Chris Chen

On the cool kids table

Seeing Annabelle make it to the finals two years in a row is something I never dreamed would become reality. I was hopeful, of course; just like every Pokémon trainer and every parent. Losing in the finals is something we can accept, especially against an exceptional player like Luke. Our kids have experienced their share of losses, and that’s part of competition. What I never expected and what truly broke my heart was hearing people boo her simply for playing the game. Annabelle didn’t hear/see the negative part of the crowd during her match today, and for that I’m grateful. But hearing it myself has left me questioning whether competitive Pokémon is a healthy environment for her. What hurts most is that many of the people rooting against her today are people we’ve celebrated alongside. We’ve sung happy birthday to their children, given gifts, congratulated them after great performances, and cheered them on through Regional top cuts and World Championship runs. I completely understand supporting your favorite player. What I struggle to understand is making another child feel unwelcome and ashamed simply for competing. My daughter has one of the kindest hearts I know. No one could honestly say she has ever intentionally hurt anyone. She approaches this game with sportsmanship, always doing her best while treating others with kindness. She started playing Pokémon because Jeff showed her how incredible both the game and the community could be. Annabelle is full of joy, compassion, and a carefree spirit, and I’ve always wanted to protect those qualities for as long as possible. Today was an extraordinary accomplishment and I could not be prouder. She stood on one of the biggest stages in Pokémon, competed with grace, and represented herself exactly as she always has with heart, respect, and courage. Mommy is so proud. I love you, Annabelle.