Anaheim Convention Center · August 15–17, 2025
With Pokémon Worlds just around the corner, fans and competitors alike are gearing up for one of the grandest gaming extravaganzas of the year. Here’s your definitive preview of all the action, excitement, and must-see experiences coming your way.
Venue & Event Overview
The 2025 Pokémon World Championships return to the Anaheim Convention Center in California—marking the first time the event is held there since 2017. From August 15–17, the convention hall will transform into the ultimate Pokémon playground, showcasing top-tier competition in TCG, Video Game (Scarlet & Violet), Pokémon GO, and Pokémon Unite.
Competitive Showdowns & Streaming
Witness the world’s best Trainers battle for prestige, prize, and the title of World Champion. With a combined prize pool exceeding $2 million, competitors are aiming for champion glory—and a guaranteed invite to next year’s Worlds.
Streaming Schedule (all Pacific Time):
- Pokémon VGC: Fri 9:30 AM – Sat 5:50 PM; Sat 9:30 AM – Sun 5:00 PM; Sun 4:20 PM
- Pokémon TCG: Fri 9:30 AM – Sat 5:10 PM; Sat 9:30 AM – Sun 5:00 PM; Sun 12:50 PM
- Pokémon GO: Fri 9:30 AM – Sat 6:50 PM; Sat 9:30 AM – Sun 7:00 PM; Sun 10:10 AM
- Pokémon Unite: Fri 9:30 AM – Sat 5:50 PM; Sat 9:30 AM – Sun 5:30 PM; Sun 9:00 AM
Catch every thrilling moment live on Twitch or YouTube via official Pokémon channels.
Event Experience: More Than Just Battles
Programming Highlights
Beyond competition, Worlds is packed with immersive experiences:
- Panels with TCG artists (like Shimaris Yukichi, Saboteri, OKACHEKE, MINAMINAMI Take, kantaro, OKUBO) and fandom voices like Serebii.
- Workshops ranging from building your own Pikachu model with Bandai Namco to art sessions with Jamie Jo Art and First Book bookmark crafts.
- Autograph Room: Meet VIPs and creatives—registration opens August 5 and goes until 10 p.m. PDT on August 11.
- Pikachu & Friends Meet and Greet, history museum showcasing Pokémon memorabilia, Collect & Trade corners, and a Pin Rally for expanding your pin collection.
Fan festivities
Expect cosplay showcases, trading booths for TCG cards and pins, family-friendly zones, artist meet-ups, panel talks, and behind-the-scenes merch previews from the Pokémon Center.
Pokémon GO: In-Game Celebrations
Pokémon GO will host a vibrant in-app celebration from Aug 15 10:00 a.m. to Aug 17 8:00 p.m. local time, including:
- A Varsity Jacket Pikachu making rare appearances (with a shiny variant possible).
- Daily special trades, increased wild encounters (e.g. Marill, Paldean Wooper, Inkay), and rare raid and field research spawns (Dusclops, Diggersby, Lapras, Wooper).
- GO Battle Weekend bonuses: 4× Stardust, expanded set limit, exclusive avatar items, themed stickers, and new battle arenas and music in GO Battle League.
- Tune in each day starting at 9 a.m. PDT via Pokémon GO Twitch and YouTube for broadcasts and avatar codes.
What’s Trending in Competitive Meta
VGC Insights
If you’re into the Video Game Championships meta, expect dominant cores like Shadow Rider Calyrex + Zamazenta, with Smeargle making a splash as a versatile supportive partner—capable of Fake-Out, Spore, and Decorate setups.
GO Meta Moves
In Pokémon GO, expect standout performers like Dedenne, Shadow Scizor, and rising threats like Dusclops, Galarian Moltres, Shadow Primeape, and Annihilape. Trainers are back with staples—but those who push meta with creative picks may seize the edge.
Latino Power & Cultural Highlights
Pokémon Worlds 2025 sees strong Latin American representation—over 16% of competitors from Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Costa Rica. The welcoming kit includes a collector-favorite Pikachu with university-style jacket—a nod to Worlds-themed merchandise tradition.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re streaming from home or stepping inside the Anaheim vibe, prepare for an epic convergence of competition, fan culture, in-game surprises, and community love. With endless content, panels, and competitions—it’s an unmissable celebration of Pokémon fandom.