[Update 21 May 2025] Many Pokémon TCG analysts are expecting the Dragapult ex to soon be surpassed as the Best Deck in Format (BDIF) soon—if it hasn’t already—due to its increasingly unfavorable matchups against multiple other meta-viable decks. The Gardevoir ex deck is the deck expected to overtake the Dragapult ex deck.

That being said, this deck would nevertheless remain a clear second if the analysts’ predictions are right—it recently continued to assert its credentials with a dominant showing at the Utrecht Special Event. Both finalists used the deck with Germany’s Joah Wiegner beating Italian Alberto Conti; the players who finished fourth, sixth, and eighth also used the deck.

In addition, two new deck variants have recently arisen. One uses the Toedscruel card from Future Flash [SV4M] for counterplay against the Gholdengo ex and Gardevoir ex decks while another includes the Genesect card from Night Wanderer [SV6a] as a tech against the Gholdengo ex deck.

[Update 8 May 2025] The Dragapult ex deck put even more daylight between itself and the chasing pack after Jōichirō Hirohama made it back-to-back Champions League titles for the deck by winning Champions League Aichi. Hirohama beat Yūsuke Koara, who used a Raging Bolt ex deck, in the final.

[Update 22 Apr 2025] There’s now absolutely no question that the Dragapult ex deck is now the Best Deck in Format (BDIF). Despite not winning the Atlanta Regional, the deck was the clear dominant force at the tournament. Everyone who finished between second and sixth used a Dragapult ex deck; in fact, approximately half of the top 70 finishers did so.

The deck proceeded to back up its status at the Monterrey Regional where 10 of the top 30 finishers played the Dragapult ex deck; the most successful of them was Mexican player Eder Jarillo who took the deck to sixth place.

[Update 9 Apr 2025] This deck just defied the naysayers with a stunning victory at Champions League Miyagi in the hands of Shun Itō, who beat Riku Miyoshi and his Gardevoir ex deck in a dramatic final that went down to the very last Prize card.

[Update 25 Mar 2025] Rotation has already severely harmed this deck’s status in Japan; it will do so internationally as well from 11 April. That’s because with rotation, this deck loses access to a whopping five cards: Rotom V from Lost Abyss [S11], Lumineon V from Star Birth [S9], Radiant Alakazam from Incandescent Arcana [S11a], and Forest Seal Stone and Lance, both from Paradigm Trigger [S12].

[Update 5 Mar 2025] A new deck variant which includes the Charizard ex card from Ruler of the Black Flame [SV3], a card better known as the headliner of the iconic Charizard ex deck, has started making the rounds among some players. That variant also often includes the Hero’s Cape card from Cyber Judge [SV5M].

In addition, there’s also been another Dragapult ex deck variant to recently arise; it includes the Maximum Belt card from Wild Force [SV5K].

The recent release of Mask of Change [SV6] brought with it countless new cards—and of these, arguably none have had a more significant impact on the Pokémon TCG than Dragapult ex. With a massive HP count, a devastating attack, and synergy with several key supporting pieces, it’s no wonder that the Dragapult ex deck rapidly established itself as a major player in the current meta; it’s likely to remain one of the meta’s staples for the foreseeable future.

The deck’s titular card needs just two Energy cards to use Phantom Dive, an attack which not only deals a massive 200 damage but also allows the player to arrange six more damage counters across the opponent’s Benched Pokémon in any way deemed suitable. Coupled with its gargantuan 320 HP, its lack of a weakness, and its retreat cost of just one, Dragapult ex is an absolute powerhouse which can easily be any deck’s centerpiece.

Likely taking inspiration from the Espathra ex/Xatu deck, the Dragapult ex deck utilizes the Xatu card from Terastal Starter Set Mewtwo ex [SVEM] as its primary support card. Its Ability of Clairvoyant Sense grants the player the opportunity to draw two cards after attaching a Psychic Energy card to a Benched Pokémon. Adding to this, the Rotom V card from Lost Abyss [S11] adds further card-drawing options by way of Instant Charge, its Ability that’s made it a mainstay of countless leading tournament decks including this one.

The total cost of all the cards in a Dragapult ex deck is 7,620 JPY (~US$50).

In other TCG-related news, check out the Iron Leaves ex card from Cyber Judge [SV5M]. Alternatively, you can also head over to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and find the top trending and latest single cards and boxes.