Ed Sheeran plays Pokémon theme live
When the world of gaming and collectible cards meets global music superstars, the results are often spectacular. This weekend, the 2026 Pokémon World Championships provided just that kind of magic, and it featured an unforgettable surprise performance from Ed Sheeran.
Held at San Francisco’s Chase Center, the championships brought together competitors in the official Video Game Championships, as well as the trading card games of Pokémon Go and Unite. But the highlight for many attendees was the unexpected musical treat on Sunday.
As the official event drew to a close, Ed Sheeran took the stage to deliver a performance that blended his signature soulful vocals with the beloved world of Pokémon. He performed his 2022 anthem Celestial before offering an acoustic run-through of the classic Pokémon theme song, bringing a dose of pure nostalgia to the massive celebration.
Sheeran’s connection to the franchise is deep-rooted. He has played Pokémon since primary school, recalling a time when he and his brother would trade cards until they completed their Pokédex. He often spoke about how the games offered an escape, a vibrant world that kept him distracted from the stresses of everyday life.
This deep affection for the franchise isn’t new. Earlier this year, Sheeran was praised for navigating brand collaborations with authenticity, notably turning down a partnership with Fortnite because he sought to ensure any association felt genuine. Instead, he found his path by collaborating directly with The Pokémon Company.
The excitement surrounding the World Championships extended beyond the stage. During the event, major announcements were made, promising new creative ventures for the Pokémon universe. Fans were introduced to the upcoming animated movie Wild Card, which tells the exciting story of a Pokémon TCG player and his partner Mimikyu. Additionally, there was a first look at the stop-motion Disney+ series The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu, created by the renowned studio Aardman.
The blend of music, gaming, and pop culture made the Pokémon World Championships a truly unique and memorable event, proving that shared passion can create some truly magical moments for everyone involved.
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