Wolfe “WolfeyVGC” Glick revealed in a recent video that he was groped at most of the Pokémon Video Game Championships tournaments he attended during the last competitive season.
The 2016 VGC World Champion said the incidents happened primarily during fan interactions and photo opportunities. He described being groped “once or twice” per event but stressed that the number should be zero.
Glick explained that sudden uninvited physical contact causes him physical pain when he has to turn or react quickly due to stiff muscles. He also mentioned experiencing online sexual harassment including unsolicited sexual comments on social platforms.
The impact extends beyond the events themselves. Glick said that after tournaments he sometimes doesn’t feel comfortable leaving his house for about a week.
He distinguished the groping from other unwanted contact like strangers grabbing or tapping him for attention. All of it is unacceptable according to Glick but the groping represents a more serious violation.
Glick noted that fellow competitors and players within the competitive scene generally treat him respectfully. His concerns focus on portions of the broader fanbase and issues with parasocial behavior.
The creator is one of the most prominent figures in VGC content creation. His YouTube and Twitch channels draw large audiences for high-level strategy content and team-building guides. His presence at events significantly boosts visibility for the competitive scene.
Pokémon VGC events are organized by The Pokémon Company International and include Regional Championships, International Championships, and the annual World Championships. These tournaments typically do not provide dedicated personal security for individual competitors unless specifically arranged.
What happens next
Glick indicated he is re-evaluating his in-person appearances and may step back from live events including major tournaments in the near term. As of now The Pokémon Company International has not publicly responded to his statements.
Many esports and gaming conventions have implemented structured meet-and-greet areas with staff present and clearer codes of conduct around physical contact. Whether Pokémon events will adopt similar measures remains to be seen.
