Rachael Ng

The former coach of 16-year-old Hong Kong Pokemon trainer Cheng Yip-kai said he was deeply moved when Cheng was crowned world champion, especially after enduring mockery and humiliation while seeking sponsorship in the past.

Cheng achieved the remarkable milestone at the annual Pokemon Go World Championship in Hawaii from August 16 to 18, triumphing in the final against Dutch opponent Martijn Versteeg with a score of 3-1.

Cheung Lok-hang, the former leader of the Hong Kong Pokemon Go team who helped Cheng secure sponsorship for the competition, praised his ex-protege for his resilience and determination.

"Instead of complaining, he focused on self-reflection and self-improvement, ultimately composing a triumphant story for himself," Cheung said yesterday.

"This world championship is incredibly competitive, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

He likened Pokemon Go to a game of chess that tests both intellect and strength, describing it as "extremely challenging."

He said players, much like traditional athletes, need to dedicate countless hours to practice and study their opponents' strategies.

"Travel expenses can be a significant burden for a 16-year-old," Cheung said, adding that five local players had to withdraw in the past from an unofficial world championship in the United Kingdom due to travel costs.

He recalled difficulties in finding sponsors: "They would say, 'Why should I sponsor you? Have you become a world champion yet?'"

Esports Association of Hong Kong, China, founding president Eric Yeung Chuen-sing expressed concern over the limited opportunities and resources for players to participate in competitions.

"Many large-scale events are not recognized by the traditional sports sector, meaning the government cannot allocate funding," he said.

Cheng Yip-kai

Coach feels vindicated by Pokemon world champion