At the 2026 Pokémon World Championships held in San Francisco, California, a dedicated group of volunteers known as Pokémon professors played essential roles beyond those familiar from the video games. These individuals, distinguishable by red Pikachu-branded staff shirts, serve as referees, event managers, and educators within the competitive Pokémon community.

The Pokémon Professor Program, described by the Pokémon Company International as a global network of passionate fans, brings together around 300 volunteers at major events like the world championships. Their responsibilities vary depending on the game and event; for example, professors working with Pokémon Unite often focus on technical support and player coordination, while those overseeing trading card game tournaments guide participants, especially newcomers, through the complexities of live competition.

Gemma Byard, a head judge at the event, emphasized the critical role professors play in maintaining the tournament’s integrity. She highlighted tasks such as verifying match results and signatures, ensuring overall venue safety, and handling on-the-spot rulings. “We have to make sure that all of the match slips have the correct results on them and are signed by the players to ensure, you know, that we get the right results,” Byard said. Beyond adjudicating rules, professors monitor the environment for any safety concerns or unauthorized attendees.

Professors often juggle multiple roles during the tournament and frequently travel internationally to participate. While compensation methods appear to differ regionally, details remain largely undisclosed. One professor noted that European volunteers typically receive merchandise and a special staff kit, whereas some in the United States are paid wages and receive assistance with travel and accommodations. The Pokémon Company International declined to comment on official compensation policies.

Evelyn de Groot, a professor from the Netherlands, described her journey from organizing local events to staffing the world championships, including moderating the Pokémon Sisterhood League—a side event designed to foster competition and community among women and non-binary players. She compared the professor role to customer service, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and deep knowledge of the game to support players effectively. “If you don’t know what you’re doing, if you don’t know how the card game works, then you can’t help them,” she said.

While some professors experience relatively calm duties, others frequently address conflicts and contentious rulings. Byard recounted interactions with frustrated players and the challenges of upholding fair play while managing tense situations. At a previous tournament, a controversial disqualification of a top Pokémon Go competitor sparked debate, although many acknowledged the decision as a “good-faith mistake.”

Byard stressed that professors often face misunderstanding from players and spectators who see only part of the situation. “What they don’t understand is that they’re seeing a picture, but we’re getting the entire story, and we’re making the decisions based upon that story,” she said. She described the role as one focused on restoring fairness rather than causing issues, underscoring the balancing act between rule enforcement and fostering an enjoyable competitive environment.