13 Ben Kyriakou - Pokémon Video Game Caster & 2x National Champion

As a child, Ben Kyriakou couldn't work out how to leave the house you start in in Pokémon Red/Blue. Somewhat miraculously after this rocky start, he went on to become one of the UK's best competitors at the video game, securing two National Champion titles, two Top 4 finishes at International Championships & seven invitations to the World Championships - and then became a caster, like me, which is how we became firm friends! Discover Ben's journey here: the people, the experiences - and of course the 6 Pokémon - that made him. Come hang out & have a laugh with Ben and me - let us brighten your day!

In his own words Ben is 'not good at the Internet', but nonetheless you can keep up with what he does share on X @tapu_kyriakou!

https://x.com/tapu_kyriakou 

I am @Chazingdra on YouTube, X, Instagram & TikTok:

https://www.youtube.com/@Chazingdra

https://twitter.com/Chazingdra

https://www.instagram.com/chazingdra/

https://www.tiktok.com/@chazingdra

And you can follow the podcast itself on X too @ChazingdraChats:

https://twitter.com/ChazingdraChats

If you enjoyed, do give the show a rating and review - it really helps :) You can also watch the episode on YouTube (link above), where you can see pictures of the Pokémon that Ben is talking about and share in the smiles! Drop a comment over there as I'd love to know your thoughts on what Ben's shared with us - and what your own Dream Team would be... Any feedback you have and any suggestions for guests, from competitive to casual Pokémon players and beyond, feel free to get in touch - chazingdra@gmail.com

Consider joining my Patreon to hear Ben's Rapidash Round - 15 minutes or so of quickfire bonus questions he hasn't prepared for... Let the good times roll on! https://www.patreon.com/Chazingdra

You can also become a part of my Discord community here - it would be a pleasure to welcome you :) https://discord.com/invite/f2ssjED4ke

(N.B. Music for the show coming soon!)

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome!

04:03 Ben's Sister

12:56 Ben's 1st Dream Team Pokémon

16:24 Discovering Pokémon

23:27 Ben's 2nd Dream Team Pokémon

29:33 Call of Competitive

39:49 Ben's 3rd Dream Team Pokémon

44:25 Ben's Job

58:46 Ben's 4th Dream Team Pokémon

1:05:59 Medina House and The Pandemic

1:18:40 Ben's 5th Dream Team Pokémon

1:22:15 Casting

1:31:57 Ben's 6th Dream Team Pokémon

1:36:01 Ben's Complete Dream Team and Partner Pokémon

1:38:31 If Ben were a Pokémon, what would he be?

1:43:12 Community Questions for Ben

1:53:13 What's next for Ben?

1:55:01 What advice would Ben give his younger self?

1:56:50 Ben's Rapidash Round Teaser

1:58:48 Farewell! + My guest next week...

Disclaimer: This podcast is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by The Pokémon Company or The Pokémon Company International.