Everything Pokémon Announced at NAIC 2026

This past weekend during NAIC, Pokémon used the event to reveal more details for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, PokémonXP, and next year’s North America International Championships.

The big competitive calendar news is that NAIC 2027 is moving to Chicago. After three years in New Orleans, the event will take place at McCormick Place Convention Center, which makes sense considering Chicago has already been part of Pokémon’s 2026 plans with events like Pokémon GO Fest and the Pokémon Fossil Museum.

For Worlds 2026 in San Francisco, Pokémon also revealed this year’s Paradise Resort card, along with the Worlds welcome kit, Champion’s line, and more promo cards. The local-store side of the celebration is also getting some love, with Play! Pokémon stores hosting 2026 Worlds Celebration Tournaments where players can get a Pikachu promo and a slightly different one with a "WINNER" stamp for what we assume are League Cup's winners.

Players attending PokémonXP will have another promo to chase too: a stamped Rayquaza card revealed for the San Francisco event.

With NAIC wrapped up and Worlds now getting closer, Pokémon is clearly turning the final stretch of the season into a bigger celebration, both for players traveling to San Francisco and for those joining through local events.

Sources:

• Participate in a 2026 Worlds Celebration Tournament at a Local Play! Pokémon Store & Get a Pikachu Promo
• Pokémon North America International Championships Move to Chicago in 2027, and New Details Revealed for PokémonXP and 2026 Pokémon World Championships