Sophomore Leo Niehorster Cook is ready to fight. His homework is finished, and he still has an hour until dinner. Just enough time to get a battle in. When meeting his adversary, few words are exchanged. His opponent’s hands are quick, but his are quicker. With a final devastating blow, he defeats his enemy. As his competitor lies dead on the ground, Niehorster-Cook logs off of pokemonshowdown.com and closes his laptop.
Niehorster-Cook isn’t the only Pokémon enthusiast at East. He is one of several students who regularly play the game online. Earlier this year, Niehorster-Cook created the SME Pokétrainers Facebook group in order to make it easier for East players to organize Pokémon trades and online tournaments on pokemonshowdown.com.
“I needed a specific item or Pokémon, and I thought about how it would be nice if we had a group of people I could contact to see who has an extra one, so I made one,” Niehorster-Cook said.
The much-needed communication was immediately available for members of the group. Members that Niehorster-Cook had invited quickly began to organize trades amongst themselves, swapping Pokémon in order to better their collection. Members enjoy the fact that they can post a question, and they get quick answers and helpful strategies for the advancement of their game.
“Being a part of the Facebook group can be an advantage because you can ask questions relating to Pokémon and people will give you a helpful answer,” freshman Ian McFarlin said.
Niehorster-Cook thinks that some members, including himself, are attracted to Pokémon through nostalgic means. Being fans of Pokémon since they were little, they never had good a reason to stop.
“I think everyone holds on to something from their childhood, and a lot of us hold on to this game,” Niehorster-Cook said.
Most of the members play the game from their computers. They use an online simulator that allows them to challenge friends or random opponents. Tournaments can also be held through the simulator. Niehorster-Cook can create a tournament and invite members from the group to play. He explains that the group makes it easier to contact people and pass around needed information.
Niehorster-Cook often encourages members to invite any Pokémon enthusiasts into the group. A main objective of the group is that it is supposed to be open to everyone. He spends an hour a night (three on the weekends) playing online, hunched over his laptop, so he has plenty of time to answer questions and teach people strategies.
The members of the group that have been playing for multiple years have advanced to a very high level. They have developed strategies that strengthen their Pokémon and enhance their ability to win. But instead of keeping these secret for personal advancement, they share them with the whole group, so everyone can progress.
Many members have suggested that someone organize a tournament at East. They have decided that anyone, inside or outside of the group, can come. They would play in a series of duels, like a basic bracket. However, unlike their usual tournaments, they would play with cards instead of online.
For some members, Pokémon is like an after-school sport. Leo believes Pokémon is a valid substitute for an after school activity.
“There’s really no solid reason outside of social constructs to play football over play Pokémon,” Niehorster-Cook said. “Both represent a challenge and have a significant subculture around it.”
Niehorster-Cook’s favorite part about the group is the solidarity. The page is riddled with funny posts and people offering help to other members. And the best part for Niehorster-Cook is that it all revolves around Pokémon.
“My favorite part about the club is the sense of community,” Niehorster-Cook said. “We laugh, joke around and play our game. It’s not like some super secret club that doesn’t let other people in.”
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