The 2026 Los Angeles Pokémon Regional Championships is one of the most anticipated competitive Pokémon events on the West Coast, drawing thousands of trainers, collectors, and fans to the iconic Los Angeles Convention Center at 1201 S. Figueroa Street. Located just a short drive from Long Beach via the 110 freeway, this three-day official Pokémon Championship Series event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about Pokémon TCG competition, high-level tournament play, and the vibrant collector community that surrounds it.
This official Regional Championships covers both the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Video Game Championship (VGC) formats. Players of all skill levels compete across Junior, Senior, and Masters divisions, each vying for Championship Points, prizing, and the prestige that comes with a Regional-level finish. Whether you are a seasoned competitor who has been grinding events all season or a newer player stepping into a Regional for the first time, the LA Regionals delivers an electric atmosphere that celebrates everything great about Pokémon.
The event spans three full days. Friday, May 8th serves as check-in day, with Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQs) running throughout the afternoon and evening for players chasing last-minute Championship Points invitations. Side events, open play pods, and vendor tables open Friday as well. Saturday, May 9th launches the main event with Swiss-format rounds for both TCG and VGC, while Sunday, May 10th brings Top Cut elimination brackets and the crowning of the LA Regional Champions. Doors typically open by 8:00 AM on main event days, so plan to arrive early.
Beyond the competitive floor, the venue transforms into one of California's best Pokémon card marketplaces for the weekend. Collectors circulate between exhibitors trading and selling everything from raw booster packs and sealed ETBs to PSA- and CGC-graded slabs of vintage Base Set holos, first-edition Shadowless cards, alternate art Full Arts, rainbow rares, and ultra-premium Special Illustration Rares from recent sets. If you have been chasing a specific Pokémon card, this is one of the single best opportunities in Southern California to find it.
Competitive players must pre-register through the official Play Pokémon platform at play.pokemon.com to receive their player ID and verify eligibility. Spectator entry policies should be confirmed on the official event page prior to attending. The Los Angeles Convention Center's West Hall Parking Garage offers paid parking directly adjacent to the venue, and the event is also easily accessible via Metro Rail from the 7th Street/Metro Center station.
The LA Pokémon Regionals draws a wonderfully diverse crowd: competitive players chasing Top 8 finishes and World Championship invitations, parents introducing their children to the joy of TCG play, veteran collectors looking to complete long sets, and casual fans who simply want to soak up the atmosphere. For first-timers, bring a printed or digital decklist, have your Player ID ready, download the official Pokémon Championship Series app, and arrive at least 30 minutes before your first round. Carry a trade binder—deals happen all weekend in the hallways. Follow @PokemonTCG on social media for rule updates and side-event announcements leading up to the event.