Meet the 11-year-old Pokémon champion from the UK

Meet 11-year-old Oliver, who is a Pokémon European champion.

He was one of 5,000 players to compete at the Pokémon Europe International Championships (EUIC) in London in February, which was full of exciting video game battles and card contests.

Oliver won first place in the Junior Trading Card Game division, taking home a prize of $7,000 (around £5,500)!

Speaking to Newsround about his win, Oliver said: "I am in total shock, it doesn't feel real, it's like a dream and like a mini celebrity!"

Oliver competed in several battles to make it to the final, where he faced another junior competitor from Belgium.

Competing on a big stage in front of an excited crowd was a nerve-wracking experience for Oliver.

He wore some headphones to block out the noise and also had family and friends supporting nearby.

"I was extremely nervous, and I had white noise in my ears, which helped me really focus on the game to blank it all out," he explained.

"My mum was waiting for me backstage; my brother and dad were in the front row cheering me on, along with my friends and locals."

"When I won, it was like the stage burst out in fireworks and everyone was cheering!"

How do you become a Pokémon champion?

To prepare for such a big competition, Oliver practises every day with his family.

"I practise every day with my mum and brother, we also attend local leagues on evenings and weekends where we compete in Cups and Challenges," he told Newsround.

When is the Pokémon World Championships?

Not only is there prize money to be won, but good performances from players earn championship points.

This helps competitors get one step closer towards qualifying for the World Championships in California later this year.

Oliver had already qualified for the World Championships, after having performed well in other competitions.

"It's a real honour to get to represent the UK, so I am flying the flag!"

The World Championships will be held in Anaheim, California in the US from August 15–17, 2025.