Harvey started yo-yoing in 1931 at the age of 12 with a Duncan 77. As a quick learner, he picked up the tricks of the trade quickly and continued to win many local Duncan and Cheerio competitions that were held as part of various corner-store promotions. Cheerio quickly caught onto the talented player and hired him, but since he was under 16 years of age at the time, they had also hired a teacher/tutor accompany him. During this time period, Harvey traveled through Canada, competing and winning in every contest that he entered. At age 13, Harvey travelled to London to compete in the 1932 World Yo-Yo Championships, hosted by Cheerio. He competed for China (more than one competitor from a single country was not allowed) and defeated the legendary Canadian player Joe Young, and in Harvey's ow