Pokémon North America International Championships moves to Chicago in 2027

In short

• The Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC) will move to Chicago in 2027 after three years in New Orleans.
• Attendance at the event has grown by more than 150% over the past two years, highlighting the rising popularity of Pokémon esports.
• All passes for this year are sold out, confirming strong demand for the event.

The move of the Pokémon North America International Championships to Chicago in 2027 marks an important step for The Pokémon Company. Chicago, with its McCormick Place Convention Center, offers not only a bigger stage for competitors, but also better accessibility thanks to the largest airport in the US, which has direct connections to 281 airports in 49 countries. This is crucial for the international community of Pokémon players who want to attend the event.

Chris Brown, director of Global Esports and event producer at The Pokémon Company, has played a key role in organizing the event. His vision and leadership have helped the NAIC exceed TPCi's attendance goals in just two years. This not only shows the event's growth, but also the increased interest in Pokémon esports as a whole.

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The move to Chicago can be seen as a strategic step to further boost NAIC's growth. The city offers not only better facilities, but also greater appeal for international attendees. The more than 150% increase in attendance is an indication that the Pokémon community is becoming more engaged with competitive events. This could also lead to more sponsors and media attention, further strengthening the future of Pokémon esports.

What does this mean for players?

For players, this move means access to a larger and better-organized event. The sold-out passes for this year are a sign that demand to participate is high. This could also increase competition, as more players from around the world will travel to Chicago to compete. In addition, improved infrastructure in Chicago could contribute to a better overall experience for attendees and visitors.