The spell has worked. Noah Lyles, the defending 100-meter world champion, has clocked a time of 9.92 seconds in the US Olympics Trials 100-meter heat advancing to the semi-final. But that’s not all. Lyles brought a touch of nostalgia and flair to the track with a memorable entry. He has just walked in by brandishing a Blue-Eyes White Dragon Yu-Gi-Oh! card, adding a unique twist to the high-stakes event. Now, why this prop, you ask?

Known for his charismatic presence on and off the track, his entry with the iconic card has delighted fans worldwide. Moreover, by securing a phenomenal win, he has solidified his status as an elite sprinter with a magnetic personality. However, while many already celebrate the track sensation more knowing the overwhelming significance of the card, many track enthusiasts are waiting to learn all about it. What was this hilarious fandom and gimmick all about? Is this is new trump card?

Is Noah Lyles aiming to be the ‘King of Games’ on the track with his Blue-Eyes White Dragon card?

The Blue-Eyes White Dragon is a legendary card from the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game. This level 8, light attribute dragon card, is known for its iconic power and capability. Moreover, its enchanting status is further cemented by its association with Seto Kaiba, a key character in the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime and manga. Very similar to Noah Lyles in the 100-meter heat in the trials, Seto Kaiba often uses this card to dominate his opponents. Also, the description of this monster card reads, “This legendary dragon is a powerful engine of destruction. Virtually invincible, very few have faced this awesome creature and lived to tell the tale”. Is that what Noah Lyles is aiming to be on the track? Possibly a subtle and nebulous signal of sorts?

Yu-Gi-Oh! itself is a strategic card game where players use Monster, Spell, and Trap cards to reduce their opponent’s Life Points to zero. And the card that Lyles boasted today at the event has become symbolic of the game’s competitive essence owing to its sheer power and prestige in the deck of cards. Lyles showcasing the Blue-Eyes White Dragon card during his 100m trial entry was simply a nod to this card’s iconic status and its cultural significance. The lure is particularly among millennials and Gen Z who grew up with the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise.

The Japanese term Yu-Gi-Oh also holds another strong meaning. The word translates to ‘King of Games’. The player who’s able to tackle any game or challenge with the capability of a master strategist becomes the Yu-Gi-Oh or the ‘King of Games’. And with the bucket list of Noah Lyles for the Paris Olympics, it’s pretty clear that he is truly aiming to be the ‘King of his Sport’. But this is not all. Noah Lyles was waiting to share with his fans what he carries in his briefcase. And has done the same for his fans after clocking 9.92 in the trials.

Lyles’ briefcase revelation and fashion teasers spark Olympic excitement

Before entering, Lyles today pulled out the Blue-Eyes White Dragon Card from his briefcase. But that’s not all that the suitcase carries. Lyles also got “some Exodia pieces” inside the case. Talking about the cost of the pieces in the Citius Mag interview, Lyles said, “…it depends which version you want. Not all of them are expensive. Some of them you can find for $15 to $30. Some of them you can pay easily $500”. 

Also narrating why he was carrying the briefcase, Lyles said that it was for, “generating hype”. He said, “If you’re generating excitement and hype, it’s like what’s in the freaking briefcase, …well I pulled out this uniform and its all white. I got three more new uniforms and you’ve to wait”. Lyles with his fashion statement and jaw-dropping entries is already a track sensation. And now as he prepares for the Paris Olympics and aims for a quadruple and break the world record, fans would wait to witness if Lyles continues to embody the spirit of a true competitor, aiming to be the undisputed ‘King of his game’ with every stride he takes.