AUSTIN, Texas — The world of Pokémon can be cutthroat, and no one knows that better than Jose Cruz Galindo-Resendiz.

Earlier this month, this Central Texas 10-year-old became the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) North American International Junior’s champion (NAIC).

He’s the No. 1 ranked player in his age group in the country and No. 2 in the entire world.

“He plays amongst the best of the best in this game,” explained his dad, Ram Galindo. “To be able to compete at a high level consistently and perform and win, it’s very difficult to do. These kids are at the highest of their game and Jose is amongst them.”

Galindo-Resendiz first started learning to play Pokémon TCG at the same time as his dad, the two of them learning and practicing together.

They started playing at local card shops like Austin’s Pixel Haven Gaming and Collectables, and eventually began competing in local and regional competitions. Last year, Galindo-Resendiz played his way into becoming one of the top players at eight different regional championships.

Now, after Galindo-Resendiz won at NAIC, he and his dad are teaching his three younger siblings the game while simultaneously training for the World’s competition this August in Hawaii.

Galindo-Resendiz only has one more year playing in his current age bracket and while he hopes to win the world competition this year, his main goal is to become the No. 1 ranked player in the world.

“It’ll take a lot, but I believe. I believe I’ll get there,” Galindo-Resendiz said.