Pokémon GO prepares 2026 world championship and PokémonXP event with new features
The Pokémon GO universe is preparing to host the highly anticipated Pokémon World Championships in 2026. The competition, which will culminate in the crowning of a global champion, brings with it a series of events and special bonuses for players of the popular mobile game.
The 2026 Pokémon World Championships will take place between August 28 and 30, 2026, in the city of San Francisco, California. The occasion will bring together the best Pokémon GO players from different parts of the planet to decide who will receive the title of Pokémon GO World Champion of 2026.
Among the prizes for the champion is an exclusive avatar outfit for the 2026 World Champion, in addition to other important recognitions.
How to follow event live streams
Fans will be able to follow all the excitement of the championship live, with the action starting daily at 9am (PDT time). Broadcasts will be available on official channels.
- Day 1: Pokémon GO Twitch Channel
- Day 2: Pokémon GO Channel on Twitch
- Day 3: Pokémon Channel on Twitch
New avatar items to celebrate
During broadcasts, viewers should stay tuned as a code will be displayed to redeem a special avatar t-shirt. The “2026 Worlds Tee (Green)” can be obtained globally through this code shared throughout the event.
PokémonXP Events and In-Game World Championships
The game will feature two distinct event periods, PokémonXP and the 2026 World Championships event, with specific dates and characteristics.
The PokémonXP event will run from August 25th, starting at 10am, until August 28th, 2026, at 10am (local time).
The 2026 Pokémon World Championships event will take place from August 28th, starting at 10am, until August 30th, 2026, at 8pm (local time).
Pokémon debut with new visuals
During these festive periods, new costumed Pokémon will make their appearance in the game. Among them are a Pikachu wearing a Cosmog-themed space suit and a Pikachu from the 2026 World Championships. There is also the possibility of finding Shiny versions of these Pokémon.
Special bonuses for trainers
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Coaches will be able to take advantage of exclusive bonuses. The maximum number of series that can be played per day will increase from five to 15, totaling 75 battles. Additionally, Pokémon found as rewards in the GO Battle League will have an expanded range of Attack, Defense and Health points.
Pokémon in raids during events
Different Pokémon will appear in one-star raids in each phase of the event, depending on the established dates.
PokémonXP: raids available from August 25th to 28th
Between August 25th at 10am and August 28th at 10am (local time), players will be able to find Cosmog and Impidimp’s spacesuit-wearing Pikachu in one-star raids. Both can appear in their Shiny versions, for the luckiest trainers.
2026 World Championships: Raids August 28-30
From August 28th at 10am until August 30th at 8pm local time, One-Star Raids will feature Cosmog’s spacesuit Pikachu, 2026 World Championships Pikachu, and Honedge. These creatures can also appear in their Shiny variants.
Rewards for Field Research Tasks
Completing Field Research tasks will give Trainers the opportunity to encounter event-themed Pokémon. Just like in raids, there is a chance that some of these Pokémon will appear in their Shiny versions.
Wild encounters in each event phase
The frequency of Pokémon appearances in the wild will also change, with different creatures highlighted each period.
PokémonXP: Wild Encounters August 25-28
From August 25th at 10am until August 28th at 10am (local time), Ralts, Numel, Spheal, Drifloon, Elgyem, Sobble, and Pawmi will appear more frequently. For some trainers, Deino can also be found. Everyone can be Brilliant.
2026 World Championships: meetings from August 28th to 30th
From August 28th, 10am, until August 30th, 8pm (local time), Alolan Sandshrew, Mankey, Lickitung, Totodile, Wooper, Foongus, Froakie and Litten will have a higher appearance rate. There is also a chance to find Togetic and Beldum. Everyone can also be Brilliant.
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Special attacks for certain Pokémon
Some Pokémon captured or evolved during the event will have access to exclusive attacks. This is a great opportunity to optimize teams for battle.
- Alolan Sandslash will learn the Shadow Claw quick attack.
- Primeape will learn the Fist of Fury charged attack.
- Lickitung will learn the Body Slam charged attack.
- Feraligatr will learn the Hydro Cannon charged attack.
- Quagsire will learn the Water Tail charged attack.
- Gardevoir will learn the Synchronoise charged attack.
- Walrein will learn the Snow Dust quick attack.
- Walrein will learn the Frozen Spear charged attack.
- Metagross will learn the Meteor Punch charged attack.
- Lickilicky will learn the Body Slam charged attack.
- Togekiss will learn the Aura Sphere charged attack.
- Gallade will learn the Syncronoise charged attack.
- Hydreigon will learn the Brutal Swing charged attack.
- Greninja will learn the Hydro Cannon charged attack.
- Decidueye will learn the Deadly Plant charged attack.
- Incineroar will learn the Blast Burn charged attack.
- Inteleon will learn the Hydro Cannon charged attack.
- Corviknight will learn the Air Cutter charged attack.
- Annihilape will learn the Fist of Fury charged attack.
New accessories for your avatar
A new backpack, the “PokémonXP & 2026 Worlds Backpack,” will be available for purchase in the in-game store after the event ends, allowing players to show off their participation.
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Themed stickers
Trainers will be able to obtain event-exclusive stickers by spinning PokéStops, opening gifts, or purchasing them directly from the in-game store.
Return of World Championship Battlegrounds in GO Battle League
To celebrate the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, the GO Battle League will feature a different arena and battle soundtrack between August 24, 12:00 PM PDT and August 30, 2026, 11:59 PM PDT.
GO Pass and GO Pass Deluxe system
GO Pass is a free progression track, available for a limited time. By accumulating GO Points, players can climb the ranks and earn rewards. Upgrading to GO Pass Deluxe offers enhanced rewards and faster progression, ideal for those looking to optimize their experience.
Trainers will automatically receive GO Pass: PokémonXP & 2026 Worlds on August 25th at 10am (local time). You can collect GO Points and advance in rank to get additional prizes until August 30th, at 8 pm (local time).
Between August 29th at 12am and August 30th at 7:59pm (local time), there will be no daily limit on the amount of GO Points players can accumulate, encouraging intensive participation.
For $4.99, trainers can upgrade to GO Pass Deluxe, the paid version that offers superior rewards and faster advancement on the progression track.
There is also a $6.99 option for GO Pass Deluxe + 6 Ranks, which guarantees enough points to automatically reach Rank 7.
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By progressing through GO Pass Deluxe, players can redeem all rewards from both the free and Deluxe GO Pass. Upgrading to the Deluxe version can be done at any time, and rewards for already unlocked ranks are cumulative.
Rewards released on GO Pass must be redeemed by September 1st, at 7:59 pm (local time), as they will expire after that date.
The values listed refer to US dollars or the equivalent price in local currency.
Pokémon and rewards featured on GO Pass
Completing Pass tasks will allow players to rank up and earn rewards, including encounters with event-themed Pokémon.
Trainers who opt for GO Pass Deluxe will have access to additional and exclusive prizes.
- 2026 Worlds/PokémonXP Backpack (also available for purchase in the in-game store).
- Encounter with Zapdos, which can be Brilliant and will have an increased range of Attack, Defense and HP.
- Extra encounters with event-themed Pokémon.
- Other surprises and valuable items.
Bonuses for reaching important milestones
Reaching certain milestones in GO Pass will unlock additional bonuses for trainers.
At Level 1, starting at Rank 10, players will receive double Stardust when capturing Pokémon.
At Level 2, starting at Rank 20, there will be an additional 3,000 XP in raids.
For those who upgrade to GO Pass Deluxe, the Tier 2 bonus from Rank 20 will be strengthened, granting up to two additional free Raid Passes when spinning Gym Photo Discs.
Watch and receive prizes from PokémonXP and World Championships 2026
The 2026 Pokémon World Championships will be broadcast from August 28th at 9:00am until August 30th, 2026 at 8:00pm PT.
Temporary Great League Team Formation Survey
A temporary bonus search for the Great League will allow coaches to assemble a team ready for the championship, choosing between Lickitung, Totodile and Paldean Wooper as their focus for formation. The duration of the survey to watch will be 30 minutes.
- Day 1: Pokémon GO Twitch Channel
- Day 2: Pokémon GO Channel on Twitch
- Day 3: Pokémon Channel on Twitch
