Indian team Aryan x TMG sparks global controversy ahead of the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2025 after a player is found using the alias “Hitler.” The esports community demands accountability as organizers enforce strict naming rules.
Indian PUBG Mobile team Aryan x TMG Gaming has found itself at the center of a major controversy ahead of the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2025, part of the prestigious Esports World Cup (EWC) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The backlash stems from a player on the team using the alias “Hitler,” a name globally associated with fascist dictator Adolf Hitler.
Although the team recently achieved a remarkable victory in the Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2025, earning a cash prize of around $145,000 and the opportunity to represent India at the EWC, the focus has shifted from their accomplishments to their controversial branding.
The team name “Aryan” and the player’s “Hitler” alias have raised significant concerns within the global esports community. While the term Aryan has Sanskrit roots, meaning “noble” and holds different cultural meanings in countries like India and Iran, its appropriation by Nazi Germany during World War II to promote racial superiority casts a long, dark shadow over its use. The use of “Hitler” as a gaming handle, however, lacks any cultural justification and has been widely condemned as offensive and insensitive.
According to reports from TalkEsport, tournament organizers have intervened. The player formerly known as “Hitler” will not be allowed to use the name during the PUBG Mobile World Cup and will instead compete under the name “Henry,” which he has used in past events. The enforcement of strict naming regulations is a common practice in global esports to maintain professionalism and avoid broadcasting names that could be considered hate speech or historically traumatic.
The incident has sparked broader discussions across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where fans, players, and analysts expressed concern over the use of such loaded names. Despite some defending the team’s intent, citing cultural differences and a lack of malicious motivation, the names have become a distraction from their achievements and forced a reevaluation of branding in esports.
The PUBG Mobile World Cup 2025 will take place from July 25 to August 3, featuring elite teams such as Team Secret, DRX, and Weibo Gaming. Last year’s champions, Alpha7 Gaming from Brazil, are also returning, making this year’s competition especially fierce. With over $3 million in prize money on the line, Aryan x TMG will be representing India as its sole contender.
This controversy highlights the growing responsibility of esports teams and players to be mindful of cultural sensitivities on the global stage. In an industry where branding, usernames, and communication are broadcast to millions, even seemingly minor decisions can carry global repercussions. As esports continues to enter mainstream entertainment, awareness and accountability become just as critical as gameplay.
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