influencing the flow of the game in critical moments.
A Vivid and Intense Finals Match
Watching Okada’s performance during the finals was a feast for the eyes. The match was lively and intense, showcasing the best of what the Pokémon TCG has to offer. EUIC 2025 has been a testament to the diversity and creativity of the game, with a wide variety of decks and builds in action. Okada’s win highlights the significant impact of cards like Terapagos ex, Klawf, and, of course, the ever-looming Budew in the current format. His victory is a fitting capstone to a tournament that has brought together the best players from across Europe, proving once again why the Pokémon TCG remains a beloved and dynamic competitive scene.
