Following a tournament that brought together eight competitors under the guidance of VGC icon Ray Rizzo, the Pokémon Champion of Champions event has crowned its winner. Mike Hobbs, a UK-based world record holder in nettle-eating, took the official title on July 30 after a tense finals matchup that went the distance.
Quick Facts
- Winner: Mike Hobbs (UK stinging nettle-eating champion)
- Tournament Conclusion Date: July 30
- Mentor: Three-time Pokémon VGC World Champion Ray Rizzo
- Grand Prize: A trip to the Pokémon World Championships for Hobbs and his family
From Nettle-Eating to VGC Strategy
The Pokémon Company International organized the Champion of Champions concept to pit niche world record holders—including air guitarists, whistlers, and pillow fighters—against each other in the competitive VGC format. Hobbs, whose primary background with the franchise was through pop culture and watching his two children, had no prior experience with open team sheets, type matchups, or competitive predictions.
Working alongside Ray Rizzo, Hobbs learned the ropes of the VGC format over a couple of days of training. Rizzo broke down mechanics for beginners, enabling Hobbs to navigate the tournament lineup and defeat the air guitar champion in the final round.
Looking Ahead to Worlds
As part of his victory, Hobbs secured a trip to the 2027 Pokémon World Championships, which he plans to attend with his wife and two children. Reflecting on the experience, Hobbs noted that while nettle-eating pushes physical endurance and pain tolerance to the limit, competitive Pokémon requires intense mental strategy, synergy, and quick thinking.