Competitive Pokémon has never been bigger. The 2026 Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC) drew thousands of players to New Orleans last weekend for battles across the Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, Pokémon UNITE, and the upcoming Pokémon Champions. But as the scene grows, The Pokémon Company International is making a deliberate choice: keep the doors wide open.
In a roundtable interview at NAIC 2026, Director of Global Esports & Events Chris Brown outlined the company's philosophy. Unlike many esports that require months of qualification, Pokémon's circuit remains remarkably accessible. Outside the World Championships, anyone can register and compete without prerequisites. “We are an open tour, basically,” Brown explained. “Any one of our events other than Worlds, anyone can compete in without any sort of prerequisite.”
That openness is becoming rare in competitive gaming. As tournaments sell out in seconds and NAIC attendance has jumped over 150% since moving to New Orleans three years ago, many organizations would add barriers. Brown acknowledged that temptation but said Pokémon is committed to avoiding it. “Those layers of qualification end up creating accessibility windows,” he noted. “If I miss this window, I have to wait. In traditional esports, that's often a whole year.”
Brown emphasized that accessibility isn't just a slogan—it's a core principle guiding future plans. “We don't want to lose the accessibility that we have,” he said. “So as much as we can, we'll try to keep and be the most accessible esport, really, in the world.” That commitment extends beyond major events. Pokémon's network of local leagues and retail store programs lets players learn the game and compete close to home before traveling to larger tournaments.
The company is also preparing for the launch of Pokémon Champions on mobile, which Brown expects to bring even more players into the ecosystem. To accommodate growth, NAIC will move to Chicago in 2027. But Brown made clear that logistical changes won't compromise the open-entry model. “We're seeing so much benefit for the community,” he said. “We don't want to lose that.”
For fans who love the thrill of live competition but worry about gatekeeping, Pokémon's stance is refreshing. In an era where many esports are tightening their belts, Pokémon is doubling down on inclusivity—proving that the most accessible esport might just be the one that started with a pocket monster.
