News Roundup: McDonald’s PokéStops No More, IIT Madras & Australian Open Events
As we step into 2026, Pokémon GO continues to stir excitement with new events and some unexpected changes. This week’s news roundup is packed with intriguing updates that are sure to catch the attention of trainers everywhere. Let’s dive into the latest happenings!
McDonald’s Gyms and PokéStops Disappear
In December 2024, Pokémon GO announced a partnership with McDonald’s, which allowed players to spin Gyms and PokéStops at the popular fast-food chain. This collaboration was met with enthusiasm from the community, as it provided a convenient way to collect in-game items while enjoying a meal. However, this partnership appears to have been short-lived, as all McDonald’s Gyms and PokéStops have now vanished from the game map.
Players have reported that previously saved McDonald’s Gifts are no longer loading, leading to disappointment among trainers who relied on these locations for in-game goodies. While the Gyms are still visible on Campfire, they are no longer functional, and Gym defenders have returned to their respective trainers. For many players, these McDonald’s spots were a great opportunity to engage with the game while grabbing a bite, so the community is likely to feel the impact of this change.
IIT Madras Saarang 2026
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are known for their academic excellence and vibrant cultural festivals. Following a successful Pokémon GO event at IIT Bombay during Techfest 2025, IIT Madras is set to host another exciting event as part of Saarang 2026. This event will take place from January 10 to January 12, 2026, and promises to be a celebration of Generation 1 Pokémon.
Event Highlights:
- Evolving Pokémon such as Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise during the event will unlock exclusive moves: Frenzy Plant, Blast Burn, and Hydro Cannon, respectively.
- Players will enjoy bonuses including +1 Candy while trading and a 3-hour duration for Lure Modules.
- Popular Gen 1 Pokémon like Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Lapras, Eevee, and Snorlax will appear more frequently across the picturesque campus in Chennai, India.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for trainers to engage with their favorite Pokémon and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of IIT Madras.
Australian Open 2026
The Australian Open, one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world, is set to kick off from January 12 to February 1, 2026, in Melbourne. This year, the event will feature an exciting Pokémon GO component. Although details are still emerging, fans have spotted indications of a special Pokémon GO event coinciding with the tournament.
What to Expect:
- Players can look forward to encountering special event Pokémon throughout the duration of the Australian Open.
- Timed Research tasks will be available, providing trainers with unique challenges and rewards.
- A dedicated Route will be set up for players to explore, enhancing the overall experience of the event.
As the event approaches, anticipation is building among trainers eager to see what surprises await them during this prestigious tournament.
Conclusion
This week’s news roundup highlights significant changes and exciting events in the Pokémon GO community. The disappearance of McDonald’s Gyms and PokéStops has left many players disappointed, while the upcoming events at IIT Madras and the Australian Open promise to bring fresh excitement and engagement. Trainers around the world are gearing up for these events, ready to make the most of their Pokémon GO experience in 2026.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates available as of January 7, 2026. Stay tuned for more news and developments in the Pokémon GO community!
