New Orleans, the city where jazz meets jambalaya, recently added a new flavor to its cultural gumbo: Pokémon. From June 13 to 15, 2025, the Big Easy rolled out a red carpet fit for champions and unleashed a second line parade that would make even the most stoic Squirtle smile. Approximately 6,000 Pokémon competitors from around the globe descended on the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the 2025 North American International Championships (NAIC)—the final International Championship before the World Championships in Anaheim, California.
A Grand Welcome in True New Orleans Style
As competitors arrived, they were swept into a quintessential New Orleans celebration. A vibrant second line parade—complete with brass band rhythms, swirling dancers, and the adorable sight of Pikachu and Eevee leading the way—filled the air with music and laughter. The red carpet stretched out like a path to victory, offering a warm embrace to Trainers ready to battle it out. “It was like stepping into a dream,” said 14-year-old Trading Card Game (TCG) player Emily Chen. “The city’s energy and the warm welcome made it feel like we were part of something truly special.”
The Stakes Are High
The Pokémon NAIC is no small affair. As a pinnacle event in the competitive gaming calendar, it offered players a shot at the coveted title of North American International Champion, valuable Championship Points, and a slice of the $500,000 prize pool. The competition spanned multiple formats: the Pokémon TCG, Video Game Championships (VGC), Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE, ensuring a diverse showdown of strategy and skill.
Inside the Action
Inside the convention center, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. Endless rows of tables transformed into battlegrounds for intense matches. The junior division—featuring players as young as 12—stole the show, with budding Trainers clutching plush Pokémon companions for support while parents snapped photos of every triumphant moment. “We’re thrilled to be back in New Orleans,” said Nick Salazar, Associate Public Relations Manager at The Pokémon Company International. “The city’s unique culture and hospitality make it the perfect host for our final International Championship before Worlds.”
A Celebration to Remember
The 2025 Pokémon NAIC was more than just a competition—it was a fusion of gaming, culture, and community. New Orleans, with its legendary flair for celebration, proved to be the ultimate host, leaving competitors and spectators with memories to cherish. As the Pokémon world now sets its sights on Anaheim, one thing is clear: the Big Easy has captured the hearts of Trainers everywhere.
