| “ | You won't walk away from this one, you slave scum. You're Bantha poodoo! | „ |
| ~ Sebulba cursing Anakin Skywalker |
Sebulba is a minor antagonist in the film Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. He is a corrupt alien Podracer and the nemesis of nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker.
Overview
A member of the Dug species from the planet Malastere, Sebulba settled on Tatooine and began a lucrative career competing in Podraces. While he is a skilled pilot, he wins by cheating, using several illegal weapons and maneuvers to defeat his opponents, often badly injuring them in the process. He is often aided by the slave trader Watto, who helps him cheat in return for a cut of the reward money.
While he is the undefeated Podracing champion of Tatooine at the time of The Phantom Menace, he does have one serious rival - nine-year-old slave Anakin Skywalker, a precociously talented pilot whose nascent strength in the Force gives him incredible reflexes and the ability to "see things before they happen". With these gifts, the boy nearly defeats Sebulba several times, earning his jealousy and scorn.
On the day of the Boonta Eve Classic Race, Sebulba is once again the heavy favorite to win, but he decides not to take any chances; he illegally disarms and defeats several of his opponents, until only he and Anakin remain. In the end, Anakin - motivated by the desire to win his freedom in a wager arranged by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn - perseveres in the race and finally defeats Sebulba, who crashes his beloved Podracer in the final stretch.
The Star Wars Expanded Universe explains that Sebulba eventually gives up Podracing and becomes a Battle-Racer - and once again cheats his way to the top.