Real-life Pokémon Professors are volunteers who help run the franchise’s competitive events, acting as referees, teachers and event managers. At the 2026 world championships in San Francisco, they helped maintain fair play, support competitors and manage practical issues, making them essential to the tournament’s operation despite receiving little public recognition.

Around 300 Professors attended the championships, with duties varying by game and role. Their work included checking match results, answering rules questions, providing technical support, safeguarding venues and handling disruptive behaviour; compensation appeared to differ, with some receiving merchandise and others wages or help with travel and accommodation.