India’s esports community is celebrating a historic milestone as Ved “Beelzeboy” Bamb has been crowned the first-ever Indian Pokémon GO World Champion. The 21-year-old from Nagpur secured the title in a thrilling Grand Final at the Pokémon GO World Championships 2025 in Anaheim, California, making him a pioneer on the global stage.
Bamb’s victory was hard-fought. After being knocked into the lower bracket by Spain’s Leo “P4T0M4N” Marín, he battled his way back to the Grand Final. There, in a nail-biting, best-of-five series, he defeated his rival in a 3-2 comeback, forcing a bracket reset and then a final deciding set. With nerves of steel, Bamb clinched the championship with a crucial final move from his Lapras, securing the win and the $20,000 top prize.
This achievement marks the culmination of years of dedication for Bamb, who began playing the game casually in 2016 before becoming a serious competitor during the COVID-19 pandemic. His journey has been one of steady progress, including a fourth-place finish at the 2024 World Championships and winning the Pokémon GO India National Championships. His victory is more than a personal triumph; it’s a monumental moment for Indian esports, proving that the country can produce world-class talent and inspire a new generation of gamers.
