Founder of Path to Worlds TCG, competitive player, and dedicated coach helping players master the ever-evolving world of Pokémon TCG.
My path to competitive Pokémon TCG started where countless players' stories begin—at a local game store. But for me, it was more than just a store. My family owns a game store in Cookeville, Tennessee, and growing up surrounded by cards, tournaments, and passionate players gave me a unique foundation in the game.
Learning from family members who live and breathe trading card games taught me more than just how to play—it taught me how to think about the game. I watched countless matches, absorbed strategies from players of all skill levels, and developed a deep understanding of what separates casual players from competitive ones.
That environment shaped my approach to competitive play: grounded, practical, and always learning. It's the foundation I bring to Path to Worlds TCG.
Cookeville, Tennessee
Learned from family at a local game store
Immersed in TCG culture from an early age
Hands-on experience with players at all levels
Deep understanding of competitive fundamentals
And why the constant evolution keeps me passionate about competitive play
What I love most about Pokémon TCG is that it never stays the same. New sets, new mechanics, rotation—the meta is always shifting. Every few months, the game essentially reinvents itself. That constant evolution means you can never stop learning, never stop adapting. It keeps the competitive scene fresh and rewards players who put in the work to stay ahead.
On the surface, Pokémon TCG looks simple. But competitive play reveals layers of strategic depth that many people don't expect. Deck building, meta analysis, sequencing, resource management, knowing when to be aggressive vs. conservative—mastering these skills takes serious dedication.
The tournament scene is where all the practice and preparation comes together. There's nothing quite like the intensity of competitive play—making reads, adapting on the fly, executing your strategy under pressure. That's what I want to help my students experience and excel at.
Growing up in a game store taught me that the Pokémon TCG community is special. Players who help each other improve, share knowledge, and push each other to be better—that's the environment I want to create with Path to Worlds TCG.
"The game never stops evolving—and neither should you. That constant change is what makes competitive Pokémon TCG so rewarding."
— Chayton Phillips
What you can expect when you train with Path to Worlds TCG
Before chasing the latest deck, master the foundations. Rules knowledge, sequencing, resource management—these skills transfer across every meta and every format.
I don't just hand out deck lists. I teach you to understand why decks work, how matchups play out, and how to adapt when the meta shifts. True skill means thinking for yourself.
Winning means nothing without integrity. I coach players who want to compete fairly, respect opponents, and represent the game well. Shortcuts have no place here.
If you're serious about competitive improvement and willing to put in the work, I'd love to help you on your journey. The Foundations Tier is where we start building your competitive foundation together.