Updated at January 8, 10:58 a.m. (GMT +8): Pyro Manila are unable to play due to unforeseen circumstances and have been replaced by Stalwart League.
Now halfway through Pokémon Battle Festival Asia 2021, Pokemon Unite fans are in for treat as the Pokemon Unite AKB48 Group Invitational is finally upon us.
A tournament featuring AKB48’s sister idol groups, these singing and dancing idols turned trainers will be going head-to-head in the first ever official Pokemon Unite tournament in Asia.
What is the Pokemon Unite AKB48 Group Invitational?
The Pokemon Unite AKB48 Group Invitational is a Pokemon Unite regional tournament featuring eight teams from popular Asian idol groups JKT48, BNK48, MNL48, and CGM48.
Pokemon Unite AKB48 Group Invitational schedule and results
The main event takes place on January 8, 9, and 16.
Group stage
January 8, Saturday (Group A)
Upper Bracket Round 1
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Very Vary | 2 — 1 | Stalwart League |
| Amazons48 | 0 — 2 | SteZie |
Upper Bracket Final
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Very Vary | 1 — 2 | SteZie |
Lower Bracket Round 1
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Stalwart League | 2 — 0 | Amazons48 |
Lower Bracket Final
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Stalwart League | 0 — 2 | Very Vary |
January 9, Sunday (Group B)
Upper Bracket Round 1
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Yummy Remote | 2–0 | Valkyrie48 |
| Padayon | 2–1 | Attack |
Upper Bracket Final
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Yummy Remote | 0–2 | Padayon |
Lower Bracket Round 1
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Attack | 2–0 | Valkyrie48 |
Lower Bracket Final
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Yummy Remote | 2–0 | Attack |
Playoffs
January 16, Sunday
Semifinal
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Yummy Remote | 2–1 | SteZie |
| Padayon | 2–0 | Very Vary |
Grand Final
| TEAM | RESULT | TEAM |
| Yummy Remote | 1–3 | Padayon |
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Teams participating in the Pokemon Unite AKB48 Group Invitational
These are the eight teams that will be competing in the Pokemon Unite AKB48 Group Invitational.
| 48 IDOL GROUP | TEAM |
| JKT48 | Valkyrie48 Amazons48 |
| BNK48 | Very Vary Yummy Remote |
| MNL48 | Padayon Stalwart League |
| CGM48 | SteZie Attack |
Format of Pokemon Unite AKB48 Group Invitational
Pokemon Unite AKB48 Group Invitational begins with the Group Stage. All eight teams will be divided into two groups of four teams competing in a double-elimination format.
All Group Stage matches will be best-of-three.
The tournament then moves on to the Playoffs where all participating teams will compete in a single-elimination bracket.
All matches are best-of-three, except for the final, which is a best-of-five.
Where to watch Pokemon Unite AKB48 Group Invitational
Kicking off on January 8, Pokemon Unite fans can watch the tournament live on Pokemon Philippines official Facebook page, Pokemon Asia’s official YouTube channel, or ESL Asia’s official Twitch channel.
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