India levels up as PUACL 2026 returns with $20,000 prize

NATIONAL: India is getting ready to catch ’em all, this time on the esports stage. The Pokémon Company has unveiled the 2026 Pokémon Unite Asia Champions League India League, a $20,000 online showdown that will decide which home-grown squad earns its ticket to the global finals in Yokohama’s Buntai Arena next year.

Executed by Skyesports, one of India’s leading esports operators, the league brings together ten of the country’s strongest organisations, including S8UL, GodLike Esports, Team Tamilas, Revenant XSpark and True Rippers. With Pokémon Unite’s competitive scene booming in the region, the tournament attempts to give Indian teams a clear route from local stardom to international contention.

The season begins with a five-day group stage running from late November to mid-January, followed by the King of the Hill playoffs on 31 January. The winner takes home the India League title, a share of the $20,000 prize pool and, more importantly, India’s lone berth at the PUACL 2026 offline finals in Japan, which will feature a far larger pot and teams from across Asia.

Skyesports founder and chief executive Shiva Nandy, said the league reflects the “strong and passionate competitive community” that has grown around the title in India. He added that the event gives players “a clear path to compete at the highest level in Asia,” while highlighting the quality of talent emerging from the domestic ecosystem.

The entire season will stream live on official Pokémon Unite and Skyesports channels, offering fans a ringside seat as established contenders and rising hopefuls jostle for supremacy. Last year’s champions, GodLike Esports, made it to the finals in Japan but were knocked out in the group stage. They will be eager to reclaim the crown and script a stronger international run in 2026.

With reputations, bragging rights and a shot at global glory on the line, India’s Pokémon Unite season promises high stakes, high drama and, if fans are lucky, a few super-effective surprises.