Gotta catch ’em all!
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios revealed his new massive back tattoo featuring multiple iconic “Pokemon” characters, showing his devotion to the fan-favorite Japanese anime franchise may run deeper in his skin than most.
Stretching across the back of the 6-foot 4-inch tennis player, the piece incorporates characters such as Blastoise, Dragonite, Snorlax, Alakazam, Charizard, Lapras, Mewtwo and Gengar.
“POKÉMON GANG 4 LIFE,” Kyrgios captioned the behind-the-scenes video on Instagram. “HAD TO COOK UP SOMETHING CRAZY!!!!”
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist has not shied from expressing his interest in the Japanese anime and video game series — regularly tweeting about playing the mobile game “Pokémon Go” — an online, interactive game that allows players to use their phone’s GPS to track down characters and catch them using their device’s camera.
“Eat, sleep, Pokemon Go,” the 28-year-old tweeted after the game’s release in 2016.
The detailed tattoo paid homage to the franchise and was skillfully pulled off by five tattoo artists from the Los Angeles-based shop Ganga Tattoo Studio.
The shop is a hub for notable athletes such as Lakers LeBron James and Anthony Davis and countless other celebrities like Post Malone and Jake Paul.
The studio’s owner, Joaquin Ganga, even tattooed an array of ink on King Jame’s son, Bronny, in August 2022.
Kyrgios’ unique tattoo received general praise from tattoo and Pokemon enthusiasts.
“the boy SNAPPED,” WWE star Logan Paul, who once lost millions on buying fake Pokemon cards, said.
“Favorite current player for this alone. Legendary,” one commenter said on Instagram.
“Homie really trying to catch ‘em all,” another person said.
Earlier this month, Kyrgios shockingly announced he would not be competing in this year’s Wimbledon tournament due to a torn ligament — though the tennis star is currently on the US Open entry list.
At last year’s US Open tournament, Kyrgios’ quest for the first Grand Slam title of his career ended in the quarterfinals against Russia’s Karen Khachanov — throwing a fit on the court after a heartbreaking loss.
During his tantrum, the star slammed and smashed two rackets after losing — breaking both — before exiting the stadium.
