MUMBAI: Remember the global frenzy when Niantic’s John Hanke unleashed Pokémon GO, sparking a worldwide revolution and rekindling childhood nostalgia?
That unexpected masterpiece didn’t just exceed expectations—it redefined mobile gaming, amassing nearly eight billion in lifetime revenue across the App Store and Google Play. With its best financial year in 2020, raking in $908.94 million, and a still-impressive $655.24 million in 2022, Pokémon GO became a cultural phenomenon, turning sidewalks into battlefields and parks into Pokémon havens.
For many of us, it wasn’t just a game—it was a time machine. It whisked us back to those cherished afternoons of munching on lunch while glued to the TV, cheering as Ash and Pikachu braved another adventure. Now, as the Pokémon legacy continues to thrive, a new chapter is here to reignite the excitement.
In a move to keep the spirit alive and burning, The Pokémon Company, in collaboration with Skyesports, has announced the Pokémon Unite Winter Tournament India 2025. This grassroots esports extravaganza promises not only glory but also a chance for Indian players to compete for national pride on the international stage. Get ready, trainers—the journey isn’t over yet!
The tournament features a prize pool of $10,000, with the ultimate victor earning a coveted spot in the Pokémon Unite Asia Champions League 2025 finals. Scheduled to take place in Shinjuku, Japan, on 29-30 March, the finals will host elite teams from across Asia.
Registrations for the tournament are now live on the official website and will close on 29 January 2025. The event begins with a qualifier stage, followed by group stages, and culminates in the playoffs. The top eight teams will battle through a double-elimination bracket, aiming for the prestigious international slot.
Tournament schedule:
1 Qualifier Stage: Single-elimination bracket (1-2 February)
2 Group Stage: Four groups in a single round-robin format (8 February)
3 Playoffs: Top two teams from each group compete in double elimination (9 February)
The tournament complements the ongoing Pokémon Unite ACL India League, which engages top-tier organisations such as S8UL, GodLike, Revenant XSpark, and Global Esports. While the ACL India League focuses on professional teams, the winter tournament serves as a platform for aspiring talent.
An executive from the Pokémon company highlighted the initiative’s dual approach: “While the ACL India League supports the top-tier organisations of the country, the Winter Tournament highlights our commitment to grassroots development. By supporting players at every level—from grassroots to the pro scene—we aim to ensure the sustainable growth of Pokémon Unite esports in India.”
Skyesports, CEO & founder, Shiva Nandy added, “We are thrilled to introduce the open-for-all Pokémon UNITE Winter Tournament. This competition gives every aspiring pro player a chance to shine and represent the country in Japan. The tournament underscores Skyesports’ vision of giving Indian players and teams a chance to compete on the global stage. Best of luck to all participants.”
Pokémon Unite's dynamic 10-minute matches have fuelled its rapid rise in India, cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of players and fans. This winter tournament aims to nurture this growth further, ensuring continued momentum for Pokémon Unite esports in the country.
