Pokémon enthusiasts from all over the United States have flocked to New Orleans for the highly anticipated North America International Championships (NAIC). This thrilling event, hosted at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, is expected to welcome nearly 6,000 competitors over the weekend, making it a must-see attraction for both players and fans alike.
The competition commenced on Friday morning with a vibrant New Orleans-style celebration, featuring a second line parade through the convention center and into the main arena. Inside, rows of tables were set up, ready for the intense battles that would unfold. A special section was designated for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) junior division, which includes players aged 12 and under. Many young competitors showcased their game faces, often accompanied by their emotional-support Pokémon plushies as they strategized their next moves. Proud parents captured these precious moments on their smartphones, cheering for their little champions.
In another area of the convention center, master division players, aged 16 and older, engaged in serious yet mostly silent matches. Pokémon Professors, who serve as referees, monitored the gameplay closely to ensure fair play and adherence to the tournament rules. Meanwhile, at the back of the arena, attendees could explore creative activities such as origami crafting, take memorable photos with Pikachu, or shop for exclusive items at the Pokémon Center.
Few individuals understand the Pokémon community in New Orleans better than Brandon Ladner, owner of Pandamonium Gaming in nearby Kenner. Having grown up in New Orleans, Ladner expressed his excitement about the city hosting the championships, which he believes has significantly boosted local interest in Pokémon. “NAIC being in New Orleans has been a big boost for Pokémon in general, and I'm very happy that they're coming back next year,” Ladner stated. “It's caused a surge in our growth of community.”
Ladner shared the origin story of his store, describing it as “three buddies and a dream.” He and his two best friends established Pandamonium Gaming in 2019 after learning that their favorite game shop was closing. Since then, the store has become a beloved hub for trading card players, offering weekly events and tournaments that attract a diverse audience of all ages. “We've got a lot of people from our community here today,” Ladner noted, expressing pride in the accomplishments of his regular players who have honed their skills at his store.
Among the enthusiastic competitors is Gerald Trahan, who recently began playing Pokémon just a month ago after being inspired by his friends at Pandamonium Gaming. “It's cool having an NAIC here, because, one, it's one of the biggest Pokémon events, and just having it here, it's nice being able to just drive 15 minutes and park and show up,” Trahan shared, highlighting the convenience for local players.
The NAIC not only attracts local talent but also draws fans from far and wide. Jason Pruitt and his wife made the long journey, driving 16 hours from Missouri to participate in this exciting weekend. The couple has visited New Orleans multiple times, including last year’s NAIC, as evidenced by Jason’s collection of event memorabilia, including a 2024 NAIC ball cap and a 2025 NAIC T-shirt. Arriving at the venue bright and early at 8:10 a.m., they captured photos while walking down the red carpet, eager to immerse themselves in the festivities. Pruitt’s favorite Pokémon, Lechonk, which resembles a pig, caught his eye on the coloring wall, adding to the joyful atmosphere of the championship.
The North America International Championships in New Orleans is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of the Pokémon community, fostering connections among players and fans alike. With its vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic participants, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression and create wonderful memories for all involved.
