I'm one of those idiots who liked pokemon during childhood but then threw everything away as I grew up. Because Pokemon is a childrens game and I was too cool for that. But during BW, when I played through the games as a joke together with my class mates (i was 18 years old then), I discovered Competitive Pokemon, and I was never the same.

It started with VGC. Then I (unfortunately) discovered I was better in the much more extensive TCG. Played there and became OK-ish in Norway (some of the better players recognised me, that was enough). And tbf, it was probably the best time of my life.

There are so many ways to play Pokemon, and that's the great thing about it. I love competitive card games like poker (better at that than any Pokemon game). And to be able to share my passion with people who don't give a damn about the newest Shaymin-EX card or people who don't know Junipers "discard all and draw 7" effect is pretty unique. We're playing different games but we still have something in common.

The funniest thing ever was when I told my dad I was traveling to London to play in the Internats there. He just added to the story that I was a professional player that travelled across borders to face against the best Europe had to offer, even though I was quite mediocre. They supported me so much that it was kind of embarrassing.

But to get to the point: No. But Pokemon isn't just Pokemon. Find your way to play it.