Pokémon Champ Spews Over Stinky Rival at Tournament

Competitive Pokémon just hit a smell milestone nobody asked for. Donghun Youm, the 2023 Milwaukee Regional Champion, says he actually threw up at a Baltimore regional event because a nearby player reeked so badly.

Youm took to social media to share the grim story. He said the stench wasn't just a him problem — his friend, also competing, couldn't focus on matches either. The two eventually flagged a judge, hoping staff would step in. Youm didn't name the player involved, and he didn't say whether the judge actually did anything about it.

His message to the community was blunt: wash up and manage your odor before showing up to in-person events. When you're sitting in the same room for hours grinding out rounds, personal hygiene isn't just about your own comfort — it shapes everyone else's experience too.

And honestly? This kind of thing isn't rare in esports or card game circles. Super Smash Bros. pro Cosmos once had to scramble for deodorant after an opponent called out his smell mid-set. Yu-Gi-Oh! tournaments have seen players walk out early because they couldn't stand the venue's stench, and some organizers have even paused local events over hygiene and bathroom issues.

So yeah, the takeaway is simple. If you're heading to a tournament, treat basic cleanliness like part of your loadout. Your opponents will thank you — and they won't have to call a judge just to breathe.

Ever been stuck next to someone at an event who clearly skipped the pre-game shower? Drop your war stories in the comments.