Pokémon Go took the world by storm when it launched in July 2016, peaking at around 28.5 million players at its peak in the US alone. Even today, millions still play the game every day. The game has proven to be a great uniter of people; those who normally might not have a reason to actually go outside with their friends, taking walks to catch rare Dratinis or Charmander.
And if you thought famous people were immune to the Pokémon craze, think again; dozens of celebrities have made public statements about their love for the game, either raving over a rare catch or ranting over missing one. Here are 10 celebrities you may not have expected to be die-hard trainers, but do, in fact, want to be the very best like no one ever was.
10 Josh Groban
When Josh Groban wasn’t busy serenading us with a heartfelt Christmas album, he found time to catch ‘em all. Or at least, catch quite a few of ‘em all. He tweets about Pokémon going to bed and Pokémon going to work - I hope he still had time to Pokémon go see his friends and family!
In another tweet, he writes: “Pokémon Go is something the kids are up to. Yep. Just kids. Definitely.” You don’t have to hide it from us anymore Josh, it’s okay. We’ll still buy your albums, even if you do play with children’s characters on a phone.
9 Justice Smith (From Detective Pikachu)
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that Justice Smith, the lead actor in the film Detective Pikachu, loves Pokemon Go. Detective Pikachu, much like Pokémon Go, brings Pokémon into the real world with real people.
In an interview with The Wrap, Smith talks about his loyalty to the Pokémon franchise and how he was addicted to the mobile game like many other fans. Glad to know he has some Pokémon street cred! In the image featured, Smith poses in a Pokémon Go-sponsored tweet, where he smiles for the camera with a Totodile.
8 Tyra Banks
Ninetales is nothing short of fabulous. Even International Fashion Superstar Tyra Banks agrees! In October of 2019, Tyra Banks tweeted a picture of herself posing with the Fire-type Pokémon with the caption: “Ninetails is definitely werkkking it with that fanned tail and neck for dayzzz.”
Is this a sneak peek at Ninetales’ new modeling career? Or maybe Banks’ career as a gym leader? Because she could rock a Fire-type gym. Fun fact: Tyra Banks actually misspelled Ninetales, but can we blame her? Why they named a Pokémon with nine tails “Ninetales” we will never know…
7 Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert has referenced and talked about Pokémon Go several times on his late-night talk show The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In one skit, he attempts to address his audience while several people wander around his stage hunting for Pokémon.
In another, he goes as far as to make up his own Pokémon, which he calls “Trobgobs.” He says this is short for “trouser goblins” (don’t ask!). If the skits weren’t enough of a love letter to Pokémon Go, he tweeted back in July of 2016, “I love catching Pokémon on this new app! Much better than the stuff you can catch from Tinder.” Too true!
6 Demi Lovato
Nick Jonas is having trouble understanding Demi Lovato’s obsession with catching Pokémon. While they were on tour, Nick quoted Demi on Twitter, as she yelled on set, “There’s no f—in Pokemon here?!” He then followed it with a #thisisoutofhand. Nick may not get it, but the rest of us Pokemon fans stand with Demi. On or off tour, gotta catch ‘em all!
5 Keke Palmer
If Pokémon has taught us anything, it’s that these little creatures make great friends. And Keke Palmer agrees. In October of 2019, she made a sponsored tweet proclaiming her love for her Poochyena on Pokemon Go.
On Twitter, she writes, “My #PokemonGO buddy is the cutest. Just like ME 😂😅😏. This little Poochyena gives me such ❤️❤️. What are you doing with your buddy in Pokémon GO?" Our only question is, why Poochyena? Maybe Keke will catch some stronger Pokémon when she gets past Route 2.
4 Justine Ezarik (iJustine)
Famous Youtuber Justine is known for her cooking videos, her vlogs, and her gaming videos. Of the many games she has played, one of her favorites is Pokémon Go. iJustine has posted several videos of her hunting for Pokémon, along with guides on how to use the app. She’s proven that she’s willing to search far and wide for rare Pokémon.
3 Jordan Fisher
Jordan Fisher loves his Pokémon, tweeting in July of 2016, “Pokemon GO is about to consume my life.” For a guy with his level of fame, that is a bold statement!
On a much sadder note, he tweeted the next day, “TRYING TO CATCH A WARTURTLE AND THE SERVER CRASHED.” You can actually feel his frustration through the keyboard. Even celebrities can’t avoid Pokémon Go’s server issues. He later makes a follow-up tweet saying, “WHEN DO YOU EVER SEE A WILD WARTURTLE.” Better luck next time Jordan!
2 Trevor Noah
The host of the Daily Show, Trevor Noah, was spotted by one of his fans in Riverside Park catching Pokémon during his break. According to a USA Today article, Noah set up lures nearby, and he even helped his fan catch a Scyther! He’s made multiple tweets expressing his love for the game, including the featured tweet where he attempts to explain to a woman that he’s only trying to catch a Pokémon and not taking pictures of her child. Whoops!
1 John Mayer
Many of our featured celebrities have made mention of their love for Pokémon Go. They played the game, they made skits about it, and they’ve taken pictures with Pokémon. But John Mayer flexes on all Pokémon fans when he flaunts his purchase of 14,500 PokeCoins for $99.99. That is some serious commitment to the Pokélife, John!
NEXT: A Guide On Everything You Need To Know About Pokémon Go Raid Hours
