The Pokémon Company continues to generate excitement as it unveils new details about the upcoming 2025 Pokémon Championship Series. This anticipated event has captured the attention of fans and players alike, and one story that stands out is that of the Oono siblings—Annabelle and Kenji—who recently made waves at the North America International Championships (NAIC), the largest Pokémon TCG tournament in North America.
The Oono family embodies the essence of teamwork and dedication in the Pokémon community. Annabelle and Kenji share a deep passion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), spending countless hours practicing together and honing their skills. To their surprise, they found themselves facing off in the finals of the prestigious NAIC, captivating both live audiences and online viewers in the process.
Dressed in matching Team Rocket cosplay and utilizing nearly identical decks, the siblings created a heartwarming spectacle during their match. Regardless of the outcome, it was a win for the family, with Kenji expressing genuine happiness for Annabelle’s victory. Their bond shone through as they celebrated the achievement together, a moment that transcended the competition itself.
In an interview, Annabelle shared her feelings about having Kenji in the finals with her. “It was such an incredible opportunity,” she said, highlighting the rarity of siblings competing at such a high level. Their excitement was palpable as they reminisced about their journey leading up to the tournament, which included late-night practices and celebrations with friends.
The night before the finals was filled with joy and anticipation. “We stayed up really late,” Annabelle recalled. “It was just such an amazing experience.” Their father, Steve Oono, acknowledged the late night but emphasized that the occasion was worth it. The family was surrounded by friends who offered their congratulations, reinforcing the supportive community that surrounds the Pokémon TCG.
As the competition drew near, both Annabelle and Kenji were busy testing various decks in the days leading up to the tournament. Annabelle expressed her uncertainty about which deck to use, trying out several options before settling on the Charizard ex / Dragapult ex combination that Kenji had been successfully using. “I had no idea what to play,” she admitted, “but after watching Kenji, I thought I should try that deck.”
This collaborative spirit between the siblings was evident throughout the tournament preparation. Annabelle acknowledged that Kenji had more practice with the deck, and she credited him for his support during her matches. Their camaraderie exemplified the sportsmanship that is fundamental to being a good Pokémon Trainer.
The Oono siblings’ journey into the Pokémon TCG began at a local game store in Seattle called Tabletop Village. Initially drawn in by plush toys, they were taught the basics by a knowledgeable player named Jeff, who introduced them to starter decks. “We started playing them at home,” Annabelle recalled, excitedly remembering the thrill of opening booster packs, even before they fully understood Championship Points.
Tabletop Village has become a nurturing ground for many budding Pokémon players, fostering a sense of community that has become essential to the Oono family’s experience. Their initial foray into competitive play involved attending their first Regional Championships, where Annabelle achieved a Top 16 finish in the Junior Division, winning two booster boxes in the process. This success ignited their passion for competition, leading them to more tournaments, including the 2023 NAIC, where Annabelle qualified for her first World Championships.
The anticipation for the World Championships in Yokohama, Japan, was palpable for the Oono family. “When Annabelle scraped together enough points to qualify, we were shocked,” Steve said. They had initially doubted whether it would happen, but when she achieved a Top 16 finish, they were all in for an unforgettable trip. “We started because the game was fun, but we stayed for the amazing community,” Lynn said, emphasizing the importance of friendship in their Pokémon journey.
Lynn also noted that while competitiveness is a part of the game, it’s essential for children to first fall in love with Pokémon without the pressure of competition. They encouraged families to focus on establishing connections and enjoying the game together, as this approach has fostered lasting relationships within the Pokémon community.
As summer unfolded, the Oono family took a well-deserved break following their success at NAIC. When they returned home, Kenji was eager to continue practicing Pokémon TCG, but Lynn encouraged him to enjoy outdoor activities as well. The family ventured to Los Angeles, where they visited Super Nintendo World and attended a K-pop concert, both of which were highlights for the siblings.
The months following NAIC often provide competitors and their families a chance to step back from the intense tournament grind. Still, Kenji found it hard to stay away from the game. “I had to keep reminding him to take a break and enjoy our time off,” Lynn laughed, reflecting on Kenji’s enthusiasm for Pokémon.
With the World Championships approaching, both Annabelle and Kenji are gearing up for the next phase of their Pokémon journey. Annabelle expressed her eagerness to dive deep into deck lists and strategies, highlighting her excitement to practice with Kenji, who is equally motivated. “I want to test more and participate in online tournaments,” Kenji said, demonstrating his dedication to refining his skills.
Beyond the competition, both siblings are particularly excited about visiting the Pokémon Center at Worlds. The allure of exclusive merchandise and plush toys is irresistible to them, and their parents might have to rein them in during their shopping spree. The family’s enthusiasm for the event reflects their commitment to enjoying every aspect of their Pokémon adventure.
As the Pokémon community eagerly awaits the 2025 Pokémon World Championships, which will be streamed live from August 15–17, stories like that of the Oono siblings remind everyone of the joy, camaraderie, and dedication that define the world of Pokémon. Whether it’s through competition or community, the bonds formed through this beloved franchise continue to grow stronger.
