NEW DELHI: S8UL Esports has clinched the title at the Pokémon UNITE World Championship Series (WCS) 2025 India Qualifier, earning the prestigious opportunity to represent India at the global finals in Anaheim, USA, this August.
Organized by The Pokémon Company in collaboration with Skyesports, the India Qualifier was a high-stakes tournament featuring the country’s top teams. With this victory, S8UL Esports will make their third consecutive appearance at the World Championship, reaffirming their status as one of India’s most consistent Pokémon UNITE squads.
C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S 👑
Throne reclaimed. Legacy sealed.
Best in India — now it’s time to conquer the world.
World Series bound. See y’all there 🇮🇳🚀#S8UL pic.twitter.com/d5v8D2xUPG— S8UL (@S8ulesports) April 6, 2025
From Setbacks to a Comeback
Their journey, however, has not been without setbacks. The team was eliminated in the group stage during the 2023 championship and faced visa issues in 2024 that barred them from competing on the international stage. Determined to bounce back, they are now set for a redemption arc in 2025 with a renewed focus on leaving a lasting impression globally. The upcoming championship, scheduled for August 15–17 in Anaheim, will feature 16 teams from across the world battling for a share of the $500,000 prize pool.
For the S8UL Pokémon UNITE squad, this win comes as a major morale boost after their early elimination from the Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League (ACL) India League earlier this year.
Epic Lower-Bracket Run
S8UL’s road to victory was dramatic and hard-fought. After a shaky start and a 2-0 loss to True Rippers Esports in their opening match, they launched a remarkable lower-bracket run. The team defeated Team Dynamis, ABZ, True Rippers Esports, and QML to earn a spot in the Grand Finals against Revenant XSpark.
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Entering the finals from the lower bracket meant S8UL had to win two consecutive best-of-three series. Rising to the challenge, they triumphed in a dominant 2-0 sweep in the first series and sealed the championship with a thrilling 2-1 win in the second.
Voices from the Victory
Speaking after the win, S8UL’s Deep “Snowyy” Patel highlighted the team’s unwavering chemistry:
“I think our team in particular, S8UL, is different compared to every other team in the scene. If you look at the last couple of years, from 2023 to 2025, we’ve been the only roster that has stayed the same — the same five players with the same roles, including the support staff. We’ve had our hiccups, we’ve doubted each other a bit, but we’ve stuck together. And I think that really says something… The only thing I’d say we really want to improve on is making a mark on the global stage. This time we actually want to put India’s flag on the map.”
Skyesports Founder and CEO, Shiva Nandy, also emphasized the growing competitiveness in the Indian esports scene:
“Over the past three major Pokémon UNITE tournaments in India — the ACL India League, the Winter Tournament, and now the WCS India Qualifier — three different teams have claimed victory. This highlights the competitive spirit and skill barrier that The Pokémon Company and Skyesports have cultivated in India over the past three years. The future looks bright for Pokémon UNITE in the country, and we wish the best of luck to S8UL as they head to the USA to compete on the world stage.”
Looking Ahead to Anaheim
Adding to its prestige, Pokémon UNITE has been officially confirmed as a medal event for the 2026 Asian Games, solidifying its position as a premier esports title. Events like the WCS India Qualifier are playing a pivotal role in grooming Indian talent for the international stage.
With passion, perseverance, and a united roster, S8UL Esports now looks ahead to Anaheim — where they’ll not only compete for glory, but also aim to make history for Indian esports.
