Matty, aged 12, has just set off from Lucca for California (USA) with a dream in his backpack: to become the Pokémon world champion.
Sitting next to him on the plane, accompanying him on this wonderful adventure, is his dad Emanuele, who, together with the whole family, has supported the young ‘pocket monster trainer’ on this journey, which has taken shape challenge by challenge, from his first matches at the Lucca Comics & Games festival right through to the most recent competitions. Matty, in fact, secured his place at the World Championships after winning the regional tournament in Turin in June this year and, from 28 to 30 August, he will be at the ‘Moscone Centre in San Francisco’ to represent Italy, alongside other players of the same age, as part of a genuine Italian national team for the collectible card game.
The young Pokémon trainer will also be an ambassador for Lucca Comics & Games around the world; his T-shirt, bearing the number 5, will also feature the festival’s logo – the place where it all began. Matty was, in fact, born and raised in Lucca, and it’s fair to say he is one of the many young people who have been steeped in the festival’s atmosphere from birth, amongst the streets of his hometown. In recent years, he has spent his free time outside school (he’s in secondary school), dividing it between his two great passions: basketball and the Pokémon trading card game. This passion blossomed right at the festival, whilst taking part in a Play Lab at Lucca Comics & Games, where he learnt to play the TCG (Trading Card Game).
A likeable, very lively lad with just the right touch of healthy competitiveness, he says his favourite Pokémon is the little Budew.
“Learning to play the card game at the Play Lab, right here in my own town, sparked a passion that has changed my life,” says Matty. – “Playing Pokémon, I discovered that there’s a strategy behind every card, but above all I realised the importance of never giving up – just like when I’m on the court playing basketball. Securing qualification for Turin in the very last round was incredible. Now, flying to the World Championships with my dad and with the support of Lucca Comics & Games is a dream come true. I’m absolutely delighted to represent my town and the community at the world’s most important tournament!”
Loved by a greatly supportive family, accompanying him on this greatest challenge on the most prestigious international stage is his biggest fan: his dad, Emanuele, who encourages him to give his very best. Now onwards, towards an extraordinary dream that began at Lucca Comics & Games and is being lived out alongside those who love him. Come on, Matty… the whole of Lucca is rooting for you!
