Upcoming Venue Change for Pokémon North America International Championships
The Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC), a major event in the Pokémon esports calendar, will be held at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois for the year 2027. This relocation follows three consecutive years of the event taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tournament officials revealed the move during the closing ceremonies of the 2026 NAIC held in New Orleans.
Factors Influencing the Move to Chicago
According to Chris Brown, Director of Global Esports and Events Producer at The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), the decision to relocate the NAIC to Chicago was based on several strategic factors, including geographic accessibility, capacity for expansion, and attractions that enhance the experience for attendees. Brown described Chicago as a “world class city” that meets the company’s priorities for hosting large-scale competitive events.
Geographical accessibility played a significant role in the decision. While New Orleans offers direct flights from 55 airports across four countries, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a major global hub providing direct flights from 281 airports in 49 countries. This increased connectivity supports the international nature of the championships, which typically attract participants and fans from a diverse array of countries. Brown noted that the 2026 NAIC featured representatives from 48 countries and regions.
Growth and Logistics Challenges in New Orleans
The Pokémon NAIC has experienced rapid growth, exceeding initial attendance goals for its first three years within just two years. The event has seen a 150% increase in attendance and recently sold out all available entry badges. Despite the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans being one of the largest convention centers globally, securing adequate contiguous space remains a logistical challenge due to competing events.
TPCi considered reducing the competition space to incorporate more fan-focused activities in New Orleans but prioritized maintaining the competition’s scale and quality. As Brown explained, the NAIC is primarily an international championship, and they want to ensure that both competitors and fans receive balanced attention.
Expansion Opportunities in Chicago
Relocating to Chicago is seen as an opportunity to expand both the competitive and fan engagement aspects of the event. “Chicago lets us grow the space,” Brown said, indicating plans to increase competition size alongside enhanced fan programming. The move aligns with TPCi’s broader strategy of integrating competitive events with fan celebrations, exemplified by the simultaneous organization of PokémonXP—a fan celebration paired with the Pokémon World Championships scheduled for San Francisco in 2026.
While there is no official confirmation regarding how long Chicago will remain the NAIC host city, the three-year contract with New Orleans concluded in 2026. Brown highlighted that holding events consistently at the same venue and time is preferable for event organizers, reflecting a common practice in large-scale esports and competitive gaming tournaments.
Chicago’s Established Role in Pokémon Events
Chicago already hosts prominent Pokémon-related events, including the annual Pokémon GO Fest held in May, and the temporary Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit at the Field Museum. Although the Fossil Museum is scheduled to end before the 2027 NAIC, the city’s existing Pokémon community infrastructure supports a smooth transition for the International Championships.
Additional Details from the 2026 Championships
The closing ceremony of the 2026 NAIC also featured announcements about promotional cards for the upcoming Pokémon World Championships, merchandise previews, and new Pikachu plush releases. These events continue to build fan engagement and promote competitive play across North America.
As The Pokémon Company International looks toward the 2027 tournament in Chicago, the move underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting the expanding Pokémon competitive scene and creating memorable experiences for fans and players alike.
