Global Excellence Award Winner: Julia Perry
Julia Perry, South Africa
Nominated for: Tireless efforts in supporting fellow Professors in South Africa, both in 2024 and in the preceding seasons.
For Julia Perry, her journey into the world of Play! Pokémon began in the most heartfelt way—through her son. “My son started playing Pokémon when he was around nine, 12 years ago,” she recalls. “We were driving him quite a distance to play at a League, as the one close to home was not very well attended.” But what started as a family commitment evolved into something bigger. “Eventually, I ended up playing and taking over that League so that we could play closer to home, and that evolved into opening a game store. The rest is history.”
Today, Julia is a cornerstone of the South African Pokémon community—a player, Judge, League Owner, and mentor. “Our community is amazing and constantly growing and gaining new players,” she says. “It’s a very diverse community across the country. We support each other, and everyone eats, breathes, and sleeps Pokémon. The love for the game is very strong in South Africa.”
One of her most cherished memories came in 2018 when she was selected to judge at the Stuttgart Regional Championships in Germany. “That has to be the highlight of my Pokémon Judge path,” she says. “It was the most terrifying experience, as our events in South Africa are on the small side, with numbers that don’t often go higher than 60.” Julia admits she was caught off guard by an unexpected challenge. “I completely forgot about the language barrier too, which added a very new element to judging an event.”
Despite the initial nerves, the experience proved transformative. “I left with huge personal growth from that weekend and came home with a wealth of large event knowledge to share with the South African Judges and players,” she says. “Never mind the friendships and contacts made within the international community.”
Julia alongside the rest of the Judge team at the 2024 Cape Town Special Championships
But she’s quick to point out that every event holds meaning. “Every Play! Pokémon experience is memorable. The community, the players, the kids enjoying themselves, that scream of joy when you pull the card you wanted at a Prerelease event, the camaraderie between players—all of it makes every event a memorable experience.”
Of course, being based in South Africa also comes with its hurdles. “Not being able to attend more international events,” she says when asked about her biggest challenge. “As a Judge, not being able to work at more Premier events to gain more growth as a Professor.” Travel costs remain a barrier as well. “South Africa is on the wrong side of the exchange rate to travel overseas to earn points, play, or judge, like our international counterparts are able to do.”
We, of course, asked Julia to reveal her ideal team of six Pokémon. “Celebi, Meowscarada, Eevee, Decidueye, Shaymin, Jigglypuff,” she says with a smile. “Yes, I do love my Grass-type Pokémon.”
Her advice to new Professors is yet another way in which Julia demonstrates her focus for building exceptional experiences for her local community. “Be a team player, work hard, and play fair,” she says. “Show dedication to the community you are building or assisting, and be a great role model to your players.” She also encourages openness and humility. “Ask questions, ask for guidance, and do not doubt yourself.”
And above all, remember your purpose. “You are a Professor out of love for the game and the community first and foremost,” she explains. “As a Professor, you represent the values of integrity, honesty, responsibility, and professionalism at all times.”
Julia’s motto: “Just be lekker—be relaxed, be friendly, and enjoy yourself.”