With almost three million followers on his Pokémon TCG-themed YouTube channel, Ando—better known to many as “UnlistedLeaf”—is among the best-known Pokémon TCG content creators right now.

SNKRDUNK recently interviewed him to get the story behind his thriving channel as well as his own personal history in the world of the Pokémon TCG.

Could you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Ando—aka UnlistedLeaf—over on YouTube. I just hit 2.7 million followers on my Pokémon card channel, and I’m all the way from Australia!

How did you get into TCG collecting?

I first got into collecting trading cards when I was really young—about five years old. Instead of giving me real pocket money, my dad would reward me with Pokémon or Digimon cards because I absolutely loved the anime. So, if I mowed the lawn, I’d get a Pokémon card. If I vacuumed the floor, I’d get another one. I loved it, and ever since then, I’ve been building my collection. That’s when I really fell in love with Pokémon cards.

What is it about TCG collecting that keeps you coming back for more?
Honestly, as corny as it sounds, it’s the thrill of the chase. Whether it’s tracking down a brand-new release or discovering an old gem you never knew existed, there’s something exciting about hunting down that one card for your collection. Opening packs, sharing them with your friends, or just admiring your collection—it’s the coolest feeling.

Can you speak about your experiences with TCG products on the SNKRDUNK app, if any?
I haven’t used the app itself, but I have visited their store—and the store even recently featured in a video! It’s honestly one of the coolest Pokémon card shops I’ve ever seen. The selection was wild. But I think that’s true for Japan in general—every time I visit, I’m blown away by how many amazing card shops there are and how packed they are with products. It’s such a cool experience.

What would you regard as the primary advantages of purchasing TCG products via an online store such as the SNKRDUNK app?
For me, the biggest advantage is the reliability of release dates. When I order from an online marketplace, I usually get the product on time, especially with sealed items. That’s super important when you’re chasing new releases. Plus, buying online gives me that extra layer of authenticity, especially with all the fakes floating around the Pokémon community nowadays.

In your time as a TCG collector, what has been your greatest experience?
There have been so many! Honestly, it’d take a 10-page interview to cover them all haha. But some standout moments include being invited by Pokémon to the Detective Pikachu world premiere in Tokyo and getting to meet Ryan Reynolds on the yellow carpet—that was surreal. Another would be visiting one of the biggest Pokémon collectors in the world in Dubai. Seeing the rarest of the rare cards in person was an experience I still think about.

Do you have any favorite cards that you either own or are currently pursuing?

Yes! One that really stands out is the 1997 Carddass Pikachu. It’s such a unique piece with stunning artwork—it captures the original vibe of Pikachu perfectly. I recently picked it up in a PSA 10, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite cards to just look at. The colors and the style are phenomenal.

Which Pokémon TCG sets do you rate most highly?

One of my dream sets to hopefully own as a sealed booster box one day is Delta Species. I absolutely love the concept behind it, and the pack art is gorgeous. That whole EX era of Pokémon cards is such an epic moment in time.

What made you choose to start a Pokémon TCG-themed YouTube channel?
I’ve always loved making videos. Growing up, I was constantly making home movies with my family. Then one day, a friend at school suggested I film a Pokémon card opening since I was so into collecting. It all just clicked, and that’s how the channel was born.

How did you come up with the handle “UnlistedLeaf”?
I was actually sitting in English class with some friends trying to come up with a YouTube name. Back then, every name I typed in was already taken. So I used a random band name generator I found online—because I’d read the night before, that’s how Childish Gambino got his name—and the first name it gave me was UnlistedLeaf!

What do you have planned next for your YouTube channel?
This year is definitely the year of travel. I just got back from Japan, and next I’ll be heading to Card Party in Florida. Later in the year, I’ll be traveling through Europe! I love visiting different card shops around the world—they all tell their own stories, and it’s always exciting to see how the TCG scene varies from place to place.

Just for fun: if you were an Elite Four member in the Pokémon universe, what would your team of six be?

Wow—what a unique question! I don’t think I’ve ever been asked this before. I think my team would be: Chien-Pao, Thundurus (Therian Form), Greninja, Rayquaza, Incineroar, and of course—Pikachu!

Can we have a final message for your social media followers?
Absolutely! Just like I say at the end of every single video: no matter what, make sure you always Keep On Gaming!

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