2024 Global Excellence Award Winner: Emanuel Baidon
Emanuel Baidon, Argentina
Nominated for: Innovative ideas and dedication—as a result, many Pokémon Leagues in Argentina have been able to offer experiences that would otherwise have been inaccessible.
Emanuel Baidon is a lightning bolt of energy and innovation in the Professor community. From his early days as a collector to becoming a successful TCG Judge and ultimately a central figure in Pokémon UNITE events, Ema has left a positive vibe at every point in his journey. This goes for both his native Argentina and beyond.
Emanuel’s Pokémon journey began in a way that’s relatable to many fans—as a childhood passion. At 10 years old, he attended a local event in Argentina where he learned to play the TCG and took a photo with a giant Pikachu card (we’ve asked him to find and show us this photo!). That spark eventually ignited something special. After several years of casual play, he became interested in competition just as Pokémon TCG: Black & White—Plasma Blast was released, and eventually used his experiences as a player to inform his later focus as a TCG Judge.
His leap from player to Professor was catalyzed by Maia (Nahir Elkin Minuchin, also a 2024 Professor Excellence Award winner), the most prominent Judge in the country at the time and still a firm presence in the community today. Her guidance combined with Ema’s passion ensured that by 2016, Ema was a key figure at local Leagues, Regional Championships, National Championships, and even the first Pokémon Latin America International Championships in Brazil.
Emanuel with Maia Elkin at the 2025 Monterrey Regional Championship
What sets Ema apart is not just his role in events, but also how he’s helped shape the Play! Pokémon scene in Argentina. When he began, the community was small and fragmented, with the few Professors in the country feeling isolated and directionless. Today, thanks in no small part to his efforts, Argentina has over 17 active Leagues and a thriving network of Judges. Ema and his fellow passionate Professors have been instrumental in fostering collaboration, coordinating events, and creating a system where players can always find a game to play with as few scheduling conflicts as possible.
“We built a group [of] friendly communication with all the current Leagues,” he explains. “My community grew from a group of 70 people to 200 over the past two years. I’m so happy for my country!”
Of all his experiences as a Professor, one stands out like Flash in Rock Tunnel (OG fans will get the reference!)—being invited to help with Pokémon UNITE during the 2023 Pokémon World Championships in Yokohama. Initially just over in the UNITE area to help test the equipment, Ema ended up playing a key role as an Observer on the main stage—an unforgettable honor and a stepping stone to becoming the Support Lead for Latin America South in the Pokémon UNITE Championship Series.
“It was surreal,” he recalls. “I practiced my role the whole night in disbelief. Now I get to support all the online events!”
Emanuel enjoys watching a game of Pokémon UNITE alongside players
Regarding his biggest challenge so far, that has to be filling the role of Head Judge for Pokémon UNITE at the 2025 Latin America International Championships. It was a high-pressure role, but one that Ema took on with what is fast becoming his trademark passion and fire.
It comes as no surprise that, if Ema were a Gym Leader, his fiery lineup would include Ho-Oh, Iron Moth, Magmar, Arcanine, Flareon, and Talonflame—a bold and blazing crew. But if he had to choose his personal type?
“Electric!” he says without hesitation. “I’m very energetic and always moving. I love to bring that energy to my team.”
Ema’s message to aspiring Professors is simple: show up, support, and share.
“You don’t have to be famous—just be helpful,” he says. “Go the extra mile. Learn from everything, and never stop growing.”
Each event is a new chance to give it your all, and Emanuel makes sure to embrace every moment like it’s the grand finale.
Emanuel’s personal motto: “Live every day like it’s your last.”