Published on: August 18, 2025
The Pokémon Company has officially confirmed that Pokémon Champions will serve as the cornerstone of competitive gameplay at the next Pokémon World Championships.
This announcement, revealed during the closing ceremony of the latest international event, addresses ongoing fan speculation and cements Pokémon Champions as the focal title for the highly anticipated global tournament.
Pokémon Champions, developed by The Pokémon Company and available on the Nintendo Switch, has rapidly gained traction within the eSports community for its robust battle mechanics and evolutionary features.
The game stands out due to its seamless integration of Mega Evolution, a fan-favorite mechanic originally introduced in previous entries.
For the upcoming competitive season, Pokémon Champions will not only support existing Mega Evolutions but will also feature new Mega Evolutions first introduced in Pokémon Legends Z-A, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement for participants and spectators alike.
Leadership from The Pokémon Company emphasized the significance of this transition, with an official event host summarizing, "Pokémon Champions will headline our competitive lineup this year, ushering in a fresh chapter for both seasoned veterans and rising stars in the Pokémon battling community.
The inclusion of new Mega Evolutions offers thrilling new possibilities for trainers at every skill level."
In addition to game selection, the company revealed that the upcoming Pokémon World Championships in 2026 will be hosted in San Francisco, marking a return to one of gaming’s most iconic cities.
Moreover, The Pokémon Company introduced a new program known as PokémonXP, aimed at enriching the competitive experience.
While full details regarding PokémonXP remain under wraps, its announcement signals a commitment to innovation within the tournament structure and community engagement.
The Pokémon World Championships have become a pinnacle event, drawing players and fans from around the globe to compete across multiple platforms and game titles.
With the integration of Pokémon Champions as the primary competitive game and anticipated enhancements through Pokémon Legends Z-A content, the 2026 event in San Francisco is poised to set new standards for the franchise’s eSports landscape.
For the latest updates and breaking news on Pokémon Champions, the Pokémon World Championships, and related Nintendo developments, stay tuned to our ongoing coverage.
Pokémon The Pokémon Company Pokémon Legends Z-A Pokémon Company Pokémon Champions Mega Evolution San Francisco Pokémon World Championships Z PokémonXP World Championships Nintendo Switch