Ed Sheeran gives surprise performance of Pokémon anime theme and Celestial at World Championships
Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships closing ceremony held at Chase Center in San Francisco during Championship Sunday, the finals day of the competition. The musician opened the closing ceremony with two memorable performances: his 2022 single “Celestial,” which was featured on the end credits of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and an acoustic rendition of the classic original Pokémon anime’s iconic theme song.
The performance highlighted Sheeran’s ongoing relationship with The Pokémon Company. Beyond the World Championships appearance, Sheeran has previously contributed to the franchise through his work on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, where “Celestial” played during the games’ end credits. His involvement demonstrates the growing prominence of musical performances and celebrity appearances at major esports and gaming events.
The World Championships closing ceremony performance brings together music and competitive gaming culture, showcasing how major gaming events are increasingly becoming entertainment spectacles that extend beyond the competition itself. Sheeran’s acoustic take on the beloved Pokémon anime theme likely resonated with the diverse audience attending the championships, many of whom grew up with the original series.