Pokémon XP Announced: New Fan Event Set for Downtown San Francisco at 2026 World Championships

The Pokémon Company has unveiled an innovative addition to its competitive and community calendar: Pokémon XP, a brand-new fan experience making its debut in downtown San Francisco.

The announcement was made during the latest Pokémon World Championships, solidifying 2026 as a landmark year for the franchise’s global esports ecosystem. Pokémon XP is described by The Pokémon Company as “a new Pokémon Fan Experience” set to take place in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

Scheduled to coincide with the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, the event will occupy a prominent place at the Chase Center from August 28th through August 30th, 2026.

Passes for Pokémon XP and Championship Sunday at the venue will become available for purchase starting September 17th, 2025. The 2026 World Championships will return competitive Pokémon—encompassing the core Pokémon video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and mobile titles—to a major American city after previous international iterations.

The choice of San Francisco’s Chase Center, renowned for hosting major sports and entertainment events, underscores The Pokémon Company’s commitment to bringing large-scale, immersive gatherings to its fanbase. In a statement reviewed by media, The Pokémon Company characterized Pokémon XP as an “epic arena experience” designed to deliver engaging content and activities for both seasoned competitors and new fans alike.

While full programming details are yet to be released, organizers have emphasized that fans can expect a blend of interactive exhibits, live tournament action, exclusive merchandise, and unique community events throughout the Championship weekend. The Pokémon World Championships have grown significantly since their inception, routinely attracting tens of thousands of participants and spectators from around the world.

Previous North American hosts, including Nashville and Washington, D.C., have seen strong turnout, with international venues like London and Yokohama helping to expand the competition’s reach. Hosting Pokémon XP in downtown San Francisco highlights Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s ongoing engagement strategy, aiming to deepen fan interaction beyond digital formats and competitive arenas.

As one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history, Pokémon continues to headline major events, leverage its strong eShop presence on Nintendo Switch, and foster connections across fan generations. Ticketing will commence on September 17, 2025, for the 2026 Championship Sunday and Pokémon XP, with further specifics expected in the coming months from The Pokémon Company.

Fans and competitive players alike can mark their calendars for what promises to be one of the most anticipated live Pokémon events worldwide, set at the Chase Center in downtown San Francisco from August 28–30, 2026.

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