PokémonXP to Debut in Downtown San Francisco During 2026 Pokémon World Championships

Nintendo has unveiled PokémonXP, a groundbreaking fan event set to launch in tandem with the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in downtown San Francisco.

The announcement was made at this year’s World Championships, capturing the attention of the Pokémon community as organizers promised an 'epic arena experience' for Championship Sunday at the Chase Center from August 28th to 30th, 2026.

Ticket sales for the event will open on September 17th, 2025, giving fans ample time to secure their attendance at this highly anticipated convergence of competitive Pokémon and immersive fandom. PokémonXP is described as an all-encompassing Pokémon Fan Experience, with the official website touting its location 'in the Heart of Downtown San Francisco.' The event will be hosted at the Bay Area’s Moscone Center and adjacent Yerba Buena Gardens, providing a vibrant urban setting for what the organizers highlight as the first gathering of its kind.

According to the official event statement, PokémonXP brings together a diverse mix of Pokémon-themed experiences and brand partners, encouraging fans to 'celebrate community and all things Pokémon.' The schedule promises much more than just competitive play, offering a robust lineup of activities including featured panels, unique workshops, live performances, opportunities to meet special guests, and access to exclusive merchandise.

A Pokémon Center pop-up store will make its return, offering event-exclusive items to attendees.

With both PokémonXP and the Pokémon World Championships running concurrently, fans are presented with a rare opportunity to experience two of the franchise’s premier celebrations in a single weekend. “In August 2026, Pokémon trainers from around the world are invited to downtown San Francisco to join a first-of-its-kind celebration of Pokémon culture,” the official PokémonXP description states, emphasizing the sense of community and wide-ranging appeal the event seeks to foster. For those interested in the full scope of programming, updates on registration, pricing, and specific event activities will become available in the spring of 2026 according to organizers.

Prospective attendees are encouraged to monitor the official PokémonXP website and sign up for Pokémon’s email communications to receive timely announcements. With the 2026 Pokémon World Championships marking a return to a major United States city and the debut of PokémonXP, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company continue to solidify their commitment to community engagement and event innovation.

As anticipation builds for this milestone event, Pokémon fans and competitive players alike can prepare for an unforgettable celebration in San Francisco’s iconic downtown venues.

Pokémon Nintendo San Francisco Pokémon World Championships PokémonXP Chase Center Moscone Center Yerba Buena Gardens World Championships