Monash University student James Katsaros heading to the Pokemon World Championships

James contemplating his next move at the Melbourne Regionals. Picture: James Katsaros.


Nashville, a sleepy city that is probably best known for a TV show called its namesake.

However, August 24 will see Nashville host the World Championships for a little game called Pokémon.

This mega e-sport event will attract thousands from across the globe, to watch top players compete for the title of the world’s best Pokémon player.

That’s right, one of our favourite past times growing up has become an e-sport, if only our parents understood the possibilities when they told us to ‘stop staring at that stupid screen’!

A $500,000 prize pool would probably change a few minds.

Gunning for the title of World Champion is Monash University’s own James Katsaros.

While studying a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Computer Science, James is quite literally living the dream, earning money to play a game that he loves.

James, like many of us, started playing Pokémon as a kid; however, it was not until he saw an ad for the Melbourne Regionals in 2014 that he decided to give it a serious go.

A top 8 finish at that tournament would mark James’ emergence on the e-sport scene.
James winning the Melbourne Regionals.
Picture: James Katsaros.
How did James’ parents react?

You probably already know the answer.

Like most parents, the emphasis was always on education.

2016 wasn’t an easy year for James.

He went to his first World Championships in San Francisco and struggled to juggle his university commitments with his growing e-sport career.

Since then, James became the first e-sport player to be accepted into the Monash University Elite Student Performer Scheme, which helped has helped him manage his commitments.

“The key is balance. Maintaining that balance is the only way I’ll be able to continue pursuing my goals in e-sports and at university,” said James.

The hard work has paid off, rewarding James with a growing collection of trophies, prize money and the opportunity to go to Worlds.

James’ parents have been “really supportive”, which has helped him pursue his e-sports path.

So, how do the World Championships work?

The Championships are based on the newest video game of Pokémon, currently it is Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

The Pokémon used are bred and trained by each competitor throughout the span of the game.

This is the most difficult aspect of preparation for a tournament, according to James.

Each player can choose 6 Pokémon for the championships, of which 4 are used in a battle against another player.

The best of three battles decides which player is victorious. 

James after a battle at the Melbourne Regionals. Picture: James Katsaros. 

James likened the battles to a game of chess, where each Pokémon performs a role.

The task of each player is to decide the best strategy for each tournament; do you go for an all-round approach that can adapt to different situations or do you invest in a specific set of tactics?

These are questions that players need to ask as they prepare for a tournament.

Going to his second World Championships, James has set a loft goal of “making it to day two of the competition.”

There are three days of the tournament, with day 3 being the 'Championship Sunday' day, where the only game is the Grand Final.

“I feel that I am able to compete against the best in the world and as long as I can play my best, which I know I can, then I’ll be able to achieve my goals.

While James is staying humble about worlds and his future, he is just enjoying the ride and the perks of travel, and meeting new people.

Monash University wishes James all best as he competes at the World Championship.

Go get ‘em James! #monashpride #bleedblue #YNWA

Written by: James Oana
Media Coordinator 

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