Pokémon championships draw global fans to SF with more than 50,000 attendees expected this week
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Tens of thousands of Pokémon fans from around the world are arriving in San Francisco this week for the Pokémon World Championships and the first-ever Pokémon XP fan convention, events city leaders say will bring visitors, business and international attention to the city.
The championships and convention are centered at Moscone Center, with the Pokémon World Championships finals scheduled for Sunday at Chase Center. A Pokémon-themed baseball game and drone show are also planned Thursday at Oracle Park.
"The city has really embraced this. It's kind of crazy," said Greg Fortier, a visitor from Australia.
Long lines formed Wednesday outside Moscone West as attendees checked in and picked up event credentials.
"Hey welcome in. badge pickup," staff members could be heard telling attendees.
Fortier qualified to compete in Pokémon Go at the championships.
"I'm playing in Pokeman Go.and this is my second year qualifying for world championships," he said.
Fortier said he spends significant time playing the game.
"I prob spend more tine than anyone should spend on a video game," he said.
In addition to the championships, San Francisco is hosting Pokémon XP, a fan convention making its debut this year.
"It's like a mini ComiCon just for Pokemon. I think it awesome," Fortier said.
Visitors arrived from across the globe to compete, trade collectibles and experience San Francisco.
"These are our pokeman cards. We're here to trade on the world stage," said Shawn Schimpf of Alberta, Canada.
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Many attendees are visiting the city for the first time.
"I'm actually very excited. My name is also Francisco. It's a city I wanted to visit before," said Francisco Alca, a competitor from Peru.
Others traveled from Japan and said they were eager to explore the city.
"I love San Francisco yes," one attendee said.
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Visitors said they planned to take in local landmarks while attending the event.
"I will be going to Alcatraz," Alca said.
Asked about San Francisco, another visitor responded: "Amazing. Very beautiful. The golden gate is crazy."
The influx of visitors coincides with the San Francisco Visitor Travel Impact Summit, where city officials highlighted recent tourism gains.
"This year San Francisco welcomed Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, FIFA World Cup. And this weekend, Pokemon world championships," Mayor Daniel Lurie said.
Lurie said 54,000 tickets were sold for the Pokémon events, surpassing attendance for the Dreamforce conference.
Tourism officials said the event's broad appeal is expected to benefit businesses throughout the city.
"This group of intl folks coming in, experiencing our city, some for the first time. It's a big win for us," said Ana Marie Presutti of the San Francisco Travel Association.
"There's kids, there's parents, all ages are here," she said.
Presutti said visitors are expected to spread throughout San Francisco, supporting local businesses.
"They will be all over the city which is great for small businesses, retail and restaurants," she said. "Yeah. you'll see them everywhere."
The Pokémon-themed celebration will start Thursday at Oracle Park.
"We're bringing e-sports together with baseball and it's a fun fun thing," Presutti said.
"The Pokeman drone show. It will be very fantastic."
City leaders say visitors to San Francisco have spent a record amount of money this year, exceeding 2019 levels. With the Pokémon World Championships finals set for Sunday at Chase Center, officials expect the weeklong celebration to further boost tourism and showcase the city to a global audience.
