One of the world's best Pokemon TCG players passed away earlier this morning. 

James Pendarvis experienced a severe asthma attack that left him in critical condition. Doctors were unable to revive Pendarvis after the incident and the 23-year-old passed away at the hospital. Friends say he would have been 24 in just a few more weeks. 

The Pokemon TCG community has been mourning the news all Wednesday. He was a dominant player but also a very friendly competitor that had a "kind heart," according to one of his friends in the scene. Pendarvis often joked around, although he was a serious competitor. He is survived by his parents, girlfriend, and cat. 

Pendarvis had a successful career in the Pokemon TCG competitive scene. He was a five-time regional champion, including wins at Indiana Regionals 2016, Oregon Regionals 2018, Virginia Regionals 2018, California Regionals 2018, and Ontario Regionals 2019. He also came in third place at the North America Internationals in 2018.

In 2019, Pendarvis was traveling the world and dominating the scene. After the win in Ontario, the Gengar fan placed 27th at Europe Internationals, sixth at Wisconsin Regionals, and then 22nd at Brazil Internationals. 

Pendarvis wasn't only a fierce competitor but a well-known buyer, seller, and collector. In 2020, the Pokemon player decided to switch to his card and collectible business full-time. He wrote for ChannelFireball about investing in Pokemon, offering expert advice to others looking to get into the scene. 

The Pokemon community has started sharing their stories and memories of Pendarvis on ChannelFireball. Dean Nezam said that Pendarvis was his rival in Juniors, which is Pokemon TCG competition for younger players. 

"Pokemon tournaments will never be the same for me and I will always miss him," Nezam said. 

Michael Catron said he became close to Pendarvis in 2020. He credited Pendarvis with being his mentor in Pokemon, including starting a business of his own. He talked to Pendarvis every day about stocks, Call of Duty, fantasy football, and just "life in general." 

Said Catron: "Jimmy will be missed each day as we move forward, and I will forever cherish the good times we had. We were brothers." 

Wrote Caleb Gedemer: "We love you, Jimmy. We will never forget you. Many tears have been shed on this day. You mattered to us immensely."