Team Nemesis makes its mark as PH run ends at Pokémon Worlds

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 30, 2026

Photo courtesy: Team Nemesis FB Page

SAN FRANCISCO, United States — The Philippines’ campaign at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships ended after Team Nemesis and the country’s remaining representatives fell short of advancing to the championship rounds.

Team Nemesis lost to South Korea’s T1, 2-1, in the opening round of the Pokémon UNITE playoffs at the Moscone Center.

The Filipino squad entered the match with a one-game penalty over its use of hand powder. Head coach Albert “Berty” Camp attributed the violation to a misunderstanding of the event rules, saying the team had previously been told not to bring powder but was not clearly informed that its use was prohibited.

Despite starting the series with a 0-1 disadvantage, Nemesis won the next game to force a decider. T1, however, prevailed in the final game following a late clash and crucial last hits.

Nemesis reached the playoffs after finishing first in Group F. The team had earlier defeated Japan’s Fennel, 2-1, in a deciding group-stage match to secure a place on the second day of competition.

Other Filipino competitors also ended their campaigns on Day 2.

Noah Alampay, competing in the Video Game Seniors division, finished with a 9-3 record after going undefeated in eight matches on the opening day. His run ended against Brazil’s Lucas de Carvalho Barbosa.

Ryan Kenrick Chua placed 38th in the Video Game Masters division with a 7-4 record, while Scott Go finished his Pokémon Trading Card Game Juniors campaign with a 5-3 slate.

The Pokémon World Championships featured competitions in Pokémon UNITE, the Pokémon Video Game Championships, Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon GO. The championship matches were scheduled at the Chase Center on Monday, Manila time.