In Ancient Egypt, there was a powerful force locked away for a millennium. Now one boy (Yugi) has released that power.

According to the legend, five thousand years ago the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs played a game called the Shadow Game. This game pitted real monsters against each other in combat. With so many magical spells and ferocious creatures occupying the entire world, it wasn't long before an evil being was brought back to life. Fortunately, a brave Pharaoh stepped in and averted disaster.

In present day, Yugi is a shy freshman boy who loves to play Duel Monsters, which is the modern form of the Shadow Game, but played with cards, instead of real monsters. He was taught how to play by his Grandpa -- who also gives him an ancient Egyptian artifact called the Millennium Puzzle. Legend has it that whoever solves the puzzle will be granted mysterious powers. Yugi solves the puzzle and he is instilled with the spirit of an Egyptian Pharoah. He becomes Yami Yugi which helps him to build confidence.

Now, he is a Master Duelist who duels with honor and has many friends who he helps along the way.