A competitive Pokémon player has called out fellow participants for poor personal hygiene, stating that a "putrid" smell at a recent tournament caused him to vomit and made it difficult for him to concentrate.
Donghun Youm, a professional player, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on September 27 that the incident occurred at the 2027 Baltimore Pokémon Regional Championships. He described the smell as being so offensive that he and his friends reported it to a judge. The competitive Pokémon circuit, encompassing both video game and trading card games, has been active following the 2026 World Championships.
Youm's post gained significant attention online, resonating with a broader discussion about hygiene issues within gaming communities and at in-person events. Responses to his post included remarks about the perceived struggle for basic cleanliness among some gamers and jokes about the dual challenges faced during matches.
This issue of poor hygiene at gaming events is not isolated. Similar complaints have surfaced in other competitive gaming scenes. Players of Super Smash Bros. have previously been criticized for their hygiene, and a Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament was reportedly postponed due to players emitting foul odors. Even in related entertainment spheres, an anime voice actor has urged fans to practice good hygiene before attending concerts.
Youm finished the Baltimore Regionals in 60th place with a 9-4 record, acknowledging it was not his best performance but considering the circumstances under which he prepared his team. The player concluded his remarks by suggesting that perhaps a gas mask might be necessary for future competitions to achieve top rankings.