The Pokémon Company is unveiling exciting details about the upcoming 2025 Pokémon Championship Series, particularly focusing on the new achievements within the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). One of the most notable highlights is the success of Isaiah Bradner, who has finally claimed his title as the North America International Champion in the Masters Division. Despite his previous strong performances, this victory marks a significant milestone in his competitive journey.
Bradner’s path to success was not without its challenges. He previously secured second place at both the 2022 North America International Championships and the 2024 Europe International Championships, but he managed to turn his previous near-misses into triumph at the 2025 North America International Championships. His victory came as a result of meticulous preparation, strategic gameplay, and the unwavering support of his close friends. This comprehensive approach enabled him to achieve his most significant win to date.
During the finals, Bradner faced off against Riley McKay, where he experienced an emotional surge after securing the victory. Reflecting on the moment, he shared his heartfelt reaction with fans in New Orleans, revealing how he momentarily lost track of time during a crucial match due to forgetting his watch. In an interview, he expressed, “I was just super excited above all else. I really let the emotions flow on stage,” indicating the weight of the moment and the hard work that led him to this success.
For Bradner, winning the North America International Championship is particularly special, as it represents a culmination of years of effort. While he previously won the Junior Division title at the 2019 North America International Championships, this victory in the Masters Division felt like a more significant achievement due to the challenges he overcame to reach this point. He noted, “I definitely enjoyed the win back then, but winning this year as a Master felt like a bigger culmination of all my effort.”
Bradner’s victory was not without its hurdles, as he acknowledged his mistakes during the second and third games of the final match. This reflective mindset is part of what propelled his testing group to develop the winning Gardevoir ex deck list, which proved pivotal in the final match-up. He remarked, “The Gardevoir ex list was a culmination of months of work, so the final version we played probably only had 100 hours put into it.”
The deck featured unique strategies that set it apart from typical Gardevoir ex configurations. Bradner and McKay both utilized decks centered around Gardevoir ex, but Bradner included additional cards like Munkidori and Technical Machine: Turbo Energize, enhancing his gameplay strategy. The path to arriving at this unique deck configuration was both surprising and innovative. Initially, they experimented with Drifblim, a card that many might overlook, but ultimately shifted to a strategy that capitalized on Munkidori’s Adrena-Brain Ability, which proved effective against common threats in the current competitive environment.
As he reflected on their testing process, Bradner highlighted how important collaboration was in refining their strategies. He and his teammates, including notable players like Henry Chao, Michael Davidson, and Andrew Hedrick, worked tirelessly to develop their deck while also supporting each other through the emotional ups and downs of competition. “I just want to shout-out all my friends and everyone in my testing group… especially Henry Chao who I’ve been so happy to test and play Pokémon with,” he said, underscoring the camaraderie that is essential in the competitive Pokémon scene.
The bond among players extends beyond just strategy; it is about shared experiences and growth. Bradner credits his childhood friends, who introduced him to the world of Pokémon when he was just nine years old. He fondly reminisced about a time when a friend explained the concept of Prize cards to him, showcasing how foundational friendships have shaped his journey in the game.
While Bradner has already achieved significant accomplishments, including Regional and International Championships, he acknowledges there’s still more to aspire to, particularly with the World Championships on the horizon in Anaheim, California. However, after his recent victory, he is taking the time to recharge with his family and friends, balancing his life as a competitive player with his responsibilities as a college student at Dartmouth College.
“I’m a college student and not usually at home, so right now I’m enjoying my time at home with my siblings and parents,” he shared. This downtime includes engaging in other activities, such as playing puzzle games and participating in Ultimate Frisbee leagues, which help him maintain a well-rounded life outside of the competitive scene.
As he gears up for the World Championships, Bradner plans to maintain the same level of intensity in preparation as he did for the Regional and International Championships. He believes that the practice he has been doing with his friends, who are among the best players in the game, will adequately prepare him for the challenges ahead. Reflecting on his previous experience at the World Championships, where he finished in fifth place, he recognizes the importance of consistent practice throughout the year.
Despite the pressures of competition, Bradner remains optimistic about his potential. He understands the significance of the upcoming World Championship and the strong deck he has at his disposal, highlighting Gardevoir ex as a powerful contender in the Standard format. His confidence is palpable, and he is determined to leverage the skills and strategies he has honed over the years to make a deep run in the tournament.
As the excitement builds for the 2025 Pokémon World Championships, fans and competitors alike are eager to see how Bradner and others will showcase their talents on the global stage. With his blend of experience, strategy, and support from his testing group, he is well-positioned to make a significant impact at the event, striving for victory with determination and a smile.
Mark your calendars for August 15, as the 2025 Pokémon World Championships promise to deliver thrilling moments and exceptional gameplay that fans won’t want to miss!
