Pokémon is finally taking esports more seriously with Unite league shake-up

As part of Pokémon’s recently announced 2026 Championship Season, Pokémon Unite’s competitive scene is changing in a major way. The new format leaves the door open for new teams to enter the competition and make a name for themselves on the global stage. Pokémon Unite, as well as being one of the best free Pokémon games out there, has an extremely dedicated competitive community, but the Unite Championship Series (UCS) in its current form leaves very little room for emerging talent, especially as it’s a team game. So, for the 2026 season, Pokémon is making a series of changes to shake up the competition, including scrapping Championship Points, replacing Monthly Cups, and introducing Regional Leagues. This leaves teams with three routes to the World Championships: finishing in the top two of their Regional League, winning a major event like the Aeos Cup, or winning an Open Last Chance Qualifier. According to esports site Ingage, while this means fewer teams will qualify for Worlds, therefore raising the stakes, it also has positive implications for smaller community events, as “Grassroots leagues and community tournaments may now play a more crucial role in helping new talent rise through the ranks.” Continue reading Pokémon is finally taking esports more seriously with Unite league shake-up MORE FROM POCKET TACTICS: Pokémon Go Eevee evolution guide, Pokédex – all Pokémon listed, Pokémon Go promo codes

Jun 24, 2025 - 20:30

Pokémon is finally taking esports more seriously with Unite league shake-up

As part of Pokémon’s recently announced 2026 Championship Season, Pokémon Unite’s competitive scene is changing in a major way. The new format leaves the door open for new teams to enter the competition and make a name for themselves on the global stage.

Pokémon Unite, as well as being one of the best free Pokémon games out there, has an extremely dedicated competitive community, but the Unite Championship Series (UCS) in its current form leaves very little room for emerging talent, especially as it’s a team game. So, for the 2026 season, Pokémon is making a series of changes to shake up the competition, including scrapping Championship Points, replacing Monthly Cups, and introducing Regional Leagues.

This leaves teams with three routes to the World Championships: finishing in the top two of their Regional League, winning a major event like the Aeos Cup, or winning an Open Last Chance Qualifier. According to esports site Ingage, while this means fewer teams will qualify for Worlds, therefore raising the stakes, it also has positive implications for smaller community events, as “Grassroots leagues and community tournaments may now play a more crucial role in helping new talent rise through the ranks.”

Continue reading Pokémon is finally taking esports more seriously with Unite league shake-up

MORE FROM POCKET TACTICS: Pokémon Go Eevee evolution guide, Pokédex – all Pokémon listed, Pokémon Go promo codes