Summary: Pokémon confirms New Orleans will host NAIC 2026—third year running. The 2025 event drew massive crowds, top TCG/VGC/GO/UNITE champions, and now anticipation builds for Anaheim Worlds in August.
Pokémon confirms New Orleans as the host city for NAIC 2026. See what went down at NAIC 2025 and get ready for Anaheim Worlds!
Pokémon Announces NAIC 2026 City!
Pokémon just revealed that the 2026 North America International Championships (NAIC) will return to New Orleans, Louisiana—marking the third straight year the Big Easy plays host! While the exact venue hasn't been confirmed, expect the same epic energy as this year’s event.
NAIC 2025 Recap & What’s Ahead
The 2025 NAIC ran June 13–15 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, drawing massive crowds and over $500,000 in prize pools across Pokémon TCG, VGC, Pokémon GO, and UNITE. It also offered fans vendor booths, merch, and a Play Lab for newcomers.
Competitions That Stole the Show
- TCG: Annabelle Oono (Junior), Gabriel Fernandez (Senior), Isaiah Bradner (Masters); Masters saw 3,812 players.
- VGC: Joaquin Roquett (Junior), Isaac Moreira (Senior), Federico Camporesi (Masters) — Camporesi claimed victory in an all-NOVO Esports final.
- Pokémon GO: Payden “ItsAXN” Bingham took the top spot.
- Pokémon UNITE: Luminosity swept the Final Stretch — they’re heading into Worlds as a powerhouse.
What This Means for NAIC 2026
Securing New Orleans again is a sign of confidence—venue capacity, fan excitement, and major event continuity all point toward another unforgettable tournament. Expect an announcement on the specific venue in the coming months.
Looking Ahead: 2025 World Championships
With NAIC concluded, all eyes shift to the 2025 Pokémon World Championships, scheduled for August 15–17 in Anaheim, California. Competitors across TCG, VGC, GO, and UNITE will battle it out on the global stage.
