Why this matters
San Francisco hosts the 2026 Pokémon World Championships this weekend, with thousands of players and fans expected at the Moscone Center and the final day at Chase Center. Alongside the competition, the city debuts PokémonXP, a first-ever fan convention from The Pokémon Company International.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 2026 Pokémon World Championships |
| Where | Moscone Center, San Francisco; final day at Chase Center |
| When | August 28–30, 2026 |
| Competition | Pokémon video games, Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO and Pokémon UNITE |
| Access | Invite-only for competitive players from around the world |
| Convention | PokémonXP, debut fan convention hosted by The Pokémon Company International |
| Also on | Free Detective Pikachu screening in Union Square, fans flocking to the local Nintendo store |
What happens this weekend
The World Championships are invite-only for competitive players competing across the video games, Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO and Pokémon UNITE. The final day moves to Chase Center, where the stadium is used for a full arena experience. Separately, the debut PokémonXP convention offers panels, workshops and activities for fans of all ages.
Beyond the championship
For fans without championship tickets, Union Square hosts a free screening of Pokémon: Detective Pikachu on Friday with pre-show activities from 5 pm and the movie at 8 pm. San Francisco is also home to one of two Nintendo stores in the United States, a draw for Pokémon merchandise and more.
Video: what fans are seeing in San Francisco
Local footage shows the crowds lining up for the pop-up Pokémon Center and exclusive World Championships merchandise, with visitors arriving from Japan, Los Angeles, Detroit and beyond.
What the video shows: fans queuing for exclusive merch such as plushies, keychains, binders, varsity jackets and sweaters sold only at the World Championships, with fans traveling in from multiple countries.
The official Pokémon channel also previewed the combined PokémonXP and World Championships presentation.
Confirmed vs. expectations
| Confirmed | Not confirmed / to be seen |
|---|---|
| Event dates, venues and competition categories announced by The Pokémon Company and event partners | Exact final attendance numbers |
| PokémonXP convention debuts August 28–30 in San Francisco | Full lineup of all panels and workshop sessions |
| Free Detective Pikachu screening Friday evening in Union Square | Which competitors advance to the Chase Center finals |
FAQ
When are the 2026 Pokémon World Championships?
The event runs August 28–30, 2026, at Moscone Center in San Francisco, with the final day at Chase Center.
Are the World Championships open to the public?
Competition is invite-only for competitive players; surrounding fan events and the PokémonXP convention offer public activities.
What is PokémonXP?
It is a debut fan convention hosted by The Pokémon Company International, featuring panels, workshops and activities.
Which games are played at Worlds?
The competitions cover the main video games, the Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO and Pokémon UNITE.
Can I watch the Championship finals?
The final day moves to Chase Center for an arena experience; matches are also streamed on the official Pokémon channels.
What else is happening in San Francisco this weekend?
Union Square hosts a free Detective Pikachu screening, and the city’s Nintendo store attracts fans looking for Pokémon merchandise.
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(The site does not yet have other gaming coverage; the closest existing entertainment stories are linked below.)
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Sources
- Secret San Francisco: The 2026 Pokémon World Championships are taking over San Francisco this weekend
- Pokémon.com and The Pokémon Company / Pokémon Press event announcements
- KPIX CBS News Bay Area: Pokemon World Championships boost San Francisco tourism
