2026 Pokémon Championship Series Roadmap

Flowchart to illustrate the paths to qualification for the World Championships.

SEASON START (TCG/GO: July 1, VGC: Sept 1, 2025)
COMPETITION FORMAT SPLIT
Path A: TCG, VGC, Pokémon GO

(Championship Point (CP) System)

Stage 1: Local & Online Events
  • League Challenges / Cups
  • VGC Grand Challenges (Online)
  • GO Battle League Leaderboards
Stage 2: Championship Events
  • Regional, Special, & International Championships
Key Change:
Swiss rounds increased by +1 for events with 65+ participants. Asymmetrical Top 8 capped at 16 players.
Qualification:
Earn sufficient CP (points adjusted, more for lower placements).

200 CP = Ace Trainer Reward Status

Path B: Pokémon UNITE

(New Regional League System)

Stage 1: League Entry

Compete in the Online League Open Qualifier (December) to earn a spot in one of the three Regional Leagues (NA, EU, LATAM).

Stage 2: Regional League Play

Regular Season Round-Robin Play (with promotion/relegation). Concludes with Regional Finals in April.

Qualification:
Top-placing teams earn direct Worlds Invites & Travel Awards.
Alternate Paths:
1. Win Aeos Cup at ICs. 2. Win the Online Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) in May.
2026 POKÉMON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

(San Francisco, CA)