The Pokémon World Championships 2026 will return with a wave of fresh updates and new attendee policies, further cementing its status as the crown jewel of competitive Pokémon events.
Hosted at the Moscone Center and Chase Center in San Francisco, the global tournament welcomes top Trainers from around the world to test their skills, connect with fellow fans, and experience the pinnacle of Pokémon competition.
With a revised registration process and updated pricing, this year's event promises both excitement and efficiency for participants and spectators alike. ### Key Registration Dates and Process The official Pokémon World Championships website has outlined a streamlined interest and registration timeline for the 2026 event.
The window to join the interest list opens on April 2, 2026, at 5 p.m.
PT (7 p.m.
CT / 8 p.m.
ET), and remains available through April 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
PT.
Following this period, the organizing team will conduct multiple random drawings (lotteries), giving Trainers the opportunity to purchase coveted passes to attend the Championships.
Importantly, selected individuals will have a 72-hour window to finalize their registration.
Each registrant is eligible to purchase a maximum of one pass for themselves, one additional adult guest, and up to three youth guests.
This structure aims to accommodate both solo competitors and families attending together.
### Pass Options and Pricing Details This year introduces a modified pricing structure, with the elimination of the previous Early Bird discount but the retention of lower price points as standard.
The available pass options are: **Multi-Day Pass – Access to Moscone Center throughout the event:** - Adult Pass (17+): $120 USD - Youth Pass (6-17): $70 USD - Youth Pass (5 & Under): Free **Multi-Day Pass + Arena Experience – Includes Championship Sunday at Chase Center:** - Adult Pass (17+): $150 USD - Youth Pass (6-17): $90 USD - Youth Pass (5 & Under): $10 USD **Single-Day Passes** will become available at a later stage for those not selected in the initial drawings: - Friday or Saturday, Adult (17+): $60 USD - Friday or Saturday, Youth (6-17): $40 USD - Sunday (All Passes): $40 USD Notably, single-day passes can only be purchased if attendees were not selected during the lottery phase, and these options are set for release after the main registration process concludes. ### Updates to Pokémon Center Policies & Access A significant change this year involves access to the exclusive Pokémon World Championships pop-up Pokémon Center.
According to event organizers, only registered attendees will be allowed entry, a reversal from the broader access provided at the 2025 Anaheim event.
Additionally, there will be a tiered system for registering a shopping spot: competitors and their designated guests receive priority, followed by attendees with Multi-Day and Multi-Day + Arena passes, while single-day pass holders will have the last opportunity to reserve a slot. With these new policies, The Pokémon Company is aiming to enhance security, attendee comfort, and overall event flow.
As San Francisco readies itself to host thousands of fans, the 2026 Championships are set to deliver an unforgettable gathering for Pokémon enthusiasts, competitors, and families alike. For official updates, pass purchasing, and event-specific news, fans are encouraged to visit the Pokémon World Championships website and monitor official Nintendo and The Pokémon Company channels.
Hosted at the Moscone Center and Chase Center in San Francisco, the global tournament welcomes top Trainers from around the world to test their skills, connect with fellow fans, and experience the pinnacle of Pokémon competition.
With a revised registration process and updated pricing, this year's event promises both excitement and efficiency for participants and spectators alike. ### Key Registration Dates and Process The official Pokémon World Championships website has outlined a streamlined interest and registration timeline for the 2026 event.
The window to join the interest list opens on April 2, 2026, at 5 p.m.
PT (7 p.m.
CT / 8 p.m.
ET), and remains available through April 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
PT.
Following this period, the organizing team will conduct multiple random drawings (lotteries), giving Trainers the opportunity to purchase coveted passes to attend the Championships.
Importantly, selected individuals will have a 72-hour window to finalize their registration.
Each registrant is eligible to purchase a maximum of one pass for themselves, one additional adult guest, and up to three youth guests.
This structure aims to accommodate both solo competitors and families attending together.
### Pass Options and Pricing Details This year introduces a modified pricing structure, with the elimination of the previous Early Bird discount but the retention of lower price points as standard.
The available pass options are: **Multi-Day Pass – Access to Moscone Center throughout the event:** - Adult Pass (17+): $120 USD - Youth Pass (6-17): $70 USD - Youth Pass (5 & Under): Free **Multi-Day Pass + Arena Experience – Includes Championship Sunday at Chase Center:** - Adult Pass (17+): $150 USD - Youth Pass (6-17): $90 USD - Youth Pass (5 & Under): $10 USD **Single-Day Passes** will become available at a later stage for those not selected in the initial drawings: - Friday or Saturday, Adult (17+): $60 USD - Friday or Saturday, Youth (6-17): $40 USD - Sunday (All Passes): $40 USD Notably, single-day passes can only be purchased if attendees were not selected during the lottery phase, and these options are set for release after the main registration process concludes. ### Updates to Pokémon Center Policies & Access A significant change this year involves access to the exclusive Pokémon World Championships pop-up Pokémon Center.
According to event organizers, only registered attendees will be allowed entry, a reversal from the broader access provided at the 2025 Anaheim event.
Additionally, there will be a tiered system for registering a shopping spot: competitors and their designated guests receive priority, followed by attendees with Multi-Day and Multi-Day + Arena passes, while single-day pass holders will have the last opportunity to reserve a slot. With these new policies, The Pokémon Company is aiming to enhance security, attendee comfort, and overall event flow.
As San Francisco readies itself to host thousands of fans, the 2026 Championships are set to deliver an unforgettable gathering for Pokémon enthusiasts, competitors, and families alike. For official updates, pass purchasing, and event-specific news, fans are encouraged to visit the Pokémon World Championships website and monitor official Nintendo and The Pokémon Company channels.
