Pokemon Worlds Is Five Times the Size It Was in 2017, and It Shows

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In 2017, when Pokémon Worlds made its way to Anaheim, it was a more modest event, held in a single hall that encompassed the tournaments, the Pokémon Center, and fan areas. With approximately 5,000 attendees, the 2017 Pokémon Worlds in Anaheim retained the air of a world championship but remained relatively specialized among competitive gatherings, attracting mostly dedicated fans and devoted trainers.

By the year 2025, the contrast was strikingly apparent. This year’s Pokémon Worlds in Anaheim expanded across numerous halls, a vast plaza, and a dedicated arena for championship Sunday, whereas in 2017, just one hall was utilized – now exclusively reserved for the Pokémon Center. During the event, Game Rant had an opportunity to converse with Chris Brown, the Director of Global Esports and Events for The Pokémon Company International, who elucidated on the rapid growth of the event and how this expansion has significantly redefined the essence of Pokémon Worlds.

Pokemon Worlds Went From the Tournament Hall to a Global Festival

The heart of these changes lies in the significant expansion of Pokemon Worlds since its last stint in Anaheim, eight years ago. In less than a decade, attendance at this event has multiplied by at least five times. Upon being asked about his return to Anaheim and utilizing the convention center for Pokemon Worlds, Brown commented on the experience.

In 2017, the event attracted approximately 5,000 attendees. However, the current event has surpassed that figure significantly, with over 25,000 unique attendees already checked in. This means we’re five times larger than the 2017 event. We’re also close to doubling last year’s attendance in Honolulu, and there are still some attendees with day passes to be checked in for Sunday and the remainder of today.

Thus, it’s clear why Pokemon Worlds made some changes this year. Previously in 2017, the focus was primarily on competition. But this time around, Anaheim’s campus layout enabled The Pokemon Company to create an atmosphere more akin to a fan convention. This transformation included pin trading, a collect-and-trade area, a full programming stage, and opportunities for creator meet-ups. As a result, Worlds took on the feel of a comprehensive brand celebration. Competitive matches were no longer the centerpiece, but rather the core of a much broader experience, as explained by Brown.

In 2017, we didn’t engage in pin trading, nor did we have a designated area for collection and trade. There was no programming stage with panels, no creator meet and greet sessions. Essentially, all those features that make the event more fan-friendly were not present back then. We’ve introduced these elements to transform the event into a more comprehensive experience for our fans.

It’s noteworthy that since 2017, the Pokémon franchise has been making it easier for everyone, whether they enjoy the trading card game, video games, or competitive events, to participate. In fact, Pokémon Worlds has been designed to be more inclusive, inviting a wider range of Pokémon enthusiasts. Brown emphasized that the aim isn’t to divide fans and competitive players, but to create a setting where both feel included. As a result, Pokémon Worlds feels like a celebration of all things Pokémon, with the competition serving as more of a spectacle than the sole reason for gathering.

In simpler terms, the Pokémon Worlds tournament of 2025 bears little resemblance to the one held in Anaheim eight years ago. Originally a small competitive gathering for Pokémon enthusiasts, it has since grown into a massive event where tens of thousands of fans unite, all sharing their passion for Pokémon. The surge in popularity is evident just by looking at attendance numbers, but what truly sets it apart is the transformation of its meaning. It’s no longer solely about who wins the trophy, but rather about what the tournament symbolizes for the broader Pokémon community.

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2025-08-17 15:36