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| Paul Ruiz, 2018 Pokémon VGC World Champion, has officially joined Capital Underdogs as part of the team’s relaunch. |
By Jon Scarr
Capital Underdogs have announced the first player signing of their newly relaunched roster, confirming that 2018 Pokémon VGC World Champion Paul Ruiz has officially joined the team.
The announcement comes just days after the organization’s return was made public, marking the first major move in what is shaping up to be a busy new chapter for the Italian-based team. Ruiz joins captain and owner Alessio “NikyuAlex” Fuscà, who was previously confirmed as part of the relaunch.
The signing also follows the team’s recent return to the competitive scene, which we covered earlier in our look at Capital Underdogs’ relaunch and competitive vision.
A Familiar Face Returns
This is not Paul Ruiz’s first stint with Capital Underdogs. He originally joined the organization in September 2023 under its previous management structure, when the team operated in partnership with e-Parrots.
That partnership came to an end toward the close of 2024 following contract discussions, and Ruiz stepped away from the roster as the team began restructuring. With Capital Underdogs now operating independently, the door has reopened for his return.
The timing is notable, especially since Fuscà had previously indicated that no roster announcements were expected until February. Ruiz’s signing arrives earlier than expected, signaling that the organization may be moving faster than initially planned.
A Major Addition to the Roster
Ruiz brings significant competitive pedigree with him, having won the Pokémon VGC World Championship in 2018. His addition immediately places Capital Underdogs among a small group of Italian teams able to claim a world champion on their roster.
At present, only a handful of Italian organizations can make that distinction, including Team Aqua with Eduardo Cunha and ilServer with Luca Ceribelli. Ruiz’s return puts Capital Underdogs firmly back into that conversation.
What This Means for Capital Underdogs
With Ruiz joining Fuscà, the foundation of the team’s relaunch is starting to take shape. The move suggests a clear intent to compete at a high level, both within Italy and on the international Pokémon VGC stage.
While the full roster has yet to be revealed, the signing signals that Capital Underdogs are positioning themselves as more than just a returning name. The team appears focused on blending experienced competitors with a renewed organizational structure as it enters this next phase.
More announcements are expected in the coming weeks as the roster continues to take form.
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