Your Insider Guide to the 2024 Pokémon World Championships
Pokémon Worlds comes to Honolulu for the first time Aug. 16–18. Here’s everything you need to know about all the fun, from exclusive merch to photo ops.
Image: Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
Trainers, gear up for the biggest Pokémon event of the year—the Pokémon World Championships are coming to Honolulu for the first time. During the three-day tournament from Aug. 16 to Aug. 18, there will be competitive matches with prizes, a pop-up Pokémon Center, Pokémon meet-and-greets and more, culminating with the rise of the new Pokémon World Champions.
Here’s everything we know so far. Bookmark this guide because it’ll be updated as more details are released leading up to the event.
Click to the information you want to explore:
- What It Is
- How to Register
- What to Do
- Pokémon Worlds Trainer Town
- Pokémon Center
- Event Schedule
- Where to Park
- Tips
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Summer Bucket List: The Best Things to Do on O‘ahu
Photo: Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
What It Is
As one of the most successful and beloved franchises in the world, Pokémon has expanded from video games to trading cards, manga, anime, films and mobile games and remains a pop culture phenomenon.
The annual Pokémon World Championships gathers Trainers from around the world to compete for more than $2,000,000 in prizes. Registered competitors will play on four platforms: The Pokémon Trading Card Game, “Pokémon Scarlet” and “Pokémon Violet” video games for Nintendo Switch systems, “Pokémon Go” mobile game and “Pokémon Unite” on mobile or Nintendo Switch.
Only qualified, registered competitors may participate in the tournaments, though spectators are welcome to play games and trade Pokémon during the event. There will also be a pop-up Pokémon Center and free festivities hosted onsite and at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort.
Photo: Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
How to Register
You must wear a spectator badge to attend the event. Competitors will receive competitor badges.
Spectator Badges
Update: Spectator badges are sold out.
The event has limited capacity and, considering Pokémon’s popularity, we’re expecting it to sell out. Anticipating lots of interest in spectating, The Pokémon Company set up a pre-registration list for spectator badges from May 29 to June 9. Since the number of registrants exceeded the number of spectator badges, a random selection of people from the list have been notified starting last week, receiving emails that they can purchase spectator badges.
Those who were notified had 48 hours to make a purchase, with more people from the interest list being contacted as those time limits passed. In the (unlikely) event that spectator badges are not sold out beforehand, they will be sold onsite.
Competitor Badges
Those who qualify for the Pokémon World Championships will receive a competitor badge and two free multi-day spectator badges for guests.
Cost
A multi-day spectator badge is $39.99. A one-day badge is $14.99. Keiki ages 5 and under do not need badges.
You can buy two spectator badges max. Keep in mind that a badge is nonrefundable and nontransferable, so make sure you can attend.
What to Do
Tournaments at the Hawai‘i Convention Center
The main events at the Pokémon World Championships are the tournaments, which will have multiple rounds and different age divisions. Cheer on Trainers as they battle to become World Champions.
Cassius Kong (left) and Peyton Lee (right). Photo: Courtesy of @ray_2d2
This year, two local boys have qualified: Cassius Kong in the junior division and Peyton Lee in the senior division for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. This is Lee’s first world championships, while Kong has qualified for the past three. Both attend Kamehameha Schools. Give them a cheehoo if you see them!
Side Events at the Hawai‘i Convention Center
Come prepared with your games updated and cards at the ready so you can join the side events, where you can battle with other Trainers for prize tickets, even if you’re not a registered competitor. The side events will be hosted on the same gaming platforms as the tournaments. See the event schedule online.
Onsite Activities at the Hawai‘i Convention Center
There will be plenty to explore at Worlds besides spectating the tournaments. Here’s what you should check out:
- The Illustration Contest Gallery featuring the top 100 semifinalists of the 2024 Pokémon Trading Card Game Illustration Contest and more
- A demo of the upcoming Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket mobile game, where you can try opening packs and preview all-new Pokémon TCG artwork
- The History Museum, a curated exhibit of the history of the Pokémon World Championships
- Autograph sessions with special guests, including Pokémon Trading Card Game artists
- Merchant Room, where you can find unique Pokémon items for your collection from local vendors
- Collect & Trade Corner, where you can admire collections and trade with fellow Pokémon fans
- Screenings of Pokémon: The First Movie and Pokémon Horizons: The Series
- Genki Ball Making, an ecological mud ball activity in partnership with the Genki Ala Wai Project (first come, first serve)
Here is a map of all the activations at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.
—
Pokémon Worlds Trainer Town at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
From Wednesday, Aug. 14, to Sunday, Aug. 18, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort will host a variety of free festivities in the Pokémon Worlds Trainer Town that are open to the public. See parking info in the Parking section below.
Wednesday, Aug. 14: Kama‘āina Day
- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn
Thursday, Aug. 15
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn
- 8 p.m. drone show on the beach
Friday, Aug. 16
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Village Green
- 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. at the Rainbow Tower
Saturday, Aug. 17
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Village Green
- 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. at the Rainbow Tower
- 8 p.m. drone show on the beach
Sunday, Aug. 18
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Great Lawn
- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Village Green
- 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. at the Rainbow Tower
- 8 p.m. drone show on the beach
On Wednesday, Aug. 14, the Pokémon Worlds Trainer Town opens exclusively for kama‘āina from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Present a valid state ID to gain entry. The day starts with the opening ceremony, and you can look forward to family-friendly activities, meet-and-greets with Pikachu and friends, photo ops and more! Here’s a recap reel of the day.
Throughout the week, head to the Great Lawn for character meet-and-greets, drawing lessons, face painting, lawn games and surfboard decorating. Meanwhile, the Village Green will have character meet-and-greets, hula lessons, lei making, origami and special photo ops. Visit the Pokémon Play Lab in the Rainbow Tower (Rainbow Suite, Level 1) to learn how to play the games, like the trading card game. And stick around for the Pokémon drone show at 8 p.m. on the beach!
Here is a map and schedule of the Pokémon Worlds Trainer Town activities at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Image: Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
Pokémon Center
One of the most highly anticipated parts of Worlds is getting to shop the pop-up Pokémon Center. Here is a look at some of the exclusive merch for this year’s Worlds. Among the most highly anticipated items are the printed ‘ukulele and the Reyn Spooner collab aloha shirt and matching tote. Check out this reel for a peek at the merch you can shop.
Image: Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
Additionally, this special Pikachu promo card that features Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head) in the background of Pikachu and Mew battling in a stadium will be available as a gift with purchase at the Pokémon Center (online) and select local and online retail locations starting on Aug. 2, while supplies last. Use code “worlds2024” at checkout online. You can also win this card as a participation prize at your local Pokémon League from Aug. 12–18.
Photo: Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
The onsite Pokémon Center will have an exclusive gift with purchase as well, a beach ball with snorkeling Pikachu, while supplies last.
Reservations
A spectator badge does not provide access to the Pokémon Center, which will have a separate registration process. Fortunately, that also means if you couldn’t snag a spectator badge, you still have a chance of visiting the Pokémon Center if you book an appointment (one reservation per person).
Store Hours (Aug. 14–18)
- Wednesday: 1 to 8 p.m.
- Thursday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Find the store entrance on the south side of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, accessible via the Ala Wai Promenade. You will need to present your reservation QR code for entry. The Pokémon Center will only accept debit or credit cards, no cash. All sales will be final, though exchanges may be made for defective products.
Note that in the past, products have quickly sold out at The Pokémon Center, so we recommend booking an appointment as soon as you can. Some products have purchase limits noted on their signage. More info is available online.
Event Schedule
The Pokémon World Championships run from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17, and 8:15 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18. See the schedule below, which is subject to change.
Image: Courtesy of The Pokémon Company
Where to Park (Update!)
Hawai‘i Convention Center – park at Ala Moana Center
Though the Pokémon World Championships will be held at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, no onsite parking will be offered to spectators. The best nearest option would be Ala Moana Shopping Center (1450 Ala Moana Blvd.). There are designated areas for HCC event goers to park. You can pay online or use the Premium Parking app. Enter the promo code “HCC22” for a 50% discount.
There are bike racks in front of the center as well as a Biki Stop. The Bus also stops in front of the convention center.
Pokémon Center – park at Ala Moana Center
If you’re only shopping at the Pokémon Center and not attending Worlds, you can also park at Ala Moana Center (see above for parking instructions) from Wednesday, Aug. 14, to Sunday, Aug. 18. Keep in mind that the Convention Center garage will not accept shoppers.
Pokémon Worlds Trainer Town – Hilton Hawaiian Village
Trainer Town attendees can park at the Hilton Hawaiian Village garage. At the entrance to the Great Lawn, you can take a picture of a barcode that can be scanned at the parking machine for a discounted $15 flat rate.
Alternatively, you could park at Ala Moana Center (see above for parking instructions) and walk, which takes about 15 minutes. The Bus is another option.
Tips
For Spectators
- Bring your Nintendo Switch with “Scarlet” or “Violet” and Pokémon cards to the event so you can trade with other attendees.
- If you attend Worlds, you’ll receive a Mystery Gift code for a special Steenee for “Scarlet” or “Violet.” To match the 2024 Worlds art, this Steenee will have the hold item Safety Goggles, the Water Tera Type and the rare Celebrate move.
- Pack a battery and charging cord in case your Switch runs low as well as a card binder, deck box or sleeves to keep any new cards safe.
- Feel free to cosplay and show love for your favorite Pokémon and characters. Just keep in mind that cosplays should be family-friendly.
- The convention center does not allow outside food or drinks. You can purchase both at concession stands inside the venue.
- Other prohibited items include weapons, electronic smoking devices, bags larger than carry-on size and alcohol.
- If you have accessibility needs, find more info on the accommodations offered online.
- If you can’t attend the event due to unforeseen circumstances, you can contact the Customer Service team to explain and potentially negotiate for a refund.
- If you lose your spectator badge, visit the Customer Service desk at the convention center.
For Everyone
- Can’t make it to the event in person? You can still watch the live broadcast on Twitch and YouTube.
- Tune in to the World Championships live stream on Twitch to gain secret passwords for in-game rewards in “Scarlet” and “Violet,” “Pokémon Go” and “Pokémon TCG Live.” You can also pick up Twitch Drops if you connect your Twitch account to your Pokémon Trainer Club account.
- Looking for more Pokémon cards for your collection? Don’t miss the Aloha Card Show at Ala Moana Center (mauka wing across from It’Sugar) on Aug. 17–18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plus, you can get your cards professionally graded by Beckett Grading Services, which will be onsite, or drop off submissions for grading to Professional Sports Authenticator. Tickets are $10, and keiki ages 6 and under get in free.
- Play “Pokémon Go” during the Worlds period to get snorkeling Pikachu in game.
2024 Pokémon World Championships, Aug. 16–18, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., worlds.pokemon.com, @pokemon
