UNITE Competitor Information
Tournament Structure
Teams will compete from Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30 using the five-versus-five draft pick format on the Theia Sky Ruins (3 Bans) maps in Pokémon UNITE.
All matches will be best-of-three, except for the Top Four and Finals which are best-of-five.
Map assignments for this tournament are:
Game 1: Theia Sky Ruins (Groudon, 3 Bans)
Game 2 (Bo5 only): Theia Sky Ruins (Kyogre, 3 Bans)
Game 3 (Bo5 only): Theia Sky Ruins (Rayquaza, 3 Bans)
Group Stage (Friday, August 28): Teams will play in single round-robin groups. The top teams from each group will qualify for the Bracket Stage. The number of teams in each group and the number of games per match in the Group Stage will be announced on-site prior to the start of the competition.
Bracket Stage (Saturday, August 29): Top teams from the Group Stage will compete in a single-elimination bracket until two teams remain. The Top Four matches will be best-of-five.
Finals (Sunday, August 30): The Top Two teams from the Bracket Stage will compete in a best-of-five Finals match to determine the Champion.
Tournament structure, including match game series length and gameplay restrictions, are subject to change.
Device Policy
To maintain a smooth show and enjoyable tournament experience for fans, the 2026 Pokémon UNITE World Championships will implement the following device policy for Pokémon UNITE:
- Players may use their personal devices if they are listed under “Approved Devices” below. Otherwise, they must use a device provided by the tournament.
- At all phases of the tournament, players may be required to use a tournament-provided device, at the administration’s discretion.
Approved Devices:
| Tournament-Provided Devices: | Smartphones: |
| Console: Nintendo Switch 2 | Samsung Galaxy S26 |
| Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge | Samsung Galaxy S26+ |
| Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra | |
| Samsung Galaxy S25 | |
| Consoles: | Samsung Galaxy S25+ |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge |
| Nintendo Switch | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 |
| Nintendo Switch - OLED model | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 |
| iPhone 17 | |
| iPhone 17 Pro | |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | |
| iPhone 16 | |
| iPhone 16 Plus | |
| iPhone 16 Pro | |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | |
| iPhone 16e | |
| iPhone 15 | |
| iPhone 15 Plus | |
| iPhone 15 Pro | |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
| iPhone Air |
What to Bring
When you show up at a Pokémon UNITE tournament, there are some things you must have with you:
- Pokémon UNITE downloaded for either a Nintendo Switch system or a tournament legal mobile device with the latest game updates installed, and an account in good standing.
- A fully charged Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model, or Nintendo Switch 2 system with a working USB-C port and the latest system updates installed OR a tournament-legal mobile phone device for competition with a working USB-C port, to be approved by tournament administration. (see the Tournament Rules and check back regularly before the event for updated rules)
- A charger for your system; it is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure that their console remains operational throughout the tournament.
Competitors may also bring a wired USB-A compatible controller and a wired USB-A or 3.5mm audio headset.
Proof of age may be requested, and failure to provide proof of age may result in the competitor being denied participation in the tournament (at the organizer’s discretion).
Tournament organizers will inform competitors of additional requirements ahead of the event, including stipulations for being filmed on Thursday, August 28.
