As the PUBG Mobile World Cup approaches, Team Aryan of India gets backlash over a name choice, “Aryan and player alias nickname Hitler,” that shocked the e-sports community. Netzines found it disrespectful and unprofessional.
Who would have thought a simple name choice would draw a major controversy for Team Aryan ahead of the biggest tournaments?
[Trending] Team Aryan’s Controversial Player Name Sparks Backlash
Ahead of PMWC 2025, Team Aryan found themselves surrounded by the heated debate and backlash over their team name “Araya” and, most significantly, one of the team members choosing to represent himself with an alias name “Hitler.”
We are all well aware that the name Hitler carries a huge historical weight associated with Nazi ideology. Though not intentional, the nickname is associated with the perpetrator, Adolf Hitler behind the WWII atrocities. Whereas, Aryan name comes from sanskrit origin meaning noble but in western culture, it is largely connected to white supremacism.
The controversial choices of name brought huge outrage to the team across the e-sport community, with many calling the team unprofessional and also hurting the historical and cultural sentiments.
What was meant to be a proud moment for the Indian e-sports scene quickly turned into a public relations nightmare.
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Public Reactions
Netzins bombarded the social media platform with hateful comments to Team India, also demanding that the organizers address the issue promptly.
User @OfficialUsman_ wrote You will not believe this.
These are actual player nicknames being used at the PUBG Mobile Esports World Cup.
One team, which got a special invite, is literally called Team Aryan — and one of their players goes by Hitler.
Not sure how something like this gets cleared for a global tournament. Even with cultural differences, you’d think someone would step in. Just feels way out of place in a professional setting.
🚨 You will not believe this 🤯 😂
These are actual player nicknames being used at the PUBG Mobile Esports World Cup.
One team, who got a special invite, is literally called Team Aryan — and one of their players goes by Hitler.Not sure how something like this gets cleared for… pic.twitter.com/Lstr13tZbu
— RL Usman | EWC 🎤 (@OfficialUsman_) July 15, 2025
Hence, people are demanding a name change in the upcoming game.
Team Aryan Clarifies, Officials Stay Quiet
From the team Arayan side, they have clarified that they had no ill intention with the name; they casually picked it up.
As per ESPORTS INSIDER, the player from team Aryan would go by the name of ‘Henry,’ which he has used while competing in other tournaments.
As of now, the officials have not disclosed any statements or rules regarding this matter. The tournament starts on July 25th, and that’s when the esports community will witness how the officials are planning to navigate the controversial name.
Pankaj Kapoor’s Take
As a sports writer, I noticed Team Arayan is getting unnecessary hate on social media. They have clarified they had no ill intention with the name, I am surprised why such a backlash after clarification.
Also, the organisers of PMWC 2025 have not imposed any policies regarding names. However, these episodes remind us to be careful and sensitive when you are national representatives.
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