At this point in the game, one would think the basic rule of showering before attending a large event is clear, but the competitive gaming circuit keeps proving otherwise. The regional Pokémon VGC champion, Donghun Youm, experienced a true nightmare during the Baltimore Regional Championships after having to leave his match to vomit in the bathroom, all due to the unbearable odor from a nearby player.

In a message posted on September 27, the veteran Texas player urged the community to pay more attention to personal hygiene. Youm recounted that the foul smell from a nearby competitor was so unbearable that neither he nor his friends could focus on their matches, forcing him to vomit and report the situation immediately to an event judge.

The strangest part is that this isn’t the first time the player has gone through a similar episode. In October 2025, the champion had already reported vomiting during another competition for the same reason. After that incident, the organizers clarified that the official Play! Pokémon rules require a socially acceptable level of hygiene, allowing judges to ask any participant to wash up or change clothes if their odor disrupts gameplay.

Despite the unpleasant moment and competing in a division packed with over a thousand participants, Youm managed to stay strong and finish within the top 64 with a record of nine wins and four losses, showing admirable mental strength amid such a challenge at the gaming tables.

The Video Game Championships (VGC) is the official Pokémon gaming competition circuit organized worldwide by The Pokémon Company. In this format, trainers face off in double battles using advanced strategies, stat calculations, and precise reads on the opponent’s team, gathering thousands of players each year who seek a spot in the world championship.

Have you ever dealt with similar situations at gaming events or tournaments?