Auburn’s Zane Nelson took third place at the recent Ballard Pokémon City Championships, earning a top city ranking and points toward a potential invitation to the U.S. National Championships in Indianapolis next summer.

Head-to-head Pokémon Trading Card Game battles provide an opportunity for young people to succeed at an intellectual sport. Players test their skills, strategy and creativity.The game is based on the Japanese animated series revolving around colorful, combatant characters.

Top finishers from the nationals earn a shot at the Pokémon World Championships in Hawaii on Aug. 10-12.

The world games involve elite players from more than 25 countries.