While many 15-year-olds are unwinding after school, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College student Noah Hecker is building decks, testing strategies, and travelling across Australia to compete in one of the world’s fastest growing competitive sports, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG).

What began as a childhood fascination has evolved into a serious pursuit. Just a year after learning to play competitively, Noah is now ranked among the top ten players in the Seniors Division across Australia and Oceania, holding his position through months of intense

competition.

His first major breakthrough came at the Oceania Regionals in Perth, where he placed in the top 16 after only a few months in the circuit. It was an extraordinary result against some of the best players from Australia and Asia.

Noah funds every part of his journey himself, working shifts at NJ Collectables in Tuggerah, the same place where he first discovered local Pokémon League play. Between shifts, study, and travel to tournaments as far as Albury Wodonga and Newcastle, Noah’s dedication is unwavering.

He credits Pokémon for sharpening his focus, critical thinking, and even his academic results.

“London’s the current goal,” Noah says, “but what I really want is to keep improving. Every Cup, Challenge and Local tournament, is another step toward mastering the game.”

Supported by his family, who could not be prouder, Noah’s story is one of grit, focus, and the power of pursuing your special interest. The Central Coast community continues to cheer him on as he prepares for the European Championships in London this February.

Support Noah’s journey to the European Pokémon Championships in London by visiting https://gofund.me/4ba5bf134 or using the form below.