The 2027 Pokémon North America International Championships will take place in Chicago, marking a major move for one of the most important competitive events in the Pokémon calendar. Organisers confirmed that the event will be hosted at the McCormick Place Convention Center, one of the largest convention venues in North America. The tournament has been held in New Orleans for the past three years, but will now shift to the Windy City as the competition continues to grow in size and global reach. The announcement confirms Chicago’s rising importance as a destination for large-scale gaming and entertainment events.
Next year, #PokemonNAIC is getting a new home! Check out where we'll see you in 2027… 👀 pic.twitter.com/oaX5fbla2h
— Play! Pokémon (@playpokemon) June 14, 2026
The Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC) is considered the final and highest-level international event of the competitive Pokémon season. It brings together thousands of players from around the world who compete across several formats, including the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, Pokémon UNITE and Pokémon Champions. Players compete not only for prize money, but also for the title of North America International Champion and a direct qualification spot for the World Championships. The event is also the final opportunity for competitors to earn championship points before the season ends.
Organisers explained that Chicago was selected due to its strong international accessibility and wide range of visitor experiences. Nick Salazar, Associate Public Relations Manager at Pokémon, said the city meets several key requirements for hosting the growing event. He stated, “When evaluating host cities for an event such as NAIC, we look at several factors, including accessibility, transport, and family-friendly attractions.” He added that Chicago “checks all those boxes” and offers plenty for visitors to explore beyond the competition venues. The city’s transport links and global connectivity were also highlighted as major advantages.
Chicago’s recent success with large-scale Pokémon events also played a role in the decision. Earlier this year, Pokémon GO Fest Chicago took place in Grant Park and attracted more than 100,000 attendees, setting a new North American attendance record for the franchise. The city also offered city-wide activations and collaborations with attractions such as the Field Museum and the Lincoln Park Zoo.
The 2027 championship will be held at McCormick Place, a venue known for hosting major international conventions, exhibitions and trade shows. Its large capacity and flexible event spaces make it suitable for an expanding global competition like NAIC. As attendance continues to grow, with recent editions attracting more than 18,000 visitors, organisers have increasingly looked for venues capable of handling both competitors and spectators. McCormick Place is expected to support not only tournament matches but also side events and fan experiences spread across multiple halls.
Visitors to the 2027 event can expect a mix of competitive gameplay and fan-focused activities. The Pokémon Center pop-up store is expected to return, offering exclusive merchandise for attendees. Side events, training spaces known as Play Labs, and photo opportunities with characters such as Pikachu will also be part of the experience. Organisers have emphasised that the event is designed to bring fans together, whether they are competing or attending as spectators, creating a shared experience around the franchise.
The NAIC also plays an important role in the wider competitive Pokémon ecosystem, leading into the annual World Championships. The 2026 edition of the World Championships will take place in San Francisco and will be held alongside PokémonXP, a new fan-focused convention featuring exhibitions, workshops and brand partnerships. The growing scale of these events shows how Pokémon has expanded beyond gaming into a broader entertainment and travel experience, with cities like Chicago becoming central to its international event strategy.
