Japan's INSOMNIA Secures Pokémon Unite ACL 2025 Crown, Earns Worlds Spot

Japan’s INSOMNIA Secures Pokémon Unite ACL 2025 Crown, Earns Worlds Spot

TOKYO – Newly-formed Japanese INSOMNIA emerged victorious in the Pokémon Unite Asia Champions League (ACL) 2025, claiming their first international title last Sunday.

The hometown team overcame Indonesia’s Alter Ego in a thrilling best-of-five series held at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, securing a 3-1 victory to take home the USD 60,000 grand prize and a direct slot in the Pokémon UNITE World Championship 2025 in Anaheim, California.

INSOMNIA Overcomes Early Setback

Alter Ego made a statement in Game 1, staging a dramatic comeback in the final 30 seconds to secure a 669-418 win. Loo “Shingdi” Kin-shing’s Zeraora played a pivotal role in Alter Ego’s late-game dominance, taking down four of INSOMNIA’s key players.

However, the Japanese squad wasted no time bouncing back. In Game 2, INSOMNIA responded with a dominant 696-238 win, with “Usakazu” and “sSlime” leading the charge using Trevenant and Scizor.

Building on their momentum, INSOMNIA delivered another crushing blow in Game 3, dismantling Alter Ego 687-132 before sealing the championship in Game 4 with a resounding 887-307 finish.

Talon Esports Falls Short in Group Stage

The Philippines’ lone representative, Talon Esports, failed to advance past the group stage, settling for a joint 9th-12th place finish.

Talon ended third in Group D, finishing behind eventual third-place winners and 2025 Aeos Cup champions Luminosity Gaming, as well as ZETA Division, who finished fourth overall. However, Talon managed to avenge their previous loss against Buriram United Esports before their exit.

Road to Anaheim: Regional Qualifiers Begin Soon

Teams that missed out on a direct Worlds qualification through the ACL will have another shot through regional qualifiers, which will take place between April and June.

A total of 30 slots will be allocated across various regions, with the Philippines receiving one direct berth in the World Championship. The national qualifier for the Philippines is set for April 5-6.