November 11, 2024
By Joe Pan
Cheng Yi-kai, a 16-year-old from Hong Kong, has become an unlikely world champion in the mobile game Pokémon GO, beating out competitors from around the globe in a game downloaded over 1 billion times.
Cheng, known as Yekai to friends and Yekai0904 online, was recently awarded the first-ever Game On MVP Award at the 2024 Game On Conference, where he shared his remarkable journey for the first time.
Cheng’s path to victory began eight years ago when his aunt introduced him to the game after a dim sum lunch. What started as a casual pastime soon became a passion that would take him to the world stage.
“Eight years ago, after yum cha, my Auntie June showed me Pokémon GO,” Cheng recalled. “She said, ‘Let’s go catch Pokémon!’ We went to a park, and catching Pokémon in the real world felt just like the cartoon. I was amazed!”
As Cheng improved his skills, he faced numerous challenges, including language barriers. “All the YouTube videos were in English,” he explained. “I didn’t understand them at first, so I had to use Google Translate to help me.”
Sam Cheung, the self-appointed business manager for the Hong Kong Pokémon GO team, played a crucial role in Cheng’s success. When Cheng and his teammates qualified for the World Championships but lacked the funds to attend, Cheung took on the daunting task of securing sponsorships.
Cheng’s journey to the top wasn’t smooth. After a disappointing performance in his first World Championships, he dedicated himself to improving. “I participated in a weekly ‘Show 6, Pick 3’ league called the APAC League,” Cheng said. “I didn’t like this format, but I knew once I joined the league, I had to play at least once a week. It forced me to study my opponent’s team.”
His hard work paid off. Cheng won the APAC League and achieved the world’s number one ranking three times in the following year. His unique approach to the game set him apart from his competitors.
At the World Championships in Hawaii, Cheng faced the top 0.0004% of Pokémon GO players – the best of the best. He outperformed every opponent, including champions from Japan, Ireland, and India, without losing a single match.
“My success wasn’t just about individual skill,” Cheng said. “Aaron, my coach, helped me build a Pokémon team tailored to my playstyle. Kai Fung, another team member, provided crucial analysis of opponents’ strategies. With their support, and a bit of luck, I was able to win.”
Cheng’s story is more than just about winning; it’s a testament to perseverance and community support. From overcoming language barriers to securing funding and adapting to new competitive formats, his journey embodies what it means to be a true champion.
Game On MVP Award Presented to YeKai by Li Hua, Executive Director, Shenzhen Huaya Technology Transfer Institute
As Cheng looks toward his future plans while balancing gaming with academic responsibilities, he remains focused on both fronts. “I want to win the world championship title twice,” he said. “As Sam said, I’m working hard on my public exams. With Team Hong Kong’s support, I think I can make it.”
Cheng’s story serves as an inspiration not just for esports enthusiasts but for anyone pursuing their passion against all odds. It shows that with hard work, adaptability, and strong support systems, it’s possible to rise to the top of global competitions with over a billion participants.
About the author
Joe Pan is an editor at Blockwind News and an early adopter of blockchain technology. He has covered major crypto conferences globally since 2019 and frequently moderates Web3 events across Asia. Joe is part of the founding team of NFTMetta and Blockwind News.
