PokémonXP logo with Pikachu face on blurred palm tree background
Image credit: The Pokémon Company

Everything we know about PokémonXP so far

⚠️ This page mixes confirmed information with industry rumors and speculation. We’ll keep it updated as new details and leaks come to light.

Table of Contents
  1. The Escapist recaps
  2. When will PokémonXP be happening?
  3. Have PokémonXP ticket prices and tiers been confirmed?
  4. What will PokémonXP be about?
  5. Ask The Escapist
  6. References

One of the biggest pieces of news that popped up during Worlds 2025 was the reveal of a new Pokémon event called PokémonXP. Unlike most Pokémon events, this new addition to the calendar has less of a competitive lean and looks more oriented towards casual fans. 

This San Francisco event is lined up for 2026 and it promises to be an unforgettable experience for Pokémon fans who enjoy collecting, side events, and finding cute merch. Here’s a summary of the key PokémonXP news so far, including the event date and location.


The Escapist recaps

  • PokémonXP is the newest event to join the official Pokémon calendar, as announced during Pokémon Worlds 2025.
  • It’s set to take place from August 28-30, 2026, in the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.
  • PokémonXP will be happening at the same time and place as Worlds 2026, meaning fans will be able to explore both and get even more out of the weekend.
  • The new event is described as a “fan celebration”, promising interesting guests, panels, exclusive merchandise, and workshops.

When will PokémonXP be happening?

Large crowd watching a Pokémon battle on big screen in championship arena
Worlds 2025 was monumental, so 2026 should be incredible too. Image credit: The Pokémon Company

PokémonXP will be taking place from August 28 to August 30, 2026, in San Francisco’s Moscone Center.

It’ll be happening at exactly the same time and place as the World Championships for 2026, making it a busy weekend for attendees.

Have PokémonXP ticket prices and tiers been confirmed?

There will be several ticket prices and tiers for fans to choose from, as shown in the table below. The Pidgey pricing seems to be equivalent to an early bird pricing format.

Ticket typePriceIncludes
Pidgey Youth Multi-Day Pass$70Two packs of Pokémon cards, a lanyard, and a PokémonXP pin.
Pidgey Adult Multi-Day Pass$120Two packs of Pokémon cards, a lanyard, and a PokémonXP pin.
Standard Youth Multi-Day Pass$100Two packs of Pokémon cards, a lanyard, and a PokémonXP pin.
Standard Adult Multi-Day Pass$150Two packs of Pokémon cards, a lanyard, and a PokémonXP pin.
Pidgey Youth Multi-Day + Arena Experience Pass$90Two packs of Pokémon cards, a lanyard, a PokémonXP pin, and entry to the arena on Championship Sunday.
Pidgey Adult Multi-Day + Arena Experience Pass$150Two packs of Pokémon cards, a lanyard, a PokémonXP pin, and entry to the arena on Championship Sunday.
Standard Youth Multi-Day + Arena Experience Pass$120Two packs of Pokémon cards, a lanyard, a PokémonXP pin, and entry to the arena on Championship Sunday.
Standard Adult Multi-Day + Arena Experience Pass$180Two packs of Pokémon cards, a lanyard, a PokémonXP pin, and entry to the arena on Championship Sunday.

The term “youth” applies to all guests who are under 18. 

Registration for tickets will be kicking off on September 17, 2025, featuring two separate waves. If you’re keen on going, make a note in your calendar — as this is the first PokémonXP event, chances are that the hype will be astronomical. 

What will PokémonXP be about?

PokémonXP logo in drone light show above San Francisco skyline
There should be something for every type of fan. Image credit: The Pokémon Company

PokémonXP is looking like the perfect event for fans who enjoy the non-competitive side of official Pokémon events. 

The highlights that’ve been listed in PokémonXP news coverage and promotional posts released so far include:

  • Panels and special guests
  • Exclusive merchandise lines
  • Themed workshops
  • Performances
  • A Pokémon Center pop-up

Collectors will be pleased to know that access to the Pokémon Center pop-up will require an event badge, as per the official site.

Further details about the special guests, performances, and panels have not been made available yet at the time of writing, but this article will be updated with any further information that comes out.

While nothing official has been confirmed about this so far, it’s possible that PokémonXP could feature side events or smaller Pocket tournaments for fans to take part in. This is pure speculation on our part, but it feels like a logical addition based on what’s been revealed about this event so far.

PokémonXP is a new addition to the Pokémon event calendar, taking place from August 28-30, 2026, in the Moscone Center, San Francisco. It’ll be taking place at the same time as Pokémon Worlds 202,6 and fans will be able to experience both events at the same time, meaning there’ll be something for everyone to get excited about.

Ask The Escapist

When is PokémonXP happening?

PokémonXP will be taking place from August 28 to August 30, 2026, running at the same time as the World Championships for that year. Both events will take place in the Moscone Center, San Francisco, with Championship Sunday happening in the Chase Center.

Is PokémonXP replacing the Pokémon World Championships?

No, PokémonXP is a different event to the Pokémon World Championships. Both of these events will be running at the same time, offering a wider variety of activities and focuses for fans and players alike.

How do you get PokémonXP tickets?

PokémonXP ticket registration will be going live on September 17, 2025, with two separate waves of tickets.

Is PokémonXP a competitive event?

Based on what’s been made available about the event so far, no. PokémonXP appears to be geared towards collectors and more casual fans who enjoy the non-competitive sides of Pokémon.

References

  1. Registration Opens Soon! (Pokémon)

The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Em Stonham
Em Stonham
Senior Features Writer
Em Stonham is a Senior Gaming Features Writer at The Escapist, and they've got more unfinished Steam games in their library than they know what to do with. With a love for both cozy games and grotesque horror, Em specializes in reviews, features, and event coverage - and they'll take any opportunity to yell about the latest rare mount drop they've gotten in World of Warcraft, so, please, don't get them started.
Author
Image of Sam Smith
Sam Smith
Features Editor
Sam is Escapist's Features Editor and has been obsessed with gaming since he first discovered Sonic the Hedgehog in the mid-1990s. Since then, he’s collected nearly every console and adores all things Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox equally. After completing his journalism degree, Sam steered his career towards writing about games and has never looked back, with bylines at Dexerto, GamesRadar, Insider Gaming, Soundsphere, and more. He’s also fully NCTJ accredited. He’s also likely to be that annoying person who keeps beating you in Elden Ring’s Colosseum.