Pokémon Worlds 2025 takes place this month on August 15-17 in Anaheim, California. Which Pokémon TCG deck will come out on top? Well, our Alakazam is off with the sniffles, so we'll have to make do without psychic prophecy and run through the five decks that are in with the best shot.
It's only been two months since North America's International Championships, and only one Pokémon set has come out since then (two if you want to call Black & White separate sets). So the standings from that competition will obviously have a large weighting on the decks we put forth as clear favorites.
However, we're also obviously going to be looking at cards from the newest Pokémon set to see how they may have changed the game for the biggest Pokémon competition of the year.
5. Raging Bolt ex
A simple archetype relying on speed and raw power, Raging Bolt uses Teal Mask Ogerpon to bring in energy, which can then be discarded for a devastating early attack. This deck hasn't changed much with recent sets, but it's been a strong performer for a long time, and shouldn't be underestimated.
4. Marnie's Grimmsnarl
Despite underperforming at the US Championships, Marnie's Grimmsnarl is still expected to do well at Worlds. The deck relies on Grimmsnarl as a main attacker that can fuel itself, allowing you to spend your energy elsewhere. Its attack also has reasonable bench-sniping potential, and when you pair it with the abilities of Froslass and Munkidori, plus Devolution TMs, you have the potential to wipe your opponent's whole team away.
What really helps this deck out is it's a strong matchup into Gardevoir, which may have much greater representation in this tournament, given its recent spectacular successes.
3. Dragapult/Dusknoir
Dragapult ex got even better after WF/BB, thanks to the new supporter card Hilda giving the deck everything it needs, and helping consistently set you up for a rapid Phantom Dive. Folks are going to be running every flavor of Dragapult, some keeping it solo, others pairing it with Charizard ex.
But the Dusknoir version of this deck seems to be the one that has players most excited. With Damp Psyduck (who was expected to shut it down) missing in action, there's no one to stop the ghost from murdering anything important on the bench.
2. Gholdengo ex
Taking the prize for the most improved deck, the core of Gholdengo is the same as ever. It uses Coin Bonus for incredible draws, helping you find the energy you need for its Make it Rain attack.
What makes this deck sing is the new Genesect ex, whose Metallic Signal ability consistently finds two Gholdengos, letting you dig ridiculously deep. Air Balloon is another nice addition, helping Gholdengo retreat for free.
1. Gardevoir ex
Taking first, second, and fourth place at the US NIC in June, and becoming the first card to win a million bucks in total prize money, Gardevoir ex is the deck to beat this month. The combined strength of Gardevoir, who damages your Pokémon to attach energy to them, and Munkidori, who moves that damage to the opponent, cannot be overstated.
Each set seems to give this deck new toys to play with. The latest is the new item lock evolution line of Frillish and Jellicent.
These are the mightiest of the mighty, so if one of thedecks doesn't win Worlds, we'll be very shocked. Still, an upset can always happen. I was delighted to see a rogue Toedscruel deck make it into the top 5 at the NAIC. And there are lots of other great builds too, decks like Ethan's Typhlosion, Joltik, and Charizard ex that are sitting just below the cream of the crop.
What's your favorite to win Worlds? Place your bets (metaphorically, of course) at the Wargamer Discord. And don't miss our great guide to the most expensive rare Pokémon cards.