Pokémon NAIC Moves to Chicago in 2027 After Record Growth

Key Takeaways

• Pokémon NAIC moves to McCormick Place in Chicago starting 2027
• Attendance grew over 150%, surpassing three-year goals in just two years
• Chicago offers direct flights from 281 airports in 49 countries versus New Orleans' 55 airports

After three years in New Orleans, the Pokémon North America International Championships is heading to Chicago. The Pokémon Company (TPCi) announced the move during closing ceremonies at NAIC 2026 on June 14.

Starting in 2027, the tournament will take place at McCormick Place Convention Center. The reason is simple: the event outgrew its current home faster than anyone expected.

Why Chicago?

Chris Brown, TPCi's Director of Global Esports and Events Producer, explained the decision comes down to three factors: geographical accessibility, room for growth, and what he called "vacationability."

“It's a world class city.”

— Chris Brown, TPCi Director, Global Esports and Events Producer

The accessibility numbers tell the story. New Orleans has direct flights from 55 airports across four countries. Chicago's O'Hare, the largest airport in the United States, connects to 281 airports in 49 countries. With 48 countries and regions represented at this year's NAIC, that international reach matters.

"Having that accessibility is vital now for a show of this scale," Brown said in a group interview.

New Orleans Couldn't Keep Up With Demand

Every entry badge type sold out this year. TPCi hit their three-year attendance target in just two years. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans is one of the largest in the world, but booking enough continuous space proved difficult. Other events compete for the same dates.

TPCi faced a choice: shrink the competitive tournament to add more fan experiences, or find a bigger venue. Brown made clear that the championship comes first.

"Chicago, for us, lets us grow the space," Brown said. "We want to grow the competition, we want to grow our fan programming."

Competitors and Fans Get Equal Priority

TPCi wants to treat competitive players and casual fans equally at their events. Last year, the company announced PokémonXP, a dedicated fan celebration that will run alongside the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco this August. The Chicago move follows the same philosophy: grow both sides of the experience.

When asked if Chicago would host NAIC for the foreseeable future, Brown declined to comment officially. However, TPCi had a three-year contract with the New Orleans venue. A similar arrangement in Chicago seems likely.

Mixed Reactions From the Community

Fan response has been split. Players in the Midwest are celebrating easier travel logistics. Others are mourning the loss of New Orleans' unique atmosphere. The city became a fan favorite over the past three years, with its distinctive food scene and culture adding to the tournament experience.

Chicago brings its own advantages: deep-dish pizza replaces beignets, and McCormick Place offers 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. That's room for both the growing competitive scene and the fan experiences TPCi wants to add.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Pokémon NAIC move to Chicago?

The Pokémon North America International Championships will relocate to Chicago starting in 2027. The tournament was held in New Orleans from 2024 through 2026.

Where in Chicago will NAIC be held?

NAIC 2027 will take place at McCormick Place Convention Center, the largest convention center in North America with 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.

Why is Pokémon NAIC leaving New Orleans?

Attendance grew over 150% and surpassed three-year goals in just two years. The event needs more space for both competitive play and fan experiences, and booking enough continuous space in New Orleans proved challenging.

Will NAIC stay in Chicago permanently?

TPCi has not confirmed long-term plans. The company had a three-year contract with New Orleans, suggesting a similar arrangement may apply to Chicago.

When is the 2026 Pokémon World Championships?

The 2026 Pokémon World Championships will be held in San Francisco, California in August 2026, paired with the new PokémonXP fan celebration event.

Source: IGN All