{"id":514220,"date":"2026-07-09T09:36:33","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T01:36:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/?p=514220"},"modified":"2026-07-09T09:36:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T01:36:34","slug":"top-10-pokemon-dominating-pokemon-champions-and-their-must-have-tcg-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snkrdunk.com\/en\/magazine\/2026\/07\/09\/top-10-pokemon-dominating-pokemon-champions-and-their-must-have-tcg-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Pok\u00e9mon Dominating ‘Pok\u00e9mon Champions’ and Their Must-Have TCG Cards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The hype is real. Following its Nintendo Switch debut on April 8, 2026, and the subsequent mobile launch on June 17, Pok\u00e9mon Champions<\/em><\/strong> has already smashed records, crossing over 10 million downloads worldwide. The competitive scene is absolutely on fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re a TCG enthusiast, you might notice some very familiar faces tearing up the current meta. Many of the top-tier competitive Pok\u00e9mon in Pok\u00e9mon Champions<\/em> also boast some of the most stunning, highly sought-after cards in the Pok\u00e9mon Trading Card Game<\/em> (PTCG).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, we\u2019re breaking down the top 10 Pok\u00e9mon dominating the single-battle usage rankings (as of July 2, 2026) and matching them with their hottest TCG collectibles. Whether you’re grinding the ranked ladder or hunting for your next big binder addition, this is your ultimate crossover guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Meta Royalty: Top 10 Single-Battle Pok\u00e9mon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Garchomp<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Mach Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Dragon \/ Ground<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Famous for having what the community calls “the most flawless base stats,” Garchomp<\/strong> has been a competitive staple for generations. Right now, it\u2019s sitting comfortably at the #1 spot in both Single and Double battles. Its versatility is insane\u2014running everything from full-offensive glass cannon builds to bulky, hazard-setting defensive walls. Beyond its raw power, Garchomp\u2019s sleek, shark-like design keeps it a fan favorite. In the TCG, its full-art and Special Illustration Rare (SAR) cards command massive premium prices on the secondary market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Garchomp Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n \n
\n \"Garchomp\n <\/div>\n
\n
Garchomp & Giratina GX SR: SA[SM10a 060\/054](Enhanced Expansion Pack “GG End”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a527,500~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Cynthia's\n <\/div>\n
\n
Cynthia’s Garchomp ex SAR [SV9a 087\/063](Enhanced Expansion Pack “Hot Wind Arena (Heat Wave Arena)”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a536,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Garchomp\n <\/div>\n
\n
Garchomp ex SAR[SV3a 085\/062](Enhanced Expansion Pack “Raging Surf”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a54,300~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Mimikyu<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Disguise Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Ghost \/ Fairy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t let the Pikachu rag fool you; Mimikyu<\/strong> is an absolute menace. Its signature ability, Disguise<\/strong>, lets it absorb any single hit for free, making it a reliable disruptor in the current meta. Its tragic lore\u2014just wanting to be loved like Pikachu\u2014has earned it a massive cult following. In the TCG, Mimikyu frequently gets the spotlight with breathtaking artwork. Lately, the market has seen a huge surge in trading volume for the mirror-foil “Team Rocket’s Mimikyu.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Mimikyu Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n \n
\n \"Gengar\n <\/div>\n
\n
Gengar & Mimikyu GX SR: SA[SM9 103\/095](Expansion Pack “Tag Bolt”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a5107,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Mimikyu\n <\/div>\n
\n
Mimikyu VMAX (Acerola) CSR[S8b 234\/184](High Class Pack”VMAX Climax Box”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a55,500~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Team\n <\/div>\n
\n
Team Rocket’s Mimikyu AR [M2a 205\/193](High Class Pack “MEGA Dream ex”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a51,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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3. Meowscarada<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Magician Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Grass \/ Dark<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The final evolution of the Paldea region’s Grass starter is a true trickster. Thanks to its Protean<\/strong> ability, Meowscarada<\/strong> changes its type to match the first move it uses each turn. Combined with its blazing speed, it dishes out STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) damage with unpredictable coverage, keeping its usage rate incredibly high since Pok\u00e9mon Champions<\/em> dropped. While its TCG catalog is still growing, its Special Illustration Rares (SAR) are already major chase cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Meowscarada Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n \n
\n \"Meowscarada\n <\/div>\n
\n
Meowscarada ex SSR[SV4a 321\/190](High Class Pack “Shiny Treasure ex”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a51,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Meowscarada\n <\/div>\n
\n
Meowscarada ex SAR[SV1a 096\/073](Scarlet & Violet Enhanced Expansion Pack “Triplet Beat”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a58,200~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Meowscarada\n <\/div>\n
\n
Meowscarada ex SR[SV1a 086\/073](Scarlet & Violet Enhanced Expansion Pack “Triplet Beat”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a51,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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4. Metagross<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Iron Foot Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Steel \/ Psychic<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Best known as the ace Pok\u00e9mon of Hoenn Champion Steven Stone, Metagross<\/strong> is experiencing a massive resurgence. Its Mega Evolution gains the Tough Claws<\/strong> ability, boosting its physical attacks. Plus, its new access to the move Psychic Fangs<\/strong> in Pok\u00e9mon Champions<\/em> has elevated its viability. It’s an incredibly well-rounded pick that’s forgiving for beginners but lethal in the hands of a pro. Over in the TCG, Metagross decks are currently making waves, driving up anticipation for a future “Mega Metagross” card release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Metagross Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n \n
\n \"Metagross\n <\/div>\n
\n
Metagross AR [SV5M 080\/071](Expansion Pack “Cyber Judge”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a51,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"M\n <\/div>\n
\n
M Metagross EX P [XY-P 102](Special Pack “Silver M Metagross EX”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a54,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Steven's\n <\/div>\n
\n
Steven’s Metagross ex SAR [M2a 245\/193](High Class Pack “MEGA Dream ex”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a52,500~<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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5. Archaludon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Alloy Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Steel \/ Dragon<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The new evolution of Duraludon introduced in Scarlet and Violet<\/em> is currently tearing up the ladder. With its Stamina<\/strong> ability boosting its defense every time it gets hit, an amazing defensive typing, and hard-hitting special attacks, Archaludon<\/strong> is a certified tank. In the TCG scene, Archaludon ex<\/em> decks enjoyed a dominant competitive run. While its full-art card pool is still modest, they are highly collectible and usually trade at accessible prices, making them a great pickup for players looking to transition into collecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Archaludon Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n \"Archaludon\n <\/div>\n
\n
Archaludon ex SR [SV7a 080\/064](Enhanced Expansion Pack “Paradise Dragona”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a51,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Archaludon\n <\/div>\n
\n
Archaludon AR [SV7 113\/102](Expansion Pack “Stellar Miracle”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a51,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Archaludon\n <\/div>\n
\n
Archaludon ex SAR [SV7a 088\/064](Enhanced Expansion Pack “Paradise Dragona”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a51,100~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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6. Raichu<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Mouse Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Electric<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The recent launch of Pok\u00e9mon LEGENDS: Z-A – M-Dimension Rush<\/em> gifted Raichu<\/strong> two brand-new Mega Evolutions. Specifically, Mega Raichu Y<\/strong> has taken over the meta with its No Guard<\/strong> ability, allowing it to land high-powered, low-accuracy moves without ever missing. Combine that competitive viability with a design that leans heavily into Pikachu nostalgia, and you have a certified fan-favorite. While fans are desperately waiting for Mega Raichu to make its TCG debut, classic Raichu cards are plentiful and affordable\u2014making them the perfect gateway drug for vintage collectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Raichu Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n \"Raichu\n <\/div>\n
\n
Raichu AR[SV2D 074\/071](Expansion Pack “Clay burst”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a51,600~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Raichu\n <\/div>\n
\n
Raichu : Old Back [PMCG1-2](Expansion Pack “Pocket Monster Card Game” Resale)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a55,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Raichu\n <\/div>\n
\n
Raichu & Alolan Raichu GX SR: SA[SM10a 057\/054](Enhanced Expansion Pack “GG End”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a569,999~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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7. Charizard<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Flame Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Fire \/ Flying<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The undisputed king of Kanto needs no introduction. While Charizard<\/strong> boasts both X and Y Mega Evolutions, Mega Charizard Y<\/strong> is currently dominating the Champions<\/em> meta. Its Drought<\/strong> ability immediately triggers harsh sunlight, boosting its Fire-type moves to astronomical levels and allowing it to fire off a one-turn Solar Beam<\/strong> to completely counter its Water-type threats. In the TCG world, Charizard remains the gold standard for high-value cards. Mega Charizard X recently graced expansion packaging, while the ultra-rare Mega Charizard Y ex (MUR rarity) from the Start Deck 100: Battle Collection<\/em> continues to trade for eye-watering JPY figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Charizard Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n \n
\n \"Garchomp\n <\/div>\n
\n
MEGA Charizard X ex SAR [M2 110\/080](Expansion Pack “Inferno X”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a579,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Cynthia's\n <\/div>\n
\n
Charizard ex SAR[SV3 134\/108](Expansion Pack “Ruler of the Black Flame”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a532,880~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Garchomp\n <\/div>\n
\n
MEGA Charizard Y ex MUR Style [MC 766\/742](Start Deck 100 “Battle Collection”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a5479,950~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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8. Alolan Ninetales<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Fox Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Ice \/ Fairy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This stunning Alolan regional variant trades its usual fire for an icy fairy aesthetic. Its competitive niche revolves around setting up Aurora Veil<\/strong> during snow weather conditions to cut incoming damage in half, all while easily exploiting the type weaknesses of meta giants like Garchomp and Meowscarada. Its ethereal design makes it a massive hit with collectors. Interestingly, it hasn’t received a new card since its iconic Pok\u00e9mon GX<\/em> days in the Sun & Moon<\/em> era\u2014meaning the community is practically begging for a modern comeback card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Alolan Ninetales Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n \"AlolanNinetales\n <\/div>\n
\n
AlolanNinetales GX SR [SM7b 053\/050](Enhanced Expansion Pack “Fairy Rise”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a512,900~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Alolan\n <\/div>\n
\n
Alolan Ninetales GX SSR[SM8b 213\/150](High Class Pack”GX Ultra Shiny”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a53,280~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Alolan\n <\/div>\n
\n
Alolan Ninetales GX RR [SM12a 095\/173](High Class Pack “TAG TEAM GX Tag All Stars”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a55,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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9. Blaziken<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Blaze Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Fire \/ Fighting<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hoenn\u2019s beloved Fire-starter scales incredibly well into late-game scenarios thanks to its Mega Evolution and the Speed Boost<\/strong> ability, which raises its speed stat at the end of every turn. Beyond standard sweeping, players love using a tactical combo: boosting its attack stats with Swords Dance<\/strong> and passing those massive buffs to a bench ally using Baton Pass<\/strong>. Blaziken ex<\/em> is currently putting up numbers in the modern TCG meta, and fans are eager to see a dedicated “Mega Blaziken” card shake up the game soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Blaziken Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n \"Blaziken\n <\/div>\n
\n
Blaziken VMAX CSR[S8b 217\/184](High Class Pack”VMAX Climax Box”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a52,800~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Blaziken\n <\/div>\n
\n
Blaziken VMAX HR: SA[S5a 086\/070](Enhanced Expansion Pack “Peerless Fighters”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a572,999~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"M\n <\/div>\n
\n
M Blaziken EX P [XY-P 138](Promotional Cards “Rayquaza Mega Battle Original Kira Card”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a517,800~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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10. Staraptor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Category<\/strong><\/td>Type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Predator Pok\u00e9mon<\/td>Normal \/ Flying<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Staraptor<\/strong> is the talk of the town after gaining a brand-new Mega Evolution in Pok\u00e9mon LEGENDS: Z-A – M-Dimension Rush<\/em>. Typically, its go-to fighting move, Close Combat<\/strong>, drops its Defense and Special Defense stats. However, its new Contrary<\/strong> ability completely flips the script, boosting<\/em> its defensive stats instead. This broken synergy has skyrocketed its usage. While its TCG history is relatively brief, the recent release of “Larry’s Staraptor (AR Spec)” has driven up its popularity, and a Mega Staraptor card feels inevitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top 3 Staraptor Cards to Collect:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n \"Larry's\n <\/div>\n
\n
Larry’s Staraptor AR Style [MC 756\/742](Start Deck 100 “Battle Collection”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a51,600~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Staraptor\n <\/div>\n
\n
Staraptor M [M 018\/022](Random Pack 2009 “Pokemon Arceus: The Jewel of Life Movie Release Commemoration”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a52,500~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n \n
\n \"Staraptor\n <\/div>\n
\n
Staraptor [DP1 #459](Expansion Pack “Creation of Space Time Diamond Collection”)\n<\/div>\n
\u00a536,000~\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Collect with Confidence: The SNKRDUNK Guarantee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At SNKRDUNK, we don\u2019t just facilitate trades; we protect them. Our professional authenticators conduct a rigorous multi-point inspection on every card. From the precision of micro-text and fonts to the specific feel of textured relief, we verify every detail against our massive database of genuine cards. When you\u2019re chasing a high-value cards, authenticity should be the last of your worries. Shop the Japanese market with total peace of mind at SNKRDUNK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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