Pokémon tournamment cards are exclusive cards awarded during official Pokémon TCG competitions. Unlike regular booster packs, these cards were never sold in stores. They are distributed only to:
Participants as a prize for entering.
Top players such as finalists and winners.
World Championship competitors, with unique annual promos.
Several categories of tournament cards exist:
Staff Cards – given to organizers and judges of events.
Victory Medals – awarded to winners of local and national tournaments.
Pikachu Trophy / Trainer Trophy – some of the rarest cards ever printed, given to world champions in Japan.
Worlds Promos – exclusive cards distributed each year at the Pokémon World Championships.
Limited availability – printed in very small numbers.
Historical value – tied to official Pokémon competitions.
Prestige – owning one symbolizes skill and exclusivity.
High market value – some tournament cards sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Pikachu Trophy (1997–1999) – among the most expensive Pokémon cards in history.
Victory Medal (2005–2012) – awarded in Japanese tournaments.
Staff Charizard (2020) – given to prerelease event staff.
World Championship Promos – a new, unique set released every year.
Pokémon touurnament cards can be recognized by:
A special logo or stamp (Worlds, Victory Cup, Staff, etc.).
Exclusive distribution, never available in booster packs.
High activity in the secondary market, often graded to ensure authenticity.
