The 2025 Pokémon World Championships wrapped up on August 17 in Anaheim, California, bringing together the very best players from across the globe. From trading cards to video games, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Unite, the competition showcased the skill, strategy, and dedication that define competitive Pokémon.

Trading Card Game: Masters, Seniors, and Juniors

In the TCG Masters Division, Canada’s Riley McKay claimed the top spot, impressing fans with his meticulous Gardevoir ex deck. The deck combined 17 Pokémon, 28 Trainer cards, and 11 Energy cards, highlighting Riley’s ability to balance offense and defense under high-pressure conditions. In the Seniors and Juniors Divisions, Fuguan Liao from China and Yuya Okita from Japan respectively claimed victory, demonstrating the depth of talent around the world.

VGC: A United States Sweep

The Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Video Game Championships (VGC) were dominated by U.S. players. Giovanni Cischke took home the Masters Division title, while Kevin Han and Luke Whittier won the Seniors and Juniors Divisions. Their victories reflect the competitive spirit and strategic planning required to succeed in high-level VGC play.

Pokémon GO: Beelzeboy Makes History

Pokémon GO fans witnessed history as Ved “Beelzeboy” Bamb from India became the first Indian player to win a Pokémon World Championship title. Beelzeboy battled his way from the lower bracket to claim victory over Spain’s Leo “P4T0M4N” Marín in a dramatic 3–2 final. His triumph earned him $20,000 from a $100,000 prize pool, proving that perseverance and skill can pay off on the world stage.

Pokémon Unite: Peru Unite Takes the Crown

In Pokémon Unite, Peru Unite secured their first world championship title, defeating Zeta Division in a tense final match. Teams Luminosity and Santos Laguna shared third place. The competition emphasized teamwork and coordination, critical elements for success in this fast-paced team battle game.

The 2025 Championships, hosted at the Anaheim Convention Centre, offered not just prizes but an invaluable experience for players and fans alike. With players from dozens of countries competing at the highest level, the event reinforced Pokémon’s reputation as a global gaming phenomenon.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Pokémon World Championships are set to take place in San Francisco, promising another year of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.