Gotta Catch 'Em All: Ed Sheeran Stuns Pokémon World Championships With Live Cover of Original Anime Theme

Ed Sheeran just gave gaming fans the ultimate pop-culture crossover moment. The hitmaking singer made an unannounced appearance at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco, leaving an arena full of esports players and anime lovers completely stunned. Taking the stage on the final day of the massive competitive gathering at the Chase Center, the chart-topping musician delivered a brief set designed specifically for the dedicated fandom in attendance. He kicked off his surprise pop-up with a live rendition of "Celestial," his 2022 anthem created for the *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet* video games, before taking things back to the very beginning. ## Ed Sheeran Pokémon World Championships performance Stripping things down with his trusty acoustic guitar, Sheeran launched into a live cover of the original *Pokémon* anime opening theme. Audience members instantly erupted into a stadium-wide singalong, belting out the famous lyrics alongside the pop giant during the tournament's closing ceremony on Sunday. Social media quickly flooded with fan-shot footage showcasing the acoustic performance. The multi-day championship event ran from August 28 to August 30, drawing global contenders vying for titles across the official Video Game Championships, the Trading Card Game, *Pokémon Go*, and *Pokémon Unite*. ## Why did Ed Sheeran sing the Pokémon theme song? Sheeran's connection to the world of Pocket Monsters runs much deeper than a simple corporate partnership. The singer is a self-proclaimed lifelong enthusiast of the franchise, frequently sharing his passion for the games during interviews throughout his massive music career. He told the San Francisco audience that he has been avidly playing the game series since he was a young student in primary school. His obsession previously culminated in his official music video for "Celestial," which showcased animated versions of fan-favorite creatures like Pikachu, Charmander, and Snorlax interacting with him in his everyday life. By appearing live at the official world finals, the pop star proved his allegiance to the brand remains as strong as ever. The surprise concert provided a grand finale to a high-stakes weekend of competitive gaming, giving attendees an unforgettable story and proving that even global music royalty cannot resist the urge to catch 'em all.