Anime Party hosted its Third Annual Pokemon tournament on Saturday, Nov. 12, in the Polytech Building. Some of Southeast Missouri State University's best Pokemon trainers made their way to the building to use their Nintendo DS and 3DS systems to beat several gym leaders and the "Elite Four" and claim their title of champion.

The first step, the gym leaders, consisted of several experienced Pokemon players all of whom had different types team, such as grass, ground and water. The Elite Four was made up of the best of the best players, also using different team types.

Kayla Pointer, president of Anime Party, organized the event. She described what they call "SEMO Pokemon League" as a fun event for all who attend.

"We play music in the background, usually Pokemon, and then we start watching anime while people are just chatting, having fun, it's a big social event," senior Jackie Miller.

"Pretty much everyone in this room is huge Pokemon fans, and we have been since we were little," Pointer said.

This thought was echoed by Southeast senior David Bober.

"I've always been obsessed with Pokemon," Bober said. "Ever since I was a little kid, I've played every generation."

However, what was once a childhood pastime has now turned into a legitimate event with real strategies.

"You always have to have a strategy," Miller said. "You can't have one Pokemon that's all the same move. You've got to have a variety of moves. That's how you win, honestly."

Sarah Stock, a Ground-type Pokemon Gym Leader for the past two years, helped to break down how one could claim the title of champion in the tournament.

"First, everyone has to go through the gym leaders to even be able to take on the Elite Four. But if you go through the Elite Four you get the honorary title of champion," Stock said.

This year, Southeast student Freddy Bond was able to claim the title of champion.