Pokémon UNITE
Competitor information for the Pokémon UNITE Championship at LAIC.
Tournament Structure
Match Format and Dates
Teams will compete from Friday, November 21 to Sunday, November 23 using the 5-versus-5 draft pick format on the Theia Sky Ruins map in Pokémon UNITE. All matches will be best-of-3 unless noted otherwise.
Tournament structure, including match game series length and gameplay restrictions, are subject to change.
Group Stage - Friday, November 21
Teams will play in single round-robin groups. The top teams from each group will qualify for the Bracket Stage.
The number of teams in each group and number of games per match in the 'Group Stage' will be announced on-site prior to the start of the competition.
Bracket Stage - Saturday, November 22
Top teams from the Group Stage will compete in a single-elimination bracket until two teams remain. The semifinal matches will be best-of-5.
Finals – Sunday, November 23
The top 2 teams from the Bracket Stage will compete in a best-of-5 Finals match to determine the Champion.
Competitors must comply with all Tournament Rules.
What to Bring
When you show up at a Pokémon UNITE tournament, there are some things you must have with you:
Pokémon UNITE downloaded for either a Nintendo Switch system or a tournament legal mobile device with the latest game updates installed.
A fully charged Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model, or Nintendo Switch 2 system with a working USB-C port and the latest system updates installed OR a tournament-legal mobile phone device for competition with a working USB-C port, to be approved by tournament administration (see the Tournament Rules and check back regularly before the event for updated rules).
Competitors may also bring a wired USB-A compatible controller and a wired USB-A or 3.5mm audio headset.
A charger for your system; it is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure that their console remains operational throughout the tournament.
Proof of age may be requested, and failure to provide proof of age may result in the competitor being denied participation in the tournament (at the organizer’s discretion).
- Tournament organizers will inform competitors of additional requirements ahead of the event.
Prizes
Competitors must have a Pokémon Trainer Club account with a Player ID attached and must have opted in to the Play! Pokémon program to earn points and awards.
Prizes and prize distribution may be subject to change.
Trainers in the Top 8 teams will be eligible to receive a commemorative Medal in Pokémon HOME marking their achievement. To receive this exclusive Medal, attendees must first download Pokémon HOME on their NFC-enabled device and complete the Medal tutorial before they receive their physical prizing for this event.
Players that use the Pokémon HOME Basic Plan can possess up to 30 medals. Those who have enrolled in the Premium Plan (Paid) can have up to 1,000 medals. Please note that this feature is only available on the mobile device version of Pokémon HOME. It must be linked to a Nintendo Account in order to have medals.
The format of each prize is dependent on the age of the recipient. Here are the International Championships prizes for the 2026 Play! Pokémon Championship Series season.
18 years of age and older
- - Awards of $5,000 or more: choice of scholarship or cash
- - Awards under $5,000: cash
Under 18 years of age
- - Awards of $5,000 or more: choice of scholarship or Pokémon Visa® prepaid card
- - Awards under $5,000: Pokémon Visa® prepaid card
Prizes are based on attendance per age division. Unless otherwise specified, all prizes are paid in US dollars and subject to applicable tax withholding. Prize winners should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their tax obligations.
Prizing details are available on the Pokémon Championship Series website.
In eligible markets, the Top 8 Pokémon UNITE teams will receive Pokémon TCG booster packs.
| 1st - 4th place | 5th - 8th place |
|---|---|
| 72 booster packs | 36 booster packs |
Not Competing?
Spectators with badges can enjoy activities and experiences including side events, shopping, trading, and the livestream.