San Francisco Hosts Inaugural Pokémon XP Convention Alongside World Championships
San Francisco hosted the inaugural "Pokémon XP" convention, coinciding with the Pokémon World Championships, attracting fans dressed as Pokémon characters.

San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 30, 2026 —
San Francisco recently became the epicenter for Pokémon enthusiasts as it hosted the inaugural “Pokémon XP” convention. The event ran concurrently with the prestigious Pokémon World Championships, drawing a significant crowd of dedicated fans.
Attendees at the convention, and likely at the championships as well, showcased their passion by arriving in costumes, portraying various beloved Pokémon characters. This gathering marked the first of its kind for the “Pokémon XP” convention, signaling a new initiative for the franchise to engage directly with its fan base in major host cities.
The decision to launch “Pokémon XP” in San Francisco, while the city also played host to the global championships, suggests a strategic effort to capitalize on the existing energy and influx of the Pokémon community. Details regarding the specific programming, number of attendees, or future locations for “Pokémon XP” were not provided in the summary.
The event highlighted the enduring popularity of the Pokémon franchise, which continues to attract new generations of fans alongside its long-standing community. The visual spectacle of fans dressed as their favorite characters underscored the vibrant and engaged nature of the Pokémon fandom.
Story summarized from the original created by Rosina Boehm and Aaliyah Español-Rivas on missionlocal.org, see more information here.
