Pokémon World Championships and XP Convention Set to Draw Over 50,000 Fans to San Francisco More than 50,000 Pokémon fans are expected to descend on San Francisco next week for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships and the inaugural Pokémon XP fan convention, organizers announced. The events, set to take place from August 28 to 30, will bring international attendees to the city, with most activities centered at the Moscone Center and the championship finals scheduled for August 30 at the Chase Center. The Pokémon World Championships, commonly referred to as "The Worlds," will serve as the centerpiece of the event, drawing competitors and spectators from around the globe. The inaugural Pokémon XP convention, a new addition to the lineup, will offer fans a chance to engage in activities beyond competitive play, including scavenger hunts, panel discussions, and trading opportunities for cards and pins. Organizers emphasized that the event will feature a wide range of fan-focused activities, creating a vibrant hub for the Pokémon community. Fans have already begun gathering to trade collectibles and build anticipation for the events. At a Pokémon meetup held on Friday night, attendees shared their excitement about the upcoming gatherings. "We're figuring out what to trade right now," said one fan, while another noted, "I've been collecting for 8 years so I've accumulated quite a bit." The international appeal of the event was highlighted by Trey Holt of Austin, Texas, who remarked, "It's a big deal. This is pretty international. People are flying in from all over." The Moscone Center is undergoing extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of visitors, with organizers working to ensure the venue is ready for both the championships and the new convention.#san_francisco #chase_center #pokemon_world_championships #pokemon_xp_convention #moscone_center
