The Pokémon World Championships 2025, the latest edition of the franchise’s most prestigious competitive event, is officially underway. For thousands of Trainers around the globe, this is one of the most anticipated dates on the annual Pokémon calendar.
Naturally, The Pokémon Company made sure to celebrate the occasion in style, kicking off the World Championships with a spectacular opening ceremony.
Anaheim Becomes the New Home of Pokémon World Championships 2025
This year, the Pokémon World Championships are being held in Anaheim, California. True to tradition, The Pokémon Company paid homage to American culture and California’s vibrant, collegiate spirit during the festivities.
The ceremony opened with a lively musical performance that blended fresh energy with aesthetics reminiscent of classic musicals like Grease. A Pikachu-themed classic American car, performers in varsity jackets, and a theater-like atmosphere set the tone for the celebration.
California’s love for rock also made its way into the show, as the music segment closed with a full band delivering high-energy vibes of competition. The Anaheim Convention Center came alive, filled with fans eager to see the ultimate showdown for the title of Pokémon World Champion.
Tsunekazu Ishihara Welcomes Players to the Tournament
To conclude the ceremony, Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO of The Pokémon Company, took the stage to welcome players.
With a short but powerful message, Ishihara promised a weekend full of fierce competition and fun. He also highlighted that this will be the first year the Pokémon World Championships finals will be held inside a full-scale arena—making the grand finale more thrilling than ever.
What Is the Pokémon World Championships 2025?
The Pokémon World Championships is the pinnacle of competitive Pokémon. Each year, the best players from around the world gather to compete across Pokémon VGC, Pokémon TCG, Pokémon UNITE, and Pokémon GO—battling to prove they are the very best Trainers.
But the event is not just about competition. The Pokémon World Championships is also a celebration of everything that makes the franchise special, featuring community activities, exclusive giveaways, and exciting surprises. It’s a weekend packed with unforgettable moments for fans and players alike.
Pokémon World Championships 2025 will take place from August 15–17, 2025, in Anaheim, California.
