Pokémon Go will release numerous celebratory events ahead of the Pokémon World Championships 2025

The Pokémon Go World Championships run from August 15th to 17th.
Pikachu in a varsity jacket will appear in-game.
Go Battle League receives a themed update along with other special activities.

Pokémon Go is celebrating the 2025 Pokémon World Championships in Anaheim, California, taking place from August 15th to 17th. Elite Trainers from across the globe will battle for the title of World Champion, and even if you’re watching from home, there’s plenty to enjoy—starting with a code for a commemorative 2025 Worlds Tee (White), releasing during the Day One stream.

To honor the event, a Pikachu wearing a varsity jacket is making its first appearance, with a chance to encounter its Shiny form. This special Pikachu will appear in one-star raids, Field Research tasks, and out in the wild. Raids will also include Lapras, Honedge, Dusclops, and Diggersby. Keep an eye out for Lapras and Pikachu, both with boosted Shiny encounter rates during the celebration.

A $5 Timed Research ticket unlocks encounters with Lickitung, Sableye, Guzzlord, and more, plus 25,000 Stardust and a Premium Battle Pass. Special evolutions come with exclusive Charged Attacks: Primeape and Annihilape learn Rage Fist, while Clodsire learns Megahorn. You’ll also find themed stickers at PokéStops, in Gifts, and in the shop, along with exclusive avatar items.

Additionally, from August 11th to 17th, Go Battle League gets a fresh look with a new arena and updated background music. During Go Battle Weekend, you can complete up to 100 battles per day, earn 4x Stardust from victories, and claim free Timed Research with battle-themed avatar rewards. Pokémon in Go Battle League will also display expanded stat spreads for Attack, Defence, and HP.

If you’re gearing up for the action, the Pokémon Go Web Store offers bundles like the Ultra Ticket Box with a bonus Premium Battle Pass and the TM Elite Master Box filled with Elite and regular TMs. You can also unlock free items by redeeming Pokémon Go codes.

Tune in to Pokémon Go’s Twitch channel to watch the live stream of the Pokémon World Championships 2025.