2026 Pokémon World Championships details revealed at NAIC, including Welcome Kits, Promo Cards, and major changes
The final international event unveiled Worlds merchandise and confirmed Chicago as the new NAIC host city.
This weekend, the Pokémon International Championships North America took place in New Orleans. The tournament, which brought together players from Pokémon Champions, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Go, and Pokémon Unite, awarded the final tickets and points for the major event coming at the end of August: the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, to be held in San Francisco, California. During the finals, details about this major event were revealed, along with changes coming to the NAIC next year.
2026 Pokémon World Championships Welcome Kit and Promo Cards
During the event, the first glimpses of the competitors’ welcome kits, the event’s promo cards, and one of the tournament’s ever-coveted items—Pikachu plush toys (yes, plush toys)—were revealed. As is tradition, the Welcome Kit includes a competitor mat, T-shirt, backpack, and the 2026 Worlds Pikachu Plus with a crown. It also includes a lanyard, card sleeves, and a deck box, as well as a pin and what appears to be a small bag.
The Champion line was also revealed, which includes a special mat, a bag featuring the phrase “World Champion,” a cap, and a jacket in white, black, and gold.
A sneak peek was also given of the Pokémon XP Pikachu Plush, a special Pikachu that represents the other side for fans of the franchise during the 2026 Pokémon World Championships. This year’s promo cards were also revealed, including the classic “Resort Paradise” and promo cards from both the Pokémon World Championships and Pokémon XP.
Pokémon NAIC Moves to the Windy City
One of the major highlights of this tournament, which wraps up the international season, is set for a significant change. After three years in New Orleans, the event will relocate in 2027 and will be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.
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The 2026 Pokémon World Championships will take place August 28–30 in San Francisco.
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