I Raced Pro Speedrunners For $1,000!

Become a Trailblazer and download Honkai: StarRail today! - hoyo.link/dhFgFcAL
I competed in Pokémon Challenges's Nuzlocke Draft Race against three of the world's best speedrunners. Who won?
Edited by Izzy - / izzyrdd_
Draft Race Ruleset:
1. Fainting = Death
2. Can only use Pokémon drafted prior to start of race
3. No leveling past the next gym leader/E4 (hard-coded into game)
4. Play on "Set" Battle Mode
5. Speed-up only allowed when leveling up Pokemon
This race was played on Pokémon Emerald EX Speedchoice, a modified version of Pokémon Emerald with the following changes:
1. Game mechanics, Pokémon movesets, etc. have all been updated to Gen VIII.
2. Level-caps are hard-coded into the game and cannot be surpassed.
3. Team Aqua/Magma storylines have been completely removed.
Check out these cool people:
Pokémon Challenges (Host) - / @ucvjsnl6wntvim0i1scpn9uw
Captain Kidd (Co-Host) - / @ucbc9v-25cmvazniapzymsrw
Whacko (Nuzlocke Teammate) - / @ucfwyyxn23wn-hty_rba7pvq
Squerk (Nuzlocke Teammate) - / @ucmitlqwkt0ffnijgvllpjja
Eddaket (Speedrunner Opponent) - / @ucpoftkki9spaxos5uipzpug
Gunnermaniac (Speedrunner Opponent) - / @ucf0wplej8dgtln89hejm3hq
PulseEffects (Speedrunner Opponent) - / @ucr_s2-h2euzjelku_fumzlg
Patreon: / flygonhg
Highlights Channel: / @flygonhghighlights
Join our Discord Server: / discord
Follow me on Twitter: / flygonhg
Follow me on Twitch: / flygonhg
For business inquiries: [e-mail]
#Pokemon #Gaming #Nuzlocke #HardcoreNuzlocke #PokémonViolet #PokemonScarlet #PokemonChallenge #ruanmei #drratio

[@FlygonHG]

Become a Trailblazer and download Honkai: StarRail today! - hoyo.link/dhFgFcAL

[@funkboy2850]

I’m so happy they sponsored you, I love Honkai Star Rail, and I love your content, it’s the perfect match lol

[@andrewb5347]

agreed@@funkboy2850

[@umbersoul9857]

Why giant spheals!?

[@Dahaka-rd6tw]

May I propose an idea? Here are 29 demands of you must follow in this nuzlocke video. Put these demands in notes and scramble them in hat, bag or something else and you have to make a team on pokemon that you can get, based on the note you pulled. Pokemon that looks like Kaiju. For extra name the pokemon after the Kaiju it looks like. (examples, Baxcalibur Named Godzilla, Volcarona named Mothra, Aerodactyl named Rodan or Aggron named Bulgasari) Either Froslass or Gallade Either Male Gardevoir or Female Glalie Pokemon that looks feminine but he has to be male. (Excluding Gardevoir, there's seperate note for him) Pokemon that looks masculine but she has to be female. (Excluding Glalie, there's seperate note for her) Pokemon that evolves through trade. Pokemon is either species or evolved form of a species that KO'd one of your pokemon. (If you have not lost any pokemon until this point, put this note back and draw new note) Pokemon whose picture comes up first when you Google 'One pokemon from (Game you are playing)'. If first picture is that of multible pokemon or is pokemon that you already have, ignore it and look at picture after it and repeat until you get to picture that has one pokemon. Pokemon from your favorite type. Pokemon that looks like dinosaur Ghost-like pokemon Serpent-like pokemon. Pokemon of your least favorite type. Pokemon that favorite character in pokemon anime either has or had. Pokemon you bred using two pokemon of different species (these pokemon don't need to be any of from other challenges. However, if this is the case, after capturing these pokemon you must not use them for anything else but for breeding. Resulted pokemon must also have an egg move. Pokemon who is seemingly made of more than one invidual. At least one of its forms. (Examples in case you're confused. Exeggcute, Klink or Falinks) One pokemon whose picture comes up first when you look up 'pokemon' in Deviantart This pokemon is not evolved into its final form and must stay unevolved into its last form for rest of the video. Pokemon species who'se male and female have some differences at least. Insectoid pokemon Fish-like Pokemon Pokemon that looks like a dragon but isn't a dragon type. Pokemon that looks like an object. Pokemon from Type chosen either by your friend or random person chosen by you in chat. Pokemon from Egg group chosen either by your friend or random person chosen by you in chat. Non-Water pokemon you either found in water or caught by fishing (Depends on the game) Pokemon that neither evolves from or evolves into any other pokemon. Pokemon of a specific color chosen by either by your friend or random person in chat you choose. If you have chat watching you, choose one of chatters randomly and ask them choose pokemon for you to find. They have to rethink their answer if pokemon they chose is not available in game you're playing.

[@cormacoregan471]

Oh my God, you got a MiHoYo sponsor? That's awesome, I love HI3rd!

[@gatikchopra3613]

Big W Flygon. Beating speedrunners at their own game is a real Chad move Also, the oversized spheal plushes lmao

[@grieveromega6060]

Spheal Team Three.

[@justsomeguywhoneverdies9210]

Not really their own game, it's actually just hard core nuzlocke but faster.

[@gatikchopra3613]

@justsomeguywhoneverdies3210 "their own game" is an English phrase, a figure of speech. You're not supposed to take it literally

[@justsomeguywhoneverdies9210]

@@gatikchopra3613 um, so what I wanted to say in the second half of my reply was that speedrunners would normally use all the advantages they can get from intentional mechanics to exploit, glitches to beat the the game as fast as possible, and also they wouldn't play around the RNG, if they get unlucky just reset the run. but this race here applies hardcore Nuzlocke rules, the rules that put players at a disadvantage, and every RNG bit matters which means it's more like "Nuzlockers' own game", and yes, it's not the literal "own game" meaning

[@jatabo1574]

Introductions: Team Speedrun: "We´ve done this a thousand times already, commencing speedrun protocol..." Team Nuzlocke: "NEED A REZ!" "HEALER´S DOWN!" "OUT OF MANA!" *AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH*

[@TerraEmperor1]

Peak TFS reference

[@azurehorizon4485]

I still love the absolute irony in that first E4 member "Heracross has served his purpose" then against Wallace "It all comes down to if Heracross hits Megahorn" the bug came down like a hammer

[@Snipergod1024]

Heracross? More like HEROCROSS!

[@johnnyshortfor]

Flygon, I’ve noticed this for ages and never commented on it before, but your musical scoring is INSANELY well done! The music for that insanely tough champion fight was especially an inspired choice; I had goosebumps the ENTIRE section.

[@sammilksword5716]

Totally agree! I'd seen the Pokemon Challenges video so knew he came through but the music still meant I was completely on edge watching the Juan fight here.

[@LagrimaArdiente]

That finale was SO hyped! Congrats on the giant Spheal plushes, guys!

[@alexanderfailoni1716]

Saw this from the host's perspective so the ending is spoiled, but congrats on the win Flygon. Found you originally through his review of your Fire Type Locke and been following since. And you've improved a lot, from gameplay, to editing, to scripts, and to presentation. Keep it up man.

[@Avengedtenfold]

For reference: Electabuzz base speed: 105 Tentacruel base speed: 100 Gyarados base speed: 85! IIRC, Gen 3 Elite Four has 25 IVs and 25 EVs in every stat. This means versus Flygon's electabuzz speed of 122, Gyarados would have 124 with a +speed nature. An unfortunate combination of a very fast Gyarados vs. a slow Electabuzz.

[@rhodey_37]

Gen 3 AI has no EVs, nor does any before gen 7

[@Avengedtenfold]

@@rhodey_37 Oh, my memory failed me. Then Gyarados needs 28 IVs to speed tie Electabuzz.

[@diprotodontid7417]

They are using a gen 8 ruleset for this though right?

[@Avengedtenfold]

@@diprotodontid7417 It's a gen 8 ruleset but I'm just unsure of how thorough that ruleset change is. If it's incredibly thorough then it might include E4 IV and EV spread. If not, it might randomize them which would only compound onto Flygon's luck here.

[@jacknewton2148]

Nosey finally has come into his own, no thanks to his brother Steven despite daddy Stone’s constant letters

[@wowbafu]

You've been delivering so much content lately, I'm so glad that you are this motivated, keep it up doctor ❤

[@luceharrietf]

Agree big on this!! I also have noticed such a consistent upload sched of S tier videos which is so awesome!!

[@CoalSmudge]

Heracross is the gift that keeps on giving.

[@claytonharting9899]

God’s gift to man

[@mattt3481]

man, its a shame we will never know what flygon used the 100 dollars on. oh well, mankind was never meant to know all secrets

[@teochase1870]

Flygon vs Bike... battle of the century.

[@catouniverse]

that reveal at 22:59 is comedy gold XD amazing!

[@lilshoes8700]

Saw this on Pchal's channel, it felt like watching my dad win the olympics. GGs Flygon!

[@kaitlyn4162]

would love to see a nuzlocke where you can only use your rival's pokemon (and their set moves for an extra challenge), could follow a stalker/big fan story line!

[@MFAniki6390]

Could be funny in a Scarlet/Violet run since Nemona is already such a stalker so it could be funny having two stalkers stalking each other but not realizing they're being stalked.

[@yesterdaystomorrow5510]

@@MFAniki6390 This also works well in a story format, since Nemona is already infamous as a champion.

[@Cgg_0456]

You should do a nuzlocke where you can only use the pokemon whose name you 'mispronounce'!

[@cameronsharples2544]

What do you mean he pronounces every pokemons name 100% correct

[@QuatosLavendarSerinae]

@@cameronsharples2544 laprah and arcanini left the chat

[@NecroDatro421]

*bestpronounce

[@alexlyson3376]

@@QuatosLavendarSerinae Don't forget magnemeetay

[@craigyeates1854]

@@QuatosLavendarSerinaethink you didn’t realise the sarcasm there mate

[@michaelf719]

Dr. Flygon one ball mattie is lowkey a nuzlock king but is so humble he wont admit it lol. Great stuff my guy!

[@thetrav2100]

the Pokemon community is honestly so fun and entertaining im glad i got back into it the last year

[@buckleupteddy]

More fun than playing the new games haha gotem

[@thetrav2100]

yeah, im currently playing through inclement emerald that game is rlly hard i love it @@buckleupteddy

[@luceharrietf]

Me too!! I played kinda a bit over the last like 3 years but not reliably since Emerald days, but this year came back and am loving the videos & vibes & such

[@user-kf3pf3ku2u]

lol the spheals The end was funny

[@danielhale1]

I'm really pleased to see the nuzlockers pull through so well, despite the reliance on Mega Horn (which I've only ever known to miss in clutch moments). I assumed the speed runners would have a huge lead in a speed challenge, but it turns out knowing how to not spend your hyper-limited resources too quickly in such a tough game is a pretty potent advantage. Permanent deaths really change the calculations. Congrats to Team Nuzlocke! And congrats to everyone who played -- I'm delighted the two communities came together for such a cool challenge.

[@lanceams483]

This was an insane run to watch on PKMN Challenges channel, so cool to see the nuzlockers' knowledge of battles and the pokemon make such an impact on the race.

[@agrzyk3110]

You HAVE to buy more of the giant spheals to create spheal team six irl.

[@VerkatosEnsei]

I've never heard a more appropriate use of the low health track from Gen 5 here, those two Megahorns were so tense to watch

[@Smin905]

Using the clip of PokemonChallenges seconds away from losing Ludicolo as the example clip was S Tier

[@SliCooper]

Saw this over at Jan’s channel and I was happy to see team Nuzlocke win it. That double mega horn clutch was truly hearth throbbing

[@bare1ythere362]

This was such an exciting video, I've never felt so nervous for a pokemon challenge before. Please do more in the future!!

[@nebbylala]

That was such a great finale! And I laughed so loudly at seeing the giant spheal plushie. Absolutely worth it! Congrats

[@toufeeqahmed7511]

THAT SPHEAL PLUSH!!!! the best thing i'll see all day. Nice throwback to the team spheal video Doc.🤩

[@HelloMeAndy]

Saw PokemonChallenges video before this, and I was excited to see your full POV! Great job at beating speedrunners at their own game!

[@SmugsfromSplit]

COMMON FLYGON W FLYGON SWEEP EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK

[@Keydicken]

Crazy video! It’s always fun seeing collaborations between creators, especially when PChal is involved (you know it’ll be dubious)

[@ricardodurante8753]

Hey Doctor, great video and effort. Amazing to see you playing on another kind of mindspace than that presented on your usual nuzlocke video-challenges. Watching you get anxious and stressed and happy and shocked at real time was a nice change! Actually, it made me want to watch your live streams, which is a kinda content i'm not used to consuming

[@samuelbennett3528]

It’s so awesome you got to compete in this and it’s super awesome that you got 1st place keep it up doc

[@Quaintex]

Flygon i was about to make a comment about the cliche but you beat me to it . Also proving heracross's superiority once again was great

[@CyanMedic]

HeraBOSS cannot be stopped. Best Pokemon, everyone else is just second-best.

[@missmara4980]

I didn't expect this to be such an exciting thing to watch! I hope we get to see more speedrunners vs nuzlockers in the future, it's a cool concept.

[@Dragonoid269]

I already saw this on Jan's channel, but hearing it here again I still find it weird that the Nuzlockers describe themselves as the underdogs in a Nuzlocke challenge. Congratulations on the win though.

[@Nate42494]

I saw the draft race on PC's page and it was great lol, but seeing the draft race from your POV is also great!

[@kazekamiha]

During the Heracross vs Glacia part I had a sudden thought you could do in PKMN Fusion... Contrary Heracross/Serperior fusion with Close Combat...

[@juandiegogonzalezloaiza2757]

This is a new level. Best video you have uploaded so far. You are the best.

[@TheRealAlegio]

Loved it! Hope you do more things like this-

[@unpathedwaters]

That final fight was insane! Awesome video, as always!

[@codonbyte]

Aw yeah! I've been waiting to see your POV of this challenge!

[@Sneavile]

Fantastic video as always, I'm actually super impressed you were able to come out on top in this race! I gotta wonder though-- at the end, comparing Megahorn to Brick Break, was the chance of brick break low-rolling and not getting the KO greater than 15%? I assume it was, but that's definitely something I would've been anxiously calculating if I was in that position lol

[@fatwhiteduke7417]

Another great video as always Flygon, thanks for another year of great content, looking forward to the next one!

[@lanomar5]

Merry Christmas Flygon! So happy to have this today, you’re the best poketuber out there

[@tayhnke3088]

This might be your most exciting, anticipation filled video ever.

[@themysteryman3976]

One of the most hype finishes to any run, megahorn sweep

[@amberheist3117]

This gave me both anxiety and euphoria, needed those spheal plushies at the end for relaxing😂

[@Siinory]

Man, what an ENDING! I HAD to pop-off for it!

[@nickdolshenko7617]

Marry Chrismas Flygon! Fish you the very best and a wonderful time with your closest ones! The video and edits were awesome

[@todddavis69]

So great loved how the intensity sets in 😂

[@DarknessDust]

ooooooooh I saw this one on Jan's channel! Love seeing your perspective now!

[@ericblackburn3131]

Never a doubt when I watched it live! Team Nuzlocke regularly has to beat elite four with the most dumpster fire teams.

[@leonhart9656]

That was fantastic. Thanks guys!!

[@Gameboy_Graci]

The intensity 😂 Great plays!

[@peter_schomus]

I cant believe i missed this video!!! This was insane

[@Crunchy_Troll]

Next time they should have a race between nuzlockers, Speedrunners and VGC players A true battle between what is the definitive way to play Pokémon

[@user-uv2cp1qd1j]

it would still be kinda close between nuzlockers and speed runners, But VGC players would be so much slower. Since 99% of mainline story battles are single, AND they aren’t as used to having to not sac mons. If you widen the group to all comp players, it would be a little better

[@sirecarrot9124]

Would be interesting but it would be better to do platinum imo

[@owenaspinall2046]

​@@user-uv2cp1qd1jif the vgc players are Freezai and Wolfey, then they could do well because both are also incredible nuzlockers, but otherwise the competitive skill set is just not in this format.

[@owenaspinall2046]

I think the better 3rd team would be challenge runners (Small ant, Point Crow, Mah Dry Bread)

[@Crunchy_Troll]

@@owenaspinall2046 add Scott’s Thoughts on that list then you got yourself a squad

[@Eeraz]

This was super entertaining, watched it on Chals Channel already. Honestly wasn’t really surprised. With the draft DMG-Calcs are off, no items throws them off further. So that’s basically 2 off of 3 points taken from Speedrunners. Still wondering why everyone claimed that Nuzlockers had been the Underdogs.

[@KHfan0011]

I love how the Nuzlockers are just memes while the Speedrunners were omega-braining and yet the Nuzlockers won XD

[@fazul5674]

I was sweating at the climax and I watched Pchal’s video so I knew the outcome. Love a good plot

[@bradl112]

The fact you called out in media res...You're my hero.

[@ExtremeSarge]

Heracross is my favorite Pokemon of all time, I popped off so hard when you hit those two megahorns OMG THATS WHY HERACROSS IS HERAGOATED

[@Dave-Lopez]

LMAO the massive Spheal plushes, good purchases

[@camballay2437]

This was amazing my favorite pokemon video of all time

[@sandipbose1968]

Yes, yes you can

[@benbjarnason6288]

This was the top comment for me and you totally spoiled the video lol. Not your fault but still very funny.

[@553heart]

2 weeks late to watch this but that megahorn got me gripping my seat 😭 enjoy the spheal plushie!

[@blueknight8657]

Your editors taste in music is phenomenal. Like honestly Arms music in a KZbin video is underrated

[@murarmight]

Oh my God that Wallace battle got me so nervous!

[@Gaterdesignstudio]

This video was amazing! U killed it flygon

[@user-kf3pf3ku2u]

Amazing vid keep it up!

[@noahdoss1967]

Of course you’re doing the in-media rewind “I bet you’re wondering how I got here” cliche. It’s the best

[@aaronnguyen4759]

One of the best ones ive watched

[@slashb7836]

I have to say I really appreciate that you corrected the Hail/Blizzard thing being a common Juan Kingdra strat because I knew it didn't work like that in Gen 3 (done a lot of personal Gen 3 rom hack work, and Hail is so bad does not deserve TM status in that Gen). I jumped on it immediately but it's not as common knowledge and I'd hate for Nuzlockers to lose a run at Juan by relying on that

[@hiimshana]

This was a really pleasant video to watch! Not that the others aren’t (I never skipped any), but I don’t know how to explain it, this was somewhat of a different experience and I really really enjoyed it. I know it’s not helping you much, but I felt like letting you know… the ending was probably one of the most epic Nuzlocke moments of 2023

[@louminouz]

its so funny coming from pokemon challenges' video to this video calling yourselves the underdogs

[@jackvogel701]

There’s was a criminally small amount of flygon content on pchal’s video. Glad this got its own video here :))

[@ruffprophetproductions]

Love what you did at the end there (no spoilers) ❤

[@gsellers7331]

The megahorn risks had my heart racing

[@navidahmed1083]

Most fun FlygonHG video ever!❤

[@blommen]

This was such a fun stream

[@velo_GG]

nice work brother💪🏼

[@Chanc100]

Ah another Flygon masterpiece

[@andrewb5347]

FLYGON GOT A SPONSOR BY HONKAI STAR RAIL HOLY MASSIVE W. IM GOING TO DOWNLOAD THE GAME RIGHT NOW (I already play) THANK YOU FLYGON HG

[@reapercarl5047]

I had you as the favirate in this race, im kinda surprised the speed runers never managed to do anythin but i think they fell at the team building

[@Sularis20]

I watched this from Jan's end... gratz :3

[@kittenpunk6029]

Wild moment to see an old friend of mine from highschool as one of your teammates!!

[@grimbostink7607]

The 'yup, that's me' intro made me spit out my water. GarchompFJ would never do this to me

[@GrandDuchessTaco]

The best prizes for this victory!

[@tannerjohnson2176]

Props to PC for giving him the title of the best nuzlocker

[@davidc.lalnelawma4776]

This was battle skill vs overworld efficiency

[@Frenchaboo]

I was just playing HSR before watching your video. Thanks for the jades ❤

[@Crystantemum]

I really enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to other videos like it with this team challenge element. Constructive Criticism: I think deviating the title and thumbnail to be a bit flashier for these types of video will help identify that its something different and more dynamic. Only mentioning this because I saw "race" and a fast pokemon on the thumbnail so my mind automatically went to car races. This led me to sleep on the video for a bit. Hope this helps! 👍

[@Skade_Mike]

Love the smack noise in Norman’s gym Also who tf doesn’t know about delibird

[@terrencelopez3127]

that heracross was clutch

[@mattmc1234]

Very smart investment into the giant spheal plushes

[@jeremiahsmith7588]

Oh shit new Flygon vid!! Haven't watched til the end yet but just realized this JUST came out lol. Edit: hahaha Hell yeah on calling out the Hail/Blizzard strat. Also way to freaking go Dr. OneballHG!!!!! You were number 1!!!!

[@AidanLaGrasta]

Heracross continuing to prove it’s the GOAT of gen 2

[@luceharrietf]

I'm a bit late for my country (NZ) but hopefully on time for you USA-ians, but if you celebrate, FlygonHG (and to clarify: as in if you celebrate "COMMA" flygonhg not celebrating you, lets be real that's just everyone everyday), Merry Christmas! Thanks for a year of stellar content & can't wait to see what 2024 brings for the CHAMPION!

[@tyrano1982]

This was damn amazing!