Pokemon card game competitive play has a world championship, a global tournament circuit, and kids making tens of thousands of dollars. Most adults still think it is a cartoon with some stuffies attached. Both of those things are true at the same time.

What is it like to grow up being the kid at the card store every Saturday morning and realize twenty years later that was the beginning of a career? Ciaran Farah has played tournaments on five continents. He coaches now. The kids he works with are earning real money in prize pools while playing a game that is, in the simplest possible terms, poker meets chess. Strategy and skill with just enough chance that every game feels different.

The million-dollar cards are just fancy versions of the one-dollar cards. Pikachu works the same either way. The people fighting over packs at Costco are collectors. The players are in a completely separate orbit and mostly grateful for it.

Topics: Pokemon card game competitive, Pokemon TCG tournaments, professional Pokemon player, Pokemon coaching, 1998 throwback Thursday

GUEST: Ciaran Farah

Originally aired on 2026-04-16

Pokemon card game competitive play has a world championship, a global tournament circuit, and kids making tens of thousands of dollars. Most adults still think it is a cartoon with some stuffies attached. Both of those things are true at the same time.
What is it like to grow up being the kid at the card store every Saturday morning and realize twenty years later that was the beginning of a career? Ciaran Farah has played tournaments on five continents. He coaches now. The kids he works with are earning real money in prize pools while playing a game that is, in the simplest possible terms, poker meets chess. Strategy and skill with just enough chance that every game feels different.
The million-dollar cards are just fancy versions of the one-dollar cards. Pikachu works the same either way. The people fighting over packs at Costco are collectors. The players are in a completely separate orbit and mostly grateful for it.
Topics: Pokemon card game competitive, Pokemon TCG tournaments, professional Pokemon player, Pokemon coaching, 1998 throwback Thursday
GUEST: Ciaran Farah
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-16

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.