2027 Pokémon – The Pokémon North America International Championships, long hosted in New Orleans, are moving to Chicago for the 2027 event at McCormick Place—an upgrade officials say matches the tournament’s growing attendance and draws families beyond the competition floor.
For the third year in a row, Pokémon fans will have a reason to plan around a major summer spotlight—except next year’s North America International Championships won’t be in New Orleans.
Pokémon officials announced that the 2027 Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC) will move to Chicago. The three-day championship. which has been hosted in New Orleans since 2024. is expected to return to that “final. highest-level International Championships event of the Pokémon season” status for a new city next summer.
The decision lands with a clear message: the tournament has outgrown its old rhythm, and Chicago’s appeal is part of the pitch. “It’s the natural next step,” a Pokémon spokesperson said.
The Pokémon NAIC is described by the company as “the final. highest-level International Championships event of the Pokémon season.” The event draws thousands of players and fans from around the globe for top-tier competitions across the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Pokémon GO. Pokémon UNITE. and other categories.
Players compete for more than $500,000, the title of Champion, and a direct invitation to the World Championships. NAIC also functions as the last chance to earn championship points before the World Championships.
Why Chicago entered the picture
Pokémon Associate Public Relations Manager Nick Salazar said Chicago felt like a “natural fit” after the city hosted Pokémon Go Fest and the Pokémon Fossil Museum this summer.
Salazar framed the host-city selection around more than just venue logistics. The company looks at accessibility for international attendees traveling from all over the world. transportation. and “most importantly. family-friendly attractions and destinations that offer plenty to explore beyond the tournament itself.” He cited Chicago’s summer weather and the city’s range of family activities as specific reasons the matchup makes sense.
For the event’s scale, the timing also appears deliberate. Salazar said last year’s NAIC drew more than 18,000 attendees, including both competitors and spectators. As of Thursday, June 11, he said 15,000 had already registered for this year’s event.
Where the 2027 NAIC will be held
The 2027 NAIC will take place at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center.
Salazar did not provide the exact date, but said international championships are typically held in June. He also said registration generally opens a few months ahead so spectators and competitors can plan travel.
“We will have more details to share in the coming months, so fans should stay tuned,” Salazar said.
What attendees might expect in 2027
Pokémon said the next year’s event is likely to include the fan-favorite competitions plus the iconic Pokémon Center pop-up store.
For players seeking a less formal experience, there will be opportunities for side events. Those who want more hands-on learning can join the event’s Play Lab, where attendees can get instruction connected to Pokémon games.
The team also said attendees will be able to take part in photo opportunities with Pikachu and friends.
“At its core, NAIC is about bringing fans together,” Salazar said. “This year, we are set to welcome thousands of Trainers, and we’re excited to bring that momentum to Chicago.”
World Championships are next: August in San Francisco
The NAIC announcement also comes as Pokémon turns toward the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, scheduled for Aug. 25-30 in San Francisco, California.
This year’s World Championships will feature thousands of players competing across all game categories for an ultimate prize pool of $2 million.
Salazar said the 2026 World Championships will take place alongside PokémonXP, described as “the first fan convention of its kind,” with workshops, special guests, panels, performances, the Pokémon Center Store, and more.
After a New Orleans run that began in 2024, Chicago is now set to inherit the biggest North American competitive stage—one Pokémon says is looking for a city where families can stay busy, travel is smoother, and the fan momentum has room to grow.
Pokémon NAIC 2027 Chicago McCormick Place Pokémon North America International Championships Pokémon Trading Card Game Pokémon GO Pokémon UNITE Pokémon Champions Pokémon World Championships 2026 PokémonXP Nick Salazar