As “Eye of the Tiger” began to bump out of the speakers, 14-year-old Oak Harbor resident Casiano Atienza III prepared for his last round of competition. Having already beat out 198 challengers, Casiano had just one battle standing between him and the first place medal.

The game was Pokémon, and Casiano clutched his division title. In May, Casiano and his two brothers traveled to Seattle for the Pokémon Video Game Northwest Regional Championships at the Washington State Convention Center.

The participants were divided into three age divisions, placed in brackets and faced single elimination. After winning his age group, Casiano was awarded with a medal and a Nintendo3DS. He also scored two plane tickets and hotel accommodations to travel to Indianapolis for the national competition July 8.

Casiano said he’s been playing Pokémon since he was 5 and said though he’s interested in other games, he enjoys spending time with Pikachu and the gang most.

“I play whenever I get the chance,” Casiano said. “Since it’s summer I play everyday.”

Casiano said he read about the competition on the Pokémon website and entered last year but didn’t make it as far. This year, he said he spent a few weeks before regionals training, trading and playing to get prepared.

“I get nervous when I battle, but I hide it pretty well,” he said.

In the game, the players or “trainers” try to capture as many Pokémon as they can. Then they do their best to train the Pokémon and strengthen them so they can win battles against other players online.

Casiano’s favorite Pokémon is Jigglypuff, a light pink, ball-shaped creature with cat-like ears and large eyes.

“It was my first one,” Casiano said. “It sings and puts people to sleep then draws on their faces. It’s cool.”

Casiano and his family moved to Oak Harbor in 1998 from Japan after getting stationed with the Navy at NAS Whidbey. Aside from being a video game enthusiast, Casiano said he’s into basketball, baseball and music. Next year, he’ll be a sophomore at Oak Harbor High School.

Casiano and his brothers, who are trying for a last-chance qualification, will all be battling in Indiana this month. The top eight from the national competition will compete against players from across the country and Europe in the world championships this August. Winners will take home international travel packages, Pokémon prizes and trophies.

“We were surprised Casiano made it so far,” his mom Elizabeth Atienza said. “We just want the boys to have fun in Indiana and do their best.”