Image credit to Bing.com, All Creative Commons
Grusha, the Ice-type Gym Leader of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, was a sure bet from the get-go with his rugged appearance, sad past, and affable in-game personality. At the top of the icy Glaseado Mountain and leader of the Glaseado Gym, Grusha provides one of the toughest but more rewarding battles in Paldea.
In an earlier chapter of his life, Grusha was a working snowboarder—a fact that lends an unexpected complexity to his otherwise reserved and laid-back nature. His transition away from the adrenaline-charged sport of extreme sports to Pokémon combat is not surprising, particularly given his preference for Ice-type Pokémon. With Frosmoth, Beartic, Cetitan, and a Tera-type Altaria on his team, Grusha is a formidable foe. Indeed, most players encounter him last among Paldea’s region Gym Leaders, so he is an especially important test along the path to becoming a champion.
Aside from his fighting prowess, Grusha has also made a name for himself among fans due to his quirky sense of style. His large, pastel-colored scarf, gentle in color and design, has become somewhat of a fashion icon among Pokémon fans. One especially committed fan, identified as Neko_shii on the web, took this look outside of cyberspace by crocheting a makeshift version of the scarf. Complete with its iconic pink and blue colors and Poké Ball trims, the replica immediately garnered attention throughout social media. Several fans have even suggested that the design should be made into merchandise, deeming it essential for cosplayers and collectors.
His Ice-types tend to be weak to Fire, Rock, Fighting, and Steel-type attacks. However, his team is not entirely surprise-free—his Cetitan and Beartic can have devastating Water-type attacks like Liquidation and Aqua Jet that catch out unsuspecting Fire-type players. His Frosmoth and Altaria can be taken out with Pokémon like Skeledirge or Flareon, and Primeape’s Low Kick is very effective on the heavy Beartic. The best Respect’s move of Houndstone can even flip the game around when used against his Terastallized Altaria. Grusha’s popularity has nothing to do with his abilities or appearance—it has to do with emotional depth and quiet complexity in his character. A gender-ambiguous appearance and a reserved, contemplative personality make Grusha the standout in a series that increasingly strives for diversity and emotional writing. He’s not merely another Gym Leader—he’s a character who lingers in your mind.
The fan love for Grusha extends beyond the screen. From fan art to home-made cosplay, he’s inspired art and camaraderie in the world of Pokémon. Whether it’s preparing for a difficult Gym battle or being blown away by the labor that went into a crocheted scarf, it’s obvious that Grusha is now so much more than a milestone on the way to Champion—he’s a legend.