The 2024 Pokémon World Championships were celebrated in Honolulu from August 16-18. The event, supported by OnStage Hawaii’s rigging and stage production, was held at the Hawaii Convention Center and Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort, and drew 14,000 attendees from 53 countries, including 3,000 competitors.
Competition
The 2024 Pokémon World Championships featured intense competition across four divisions: Trading Card Game, Video Game Championships, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE, with players vying for a share of the $2 million prize pool and the prestigious World Champion title. Attendees enjoyed a variety of attractions including a Pokémon Center Pop-Up Shop with exclusive merchandise, the eco-friendly Genki Balls Formation initiative, free family activities at Trainer Town in the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and nightly drone shows featuring Pokémon characters.
Local Impact
Beyond the battles, attendees enjoyed a variety of local foods, vendors and attractions. The massive turnout provided opportunities for locals and visitors to explore local food and culture alongside the Pokémon festivities in both the Hawaii Convention Center and Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort.
Attendee Experience
The 2024 Pokémon World Championships support by local event production OnStage Hawai’i spanned two major venues – the Hawaii Convention Center and Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort – to accommodate the massive scale of activities and attendees. Greeted by a giant Pikachu at the entrance and presenters at center stage, attendees were surrounded by passionate fans, many in cosplay. The 2024 Pokémon World Championships combined competitive gaming with cultural experiences, showcasing Honolulu’s capacity to host international events while celebrating the global Pokémon community.
