Pokémon World Championships 2026

It’s August 2026, and for three days, San Francisco will be transformed into the absolute center of the Pokémon world. From August 28th to 30th, the Pokémon World Championships will take place here, and this year it’s going to be bigger than ever. Not only will the best players from around the world compete for the coveted world title, but the city itself will transform into a true Pokémon paradise thanks to the brand-new festival, PokémonXP. Everything from the streets around Moscone Center to the gardens of Yerba Buena breathes Pokémon: a world of battles, creativity, and community. The heart of the tournament will be in the iconic Chase Center, where the finals of the Video Game Championships, the Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Unite will take place. But there’s so much more to experience beyond the city limits. During PokémonXP, you can immerse yourself in interactive panels, workshops, developer meet-and-greets, exclusive merchandise, art exhibitions, and fan events created especially for this anniversary year. It’s more than just a tournament; it’s a massive celebration of everything that makes Pokémon so beloved. And this year is extra special. 2026 marks no fewer than three major milestones: the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, the 10th anniversary of Pokémon GO, and the 5th anniversary of Pokémon Unite. It feels like the entire history of Pokémon is coming together in one big celebration, where nostalgia and innovation collide. There’s also another first on the agenda: the introduction of Pokémon Champions, a brand-new battle experience developed specifically for both the Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. This game replaces Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as the official tournament format and brings together iconic features such as Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, Dynamax, Terastallization, and the innovative Omni Ring. For competitive players, this promises to be a revolution, and San Francisco is the stage where this new generation of Pokémon battles will make its debut.

TIP! Stay overnight near the Moscone Center in San Francisco (where the World Cup will take place)

San Francisco is a city you’ll want to fully experience, and a good night’s sleep is naturally part of that. There are many ways to stay in this vibrant city, whether you’re looking for comfort, ambiance, or affordability. The great thing is that San Francisco has something to offer for every traveler. From modern hotels with sleek design to charming boutique hotels with a personal touch and cozy bed & breakfasts with a warm, homey atmosphere: there’s always a place to suit your travel style. Your choice of location can make a big difference. Those who prefer to be in the heart of the city often opt for the vibrant neighborhoods around Union Square or the Financial District, where you can easily reach most attractions on foot or by the famous cable cars. Here you’ll find many accommodations with an urban vibe, often combined with fantastic skyline views. Those who prefer something quieter can find charming neighborhoods like Pacific Heights or Haight-Ashbury, where small-scale hotels and bed & breakfasts offer a warm welcome and bring you closer to local life.

Looking for a budget-friendly option? San Francisco also offers plenty of options. In various neighborhoods, you’ll find simple yet comfortable accommodations where you can stay for a reasonable price, without having to compromise on ambiance or location. For those who prefer a social experience, there are also numerous places where you can easily meet other travelers, often with shared lounges or communal kitchens.

1. TIP!: Book a cheap basic trip to San Francisco,, 7 days hotel and flight starting at €1032
2. or book a  hotel in San Francisco vstarting at €65 per night

Watch the trailer for the 2026 Pokemon World Championship in San Francisco now

Everything points to the 2026 Pokémon World Championships being more than just an event, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans of all ages. Whether you come to play, support, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere, the combination of competition, creativity, and community will make this the Pokémon event of the decade. For three days, San Francisco will be the beating heart of the Pokémon world—and you can be a part of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q8Vr4b7wHE

Pokemon Europe International Championships (EUIC 2026, London): important event for qualifying for the Pokemon World Championship 2026

In February 2026, London will be all about Pokémon. The city will be bustling, the excitement will be rising, and thousands of Trainers, fans, and curious visitors will gather at the iconic ExCeL Centre for the Pokémon Europe International Championships (EUIC). From February 13th to 15th, this massive convention center will be transformed into a paradise for everyone who loves Pokémon—whether you’re a competitive player, just getting started, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere. The EUIC isn’t just a tournament; it’s the biggest Pokémon event in Europe. Players from across Europe and beyond will gather to test their skills during three intense days of strategy, nerve-wracking battles, and unexpected surprises. Whether you’re competing in the Trading Card Game, the Video Game Championship, Pokémon GO, or even Pokémon Unite, it’s all about peak performance, smart choices, and collecting those coveted Championship Points. For many Trainers, this is the perfect opportunity to take a leap toward the ultimate goal: a spot at the Pokémon World Championships 2026 later that year in San Francisco.

But the EUIC is much more than just competition. It’s also a meeting place, a celebration of the community. Everywhere you go, you’ll see Trainers sharing experiences, discussing new strategies, and forging friendships with people who share the same passion. You’ll find booths with exclusive merchandise, demos of new Pokémon games, creative cosplay, and maybe even a surprise appearance from a giant Pikachu parade. And even if you’re not playing, there’s plenty to do; the energy and enthusiasm are simply infectious. The location makes it extra special. London, with its vibrant streets, iconic landmarks, and international allure, adds an extra layer of magic to the event. During the day, you’ll compete for every victory in the ExCeL Centre, and in the evening, you can head out into the city to enjoy everything this metropolis has to offer.

The Pokémon Europe International Championships 2026 promises to be a weekend you won’t soon forget: three days filled with excitement, emotion, and the unique atmosphere of a community across the globe connected by a single shared passion. Whether you’re a seasoned player vying for those last Championship Points or a fan simply wanting to feel the energy, London is the place to be in February.

1. TIP! book a  hotel in Londen starting at €41 per night

How do you qualify for the 2026 Pokemon World Championship in San Francisco? Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide.

Imagine walking through the streets of Yokohama, and everywhere you look, you see Pikachus. Big, small, dancing, marching—thousands of yellow, cheerful creatures transforming the city into one giant Pokémon paradise. That’s the Pikachu Outbreak Festival, an annual event in Yokohama that has become something of a pilgrimage for fans from around the world. It’s cheerful, colorful, a bit chaotic, and perhaps the most photogenic Pokémon spectacle you can experience in Japan. The festival usually takes place in August, and the entire city participates. The harborside promenade, the plazas around the iconic Minato Mirai area, shopping malls, parks—everything is dedicated to Pikachu. During the day, you’ll encounter parades featuring dozens of Pikachu mascots dancing in sync to cheerful music, complete with confetti and cheering crowds. In the evening, the atmosphere transforms into pure magic with spectacular light shows, projections on skyscrapers, and even Pikachus appearing on the water during harbor shows. It’s hard not to smile.

The festival isn’t just for kids; it attracts just as many adults. Fans come to Yokohama especially for this event, often in Pikachu outfits or with the latest limited-edition merchandise, because the Pikachu Outbreak is known for exclusive Pokémon goodies that you can only get here. There are also temporary Pokémon cafés and food stands where you can order dishes that look like they’ve come straight from the Poké world—think Pikachu pancakes, Eevee ice cream, and colorful Poké drinks. What makes the Pikachu Outbreak extra special is the energy. Yokohama is buzzing during these days; the combination of the summer heat, Japanese conviviality, and the shared love of Pokémon makes it a unique experience. Whether you’ve been a fan since the early Game Boy games or are just starting to play Pokémon GO, you’ll instantly feel part of a huge, vibrant community. Tip: Because the festival takes place in the middle of summer, it’s wise to find your spot early in the day for the biggest shows and bring plenty of water. The best spots to see the parades are around Minato Mirai, Queen’s Square, and the Red Brick Warehouse District—all within walking distance of each other.

Step 1. Register for Play! Pokémon

Because the Netherlands is part of the Play! Pokémon region of TPCi (The Pokémon Company International), you need a Player ID to participate in official tournaments.

Go to https://www.pokemon.com/play-pokemon/

Create a Trainer Club account and link your Player ID to it.

This allows you to collect Championship Points (CP), which are essential for qualifying.

Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the 2026 qualification system

The TPCi Championship Points system applies to the Netherlands. You need to earn enough CP to finish at the top of the European Leaderboard.

Tournaments with CP in Europe:

Local League Cups & Challenges → small number of points, good to start with.
Regional Championships → larger events in Europe, often with 1000+ players.
International Championships (ICs) → the most CP, but also the toughest level.

The higher you finish, the more CP you receive. For 2026, we expect you’ll need between 500 and 600 CP to qualify through Europe, based on previous years.

Step 3. Start locally – practice and collect your first points

There are many League Cups and League Challenges in the Netherlands. You can find them via:

Pokémon Event Locator: https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/events/

Locations in the Netherlands where tournaments are often held:

Amsterdam
Rotterdam
Utrecht
The Hague
Eindhoven

Here you can easily get started, gain experience, test your deck, and start collecting CP.

Step 4. Plan your route through European tournaments

If you really want a chance at qualifying, you need to participate in multiple international tournaments. Consider:

Regional tournaments in Europe, such as:

Liverpool (UK)
Bochum (Germany)
Lille (France)
Malmö (Sweden)

European International Championships (EUIC) → usually in London; that’s where most of the CPs are up for grabs.

Pro tip: Focus on tournaments where you expect to score the highest. There’s little point in playing every event if your deck or team isn’t at its peak yet.

Step 5. Build a Training Schedule

Playtest with other competitive players → find online communities via Discord and Facebook. Analyze meta-decks and current strategies through platforms like the Limitless TCG and VictoryRoad.

Practice through Pokémon TCG Live and Pokémon Showdown to spar with international players. Regularly participate in online qualifiers; some offer CP, others primarily training.

Step 6. Follow the CP leaderboards

TPCi publishes live rankings for each region. Keep an eye on the Europe Leaderboard:

https://www.pokemon.com/play-pokemon/leaderboards/

This way you’ll know exactly how many points you still need to qualify.

Step 7. Use the Last Chance Qualifier as a backup plan

If you fall just short of CP, there’s a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) at Pokémon Worlds in San Francisco.

Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of CP.

If you win, you’ll still get a spot at the World Championships.

Keep in mind that competition is fierce; this is truly the last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Pokémon World Championship in San Francisco

How can you qualify for the 2026 Pokémon World Championship?
To participate, you must qualify through the official Play! Pokémon Championship Series. You do this by collecting sufficient Championship Points (CP) during the season. You earn these points through strong performances at regional, national, and international tournaments. In some cases, you can also qualify directly by placing highly at a major championship. For those who miss the regular route, there’s also a Last Chance Qualifier at the World Championship: if you win there, you’ll still receive a spot in the tournament.

When and where will the World Championship take place?
The 2026 Pokémon World Championship will be held from August 28th to 30th at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. It will be a massive three-day event with thousands of players, fans, and visitors from around the world.

What makes the 2026 edition special?
In addition to the tournament itself, there’s an extensive fan festival where you can score exclusive merchandise, try out new games, attend workshops, and meet other fans. There are also panel discussions, activities, and live shows that create a festive atmosphere, even if you’re not playing yourself.

How does qualification differ by region?
In Europe, North and South America, Oceania, the Middle East, and South Africa, qualification is through the Championship Points system. In countries like Japan and South Korea, it’s through national competitions and separate qualifying events.

What can you do if you haven’t earned enough points?
If you haven’t earned enough CP, you don’t have to give up yet. You can participate in the Last Chance Qualifier in San Francisco, a special tournament just before the start of the World Championship. If you win there, you’ll still secure a spot in the main tournament.

What disciplines are played during the World Championship?
The World Championship consists of several events: the Trading Card Game (TCG), the Video Game Championship (VGC), Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Unite. Each event has its own qualifying rules and schedules, but all finals are held during the event.

What about age categories?
The championship is divided into three age groups:

Junior (usually up to 12 years old)
Senior (usually 13 to 15 years old)
Masters (16 years and older)
Within each category, players compete only against opponents from their own age group.

Can you attend the World Championship as a fan without qualifying?
Absolutely! You can attend the event for free or with a ticket, depending on the activities you choose. There’s plenty to see and do, even if you don’t participate: think demos, cosplay, meet & greets, and unique collectibles.