Pokemon Worlds 2005.
I was a junior, with a Team Aqua starter deck(with a couple extra editions to it). I was a noob, just there to have fun. So, I go through qualifiers, having the time of my life, meet some other junior, with a gardevoir deck(who was actually good). He was my buddy the whole time. End of the day, don't win a
SINGLE ROUND. Of course, then they announce, all juniors who participated made it to the actual World Championships! So, I get the free backpack, with all the free stuff, and the expensive 2005 World Championships promo cards, a Medicham ex in French, free cards from the unreleased set at the time, Unseen Forces(got a Steelix ex
). Next day, I use the same deck, with a couple other additions, was interviewed a lot, got more free stuff, and a Birthday Pikachu, and won 3 out of 7 matches
Got free food, hugged a Pikachu, did the Fire Red event to get Ho-Oh and Lugia, and so much more. Such a great time. Haven't missed a SoCal World Champs since