2026 Pokémon North America International Championships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Registration & Badge FAQs
Why do you need my birth date to register?
For spectators, your date of birth verifies that you are old enough to sign up for an account on our site. At the event, youth ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adullt. Youth passes can only be purchased along with an adult pass. For competitors, birth date is required to verify the correct age division for the event you are attempting to register for. Without the ability to confirm your birth date, you cannot register online to attend any event.
Can I register for a badge on-site?
All attendees must register online in advance. Competitor registration will close on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT. Spectator passes will remain available online until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14 or until sold out. Learn more about registration here.
Do I have to wear my badge?
Yes, all attendees must visibly wear their badge throughout the duration of the event. Anyone in the venue without a badge may be asked to leave.
Are media passes available for this event?
Yes - Learn more about the Media and Creator application process here.
Where and when can I pick up my badge?
Badge pickup hours can be found here.
Will I receive anything for my purchase through the mail or in advance of the event?
You will not receive any physical items before the event takes place. You will, however, receive email confirmation that your registration for this event was successful. This email will help you check in on-site for the event and receive the badge you have registered for.
I can no longer attend. What is the refund policy?
Spectator passes are non-refundable and non-transferable. Visit RK9 for additional information on competitor refund options.
What is the code of conduct for this event?
The Pokémon Company International is committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive to all participants. We expect all event attendees to review and abide by the Play! Pokémon Inclusion Policy. Please review the Play! Pokémon Standards of Conduct for all Championship Series and other key event policies here.
Is access to the Pokémon Center included with my registration?
No - Pokémon Center has a separate reservation system. Registering for the North America International Championships event does not grant you access to the store. Learn more about the store and the process for making reservations here.
Should a 17 year old purchase an Adult Pass or a Youth Pass? What is the difference between the Adult Pass and the Youth Pass?
An individual who is 17 years old at the time of the event may register for an Adult Pass or a Youth Pass. Youth Passes may attend all the same activities as an individual with an Adult Pass; however someone registered for a Youth Pass will have limited account functionality. Youth Pass attendees must arrive to the event with the Adult who purchased their pass and will always be connected to the adult who purchased the pass. Youth will not receive attendee emails or communications.
What if I don't have government issued photo identification that matches the name I go by?
For security purposes, government issued photo identification that matches the name printed on your badge will be required to collect your badge on-site. Slight variations of the name on your government issued photo identification are acceptable (for example: "Julia" vs. "Juliana" or "Steve" instead of "Steven").
If you are unable to use a variation of your legal name on your badge please contact customer service in advance so we may explore accommodations.
If you are unable to use a variation of your legal name on your badge please contact customer service in advance so we may explore accommodations.
Competitor FAQs
Do I need to register online for my event?
Yes. All competitors are required to register for their respective International Championship in advance of the event. Competitors must register on RK9.
When will I receive my Travel Award or Travel Stipend for this event?
Players who qualify for a Travel Award will receive a flat amount prior to the event. Players are fully responsible for booking their own hotel and travel, and they must also complete a Travel Award Waiver to receive their award. Players earning a Travel Award will be emailed in advance of the event with further instructions on how to claim their Travel Award.
Players who earn a Travel Stipend will have their stipend paid after the event. Players must attend and complete at least one round of play in the main event to qualify for a Travel Stipend. Players receiving Travel Stipends will be emailed in advance of this event informing them of their stipend but do not need to complete any additional paperwork to claim this prize.
Will meal breaks be taken at this event?
One meal break will take place for all Junior and Senior TCG and VGC events. Exact timing of that break will be announced on-site at the event. All Masters division TCG and VGC events, Pokémon GO events, and Pokémon UNITE events will not have a scheduled meal break.
One meal break will take place for all Junior and Senior TCG and VGC events. Exact timing of that break will be announced on-site at the event. All Masters division TCG and VGC events, Pokémon GO events, and Pokémon UNITE events will not have a scheduled meal break.
Onsite FAQs
Is there a lost and found?
Yes! Lost and found is housed on-site at the event's Customer Service booth, located in the lobby of the tournament hall. After the event concludes, unclaimed items will be turned over to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Will power charging stations be available?
Official device charging stations will not be provided for this event. Competitors are strongly encouraged to bring a charger for their systems and personal devices. It is the competitor's responsibility that any of their personal devices required for tournament play remain operational throughout the tournament.
Will photography or video be taken at this event?
Yes. Photography and video are permitted to be taken in the hall for personal use only. Professional video coverage and photography by TPCi and its partners will be taken as well. By attending NAIC in a ticketed area, you consent to having your photo taken by TPCi staff or its partners.
Am I allowed to cosplay in the venue?
Yes! We love seeing our fans cosplay as their favorite characters from across the Pokémon franchise. Please note that all costumes must be appropriate for all ages and must not include any prohibited items. Please review the Attire and Cosplay Policy for guidance.
Can I buy, sell, or trade cards on-site?
Trading cards with other players is always a major draw of the game, and we welcome players to do so at our tournaments. Approved vendors will be on-site that you may buy from or sell to. TPCi is not responsible for transactions made with on-site vendors. Buying cards from or selling cards to an unapproved vendor is strictly prohibited at the event and may lead to expulsion from the venue.
Can I vape or use an e-cigarette inside the venue?
No, use of e-cigarettes or vaping products is not permitted inside the venue.
What items are NOT permitted inside the venue?
To ensure the safety of all attendees, the following items will not be permitted into the event:
- Items that could be considered weapons and would not pass airline security (including all firearms, sharp objects, mock or prop weapons, and sprays)
- Electronic smoking devices
- Bags larger than 9" × 14" × 22" (23 cm × 36 cm × 56 cm). If an airline would not classify it as a carry-on, it is too big.
- Alcoholic beverages or any illegal substance
- Apparel, objects, or signs with explicit wording or pictures
- Animals (other than service animals)
All bags are subject to search upon entry to the event, and security retains the right to refuse entry.
Travel FAQs
What hotels are closest to the venue?
We've secured a limited number of discounted hotel rooms close to the venue. Learn more here.
Where is the closest airport to the venue?
The closest airport is the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). This airport (MSY) is located ~12 miles from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Where can I park at the venue?
There are multiple parking lots located at the south end of the Convention Center across from halls H, I and J. Learn more on the venue website here.
Additional Questions
What should I do if I have additional questions?
The Customer Service team is available to assist with questions not covered in this FAQ. If you have additional questions, please contact Pokémon Customer Support.
The Customer Service team is available to assist with questions not covered in this FAQ. If you have additional questions, please contact Pokémon Customer Support.