Pokémon XP makes its debut in SF as over 50,000 fans converge at Moscone Center
Pokémon history is happening right now in San Francisco. More than 50,000 Pokémon fans are in the city for the 2026 World Championships. But there's also a brand-new event to kick off the globally anticipated competition: Pokémon XP.
San Francisco is currently buzzing with over 50,000 Pokémon fans gathered for the 2026 World Championships. In addition to the main event, a new fan convention called Pokémon XP has debuted, drawing even more enthusiasts. Fans from around the world have been arriving days in advance, eager to experience the excitement.
At 7 a.m. on Friday, thousands of fans rushed through the gates at 4th and Howard streets, eagerly anticipating the start of the championships. One fan expressed their excitement, saying, "I'm just so starstruck. And honest, I'm a little emotional with being here." This marks the first time the championships have been held in San Francisco since 2016, when attendance was around a few thousand.
Nick Salazar, spokesperson for the Pokémon Company International, explained that the city has continued to evolve since the last championships, making it the perfect location for this 10-year reunion. Attendees have taken advantage of the city's offerings, visiting popular spots like the pier, Ghirardelli Square, and beach views.
As the main event and fan convention continue, organizers are looking forward to Championship Sunday at Chase Center, which is expected to draw over 16,000 fans. Salazar emphasized the sense of community that the Pokémon fandom creates, with many attendees expressing their love for the shared experience.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
