What to know

  • Game Updates Galore: Pokémon GO introduces Eternatus and Max Finale event; TCG Pocket and physical TCG add Mega Evolutions with new cards like Mega Charizard X ex.
  • Multiplayer and New Titles: Legends: Z-A unveils 4-player real-time battles in Z-A Battle Club; Pokémon Champions confirmed for 2026 VGC with fresh Mega forms.
  • Future Events: 2026 Worlds in San Francisco alongside debut PokémonXP fan event featuring panels, merch, and more.

The 2025 Pokémon World Championships, held in Anaheim, California from August 15-17, wrapped up with a thrilling closing ceremony packed with exciting reveals for fans of the franchise. While the event crowned new champions across Pokémon TCG, VGC, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE divisions, the real buzz came from the announcements spanning mobile games, upcoming titles, and future events. From Mega Evolutions making a comeback to new multiplayer modes and global in-game events, here's a comprehensive breakdown of everything revealed.

Pokémon GO Gets Eternatus and a Massive Max Finale Event

One of the biggest highlights for mobile trainers was the debut of the Legendary Pokémon Eternatus in Pokémon GO. This powerful Dragon/Poison-type from Pokémon Sword and Shield will arrive alongside Max Battles featuring Eternatus, allowing players to challenge it in epic Dynamax and Gigantamax encounters. The rollout begins with a Special Timed Research event that kicked off at the Championships and expands globally during the GO Pass: Max Finale from August 23-25. This unticketed, worldwide event is open to trainers level 13 and above, featuring a weeklong series of raids, Max Battles, and opportunities to catch every Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon. Notably, Max Battles now support up to 100 players per group, divided into teams of four for cooperative play. This update ties into the ongoing Dark Skies season, promising intense battles and rare catches for the community.

Mega Evolutions Return to Pokémon TCG Pocket and the Physical TCG

Fans of the Trading Card Game rejoiced as Mega Evolutions were confirmed to return in multiple formats. In the mobile app Pokémon TCG Pocket, Mega Evolution arrives this fall with powerful new Pokémon ex cards, including Mega Gyarados ex, Mega Blaziken ex, and Mega Altaria ex. These cards will shake up battles by awarding three Prize Points when knocked out, potentially leading to quick victories. The update kicks off the next season, with more details available on the official TCG Pocket site.

The physical Pokémon Trading Card Game also sees Mega Evolutions' revival, introducing a new "Mega attack rare" rarity featuring katakana attack names reminiscent of the XY Series. Revealed cards include Mega Charizard X ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, and Mega Lucario ex, with a teaser for Mega Dragonite ex arriving in 2026. This ties into upcoming game mechanics, blending nostalgia with fresh competitive strategies.

Pokémon UNITE Expands with New Pokémon and Map Updates

The MOBA-style Pokémon UNITE received several exciting updates during the ceremony. The classic Theia Sky Ruins map is returning with a refreshed twist, including the debut of Legendary Pokémon Groudon from the Hoenn region, who will replace Rayquaza in the final battle stretch. These map reworks go live on September 4.

New playable Pokémon were also announced: Empoleon joins the roster on September 19, followed by Dhelmise and Vaporeon later this year. These additions may connect to new Mega Evolved forms, expanding team compositions and strategies for players.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Showcases Innovative Multiplayer Battles

Attendees got a hands-on demo, and the closing ceremony featured a gameplay trailer for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, highlighting the new Z-A Battle Club mode. This real-time multiplayer feature allows up to four players to compete in Ranked Battles, aiming for the most K.O.s within a three-minute time limit to earn points and climb ranks from Z to A. Battles incorporate timed Mega Evolutions and various moves, marking a first for the Legends series. Private Battles let friends join via local or online connections, with potential customizable rulesets and in-game rewards for seasonal performance.

Pokémon Champions Takes Center Stage for VGC

The upcoming Pokémon Champions was confirmed as the official game for Video Game Championships (VGC) at the 2026 World Championships. The trailer showcased Mega Evolutions, including new ones like Mega Dragonite from Legends: Z-A, and hinted at mechanics like Dynamaxing and Terastallization via the Omni Ring. It will be fully supported on the competitive circuit, with ranked rules emphasizing Mega Evolution.

New Fan Event PokémonXP and 2026 Worlds Location Revealed

Looking ahead, the 2026 Pokémon World Championships will head to San Francisco, California. Accompanying this is the debut of PokémonXP, a new fan-focused event running August 28-30, 2026, at the Moscone Center. It promises panels, workshops, special guests, exclusive merchandise, and unique activities for attendees. Multiday passes go on sale September 17, 2025, via the official PokémonXP and Worlds websites.

Wrapping Up the Championships

Beyond these announcements, the event celebrated its champions: In VGC Masters, James Evans emerged victorious; Pokémon GO saw [winner name if specified, but not in data]; TCG Masters went to Riley McKay; and more across divisions. The 2025 Worlds not only highlighted competitive excellence but also set the stage for an exciting year ahead in the Pokémon universe. Whether you're battling in GO, collecting cards, or exploring Lumiose City in Legends: Z-A, there's plenty to look forward to. Stay tuned for more updates as these features roll out!