Interview: Collin Heier, US Pokémon Champion
We recently had the pleasure to interview US Pokémon Regional Champion, Collin Heier, after his incredible 2-0 victory in the US Masters division of the popular Pokémon video game series. This particular tournament was streamed live around the world and saw Heier rise to the top, and achieve the coveted title, as well as the championship points he needed to secure a place in the Pokémon World Championship.
Adam: Firstly, let me just say, CONGRATULATIONS on your incredible 2-0 win in the Master division. I was watching it live, and there were a few moments in the final where I was on the edge of my seat. I know you’re an experienced competitor, with a whole list of achievements and titles, but how was the 2015 regional finals for you?
Collin: Regionals Finals was a lot of fun. James’ team was something I was very well prepared for so I personally felt that the match-up was in my favour. I was also thrilled to become the Madison Regional champion once again.
A: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself, like how you became interested in Pokémon, and how you got involved in the competitive battle scene.
C: I have been playing Pokémon since the first games. I started when I was around 4 on the GameBoy Colour and I have been playing ever since. I am a huge Pokémon fanboy so when I found out there were tournaments in real life I knew I wanted to attend them. I started playing competitively in 2011 and I haven’t looked back.
A: For those that may not know, what does winning a VGC regional final mean? Can you tell us what the winner gets, and what it means for you entering into the Worlds?
C: The winner gets a Nintendo 3DS XL, a trophy, and two booster packs, but most importantly 120 Championship points. Whoever finishes in top 40 of points at the end of the year gets an invite to Worlds, but if you finish in the top 8 of points you get a free trip to Boston and a day 1 bye. I was able to get enough points so I did get a free trip to Worlds and the day one bye.
A: How did you put your team together? Did you build it to counter Pokémon you knew would be used, or did you build it around a certain Pokémon you like?
C: I actually didn’t build my team. Two weeks before, I attended the Seattle regionals and I lost round two to a friend of mine named Harrison. When getting ready for Madison I worked with many teams but didn’t find comfort with any of them. At around midnight the day before the regional I decided to give Harrison’s team a spin. I stayed up until 4am practicing with it and felt comfortable enough with it to bring it to Madison. This is the first time I have ever used someone’s team other than my own but I owe all credit to Harrison.
A: That trick room strategy really is a tough thing to beat. Did you decide to use this as a counter to all the common sweepers and speedy megas, or did you just want to give your Pokémon like Sylveon a chance to do some serious damage?
C: I wanted to use a Trick Room because it’s a strategy I am very comfortable with. I even named my username after it! Under-speeding megas was key to Trick Rooms success. I think Sylveon and Rhyperior were really able to shine and deal with very common Pokémon.
A: I know for myself I dread when I see the Therian Landorus and Thundurus combo; are there any Pokémon that you just really don’t like having to battle against?
C: I personally don’t like facing Aegislash. Using Trick Room a lot usually leaves me with a massive weakness to him. I also really dislike Amoonguss, he’s so annoying to deal with.
In the last number of years, competitive battling in particular has been on the rise here in Ireland, are there any tips you could give any young aspiring competitors?
I think working hard and really believing you can do it is key. I could not imagine being as good as I am 4 years ago when I started. I wouldn’t have expected to get interviewed or even have done so well at Worlds. I owe a lot to my friends; friends are everything in this game, they help you with teams, they help cheer you on. I think making friends within the community can be very impactful. Also keep practicing and trying your best. Even if you lose, don’t get so down on yourself. Everyone loses all the time.
We’ve seen Sejun Park’s Pachirisu take the world by storm, and Clefairy has surely played a bigger role in competitive battles in recent months. Are there any other under-rated Pokémon you would love to see more of?
I think Entei has yet to see major usage but is really good. I used Escavalier at American Nationals and I loved it. Escavalier has a lot going for it and is worth a test.
Some quick fire questions for you now…
What is your favourite pokemon?
Cresselia
What is your favourite region?
Kanto
What is your favourite Generation?
Generation 4
What is your favourite Mega?
Mawile
Is there any Pokémon that you would love to use competitively, that you wish had a mega?
I love Jellicent as well so I would love to see it get stronger with a Mega.
Finally… what does the future hold for you? Can you give us any hints at what kind of strategies or Pokémon you are testing for future battles?
My ultimate goal is to win Worlds, so I will keep trying to get invited back and hopefully win some year! I am always testing out new stuff so I am not sure what kind of team I will use in the future but it might involve Trick Room; it is my favourite strategy.
We have no doubt Heier and his team will take the Pokémon World Championship by storm, and we wish him the best of luck as his journey continues.
