The Best Pokemon TCG Standard Meta Decks (2026)
What are the best Pokemon TCG standard meta decks right now?
Below, we’ll be looking at the decks that are topping tournaments around the world – as well as those climbing the ranks via tournaments on Pokemon TCG Live – and sharing some tips on how you can pilot these decks to success in your own matches.
#1 Gholdengo ex is the best Pokemon deck right now
13th Place Champions League Aichi - Takuya Shomura
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Pokémon: 15
4 Gimmighoul SSP 97
3 Gholdengo ex PAR 139
3 Solrock MEG 75
2 Lunatone MEG 74
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Genesect ex BLK 67
1 Hop's Cramorant JTG 138
Trainer: 34
4 Arven OBF 186
3 Boss's Orders MEG 114
2 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
1 Lana's Aid TWM 155
4 Superior Energy Retrieval PAL 189
4 Fighting Gong MEG 116
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
3 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
1 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Premium Power Pro MEG 124
1 Prime Catcher TEF 157
2 Air Balloon BLK 79
1 Vitality Band SVI 197
2 Artazon PAL 171
Energy: 11
8 Fighting Energy MEE 6
3 Metal Energy MEE 8
At one point in time considered an anti meta deck, Gholdengo ex has long since proven itself as a top contender in the Pokemon TCG standard meta. Most recently, it made it’s way to the top of a massive tournament in Japan, leveraging the power of Gholdengo ex’s “Make It Rain” attack to OHKO anything on the playing field, as well as a host of consistency cards like Lunatone for draw support and Genesect ex for card search.
Genesect ex
Genesect ex makes it very easy to ensure you have your Gholdengo ex in hand to evolve and start tearing up the board with Gholdengo ex. Another interesting tech that this sixth place deck from the Champions League leveraged is the powerful and underrated “Lana’s Aid” supporter. Using this supporter you can bring back either non rule box Pokemon or energy to your hand. It’s a great tech for an attacker that needs energies in hand to deal a ton of damage.
Gholdengo ex has been at the top of the meta for a while now. And in a game that’s increasingly trending towards big three-prize attackers, it makes sense that a little guy like Gholdengo ex who can one-hit-knock-out the biggest attackers out there would be fairing so well.
#2 Dragapult ex
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Pokémon: 20
4 Dreepy TWM 128
4 Drakloak TWM 129
3 Dragapult ex TWM 130
2 Munkidori TWM 95
2 Budew PRE 4
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Latias ex SSP 76
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Hawlucha SVI 118
1 Maractus JTG 8
Trainer: 31
4 Professor's Research JTG 155
4 Iono PAL 185
4 Boss's Orders PAL 172
3 Brock's Scouting JTG 146
2 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
3 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Jamming Tower TWM 153
Energy: 9
4 Luminous Energy PAL 191
2 Fire Energy SVE 10
2 Psychic Energy SVE 13
1 Neo Upper Energy TEF 162
Dragapult ex is doing its best to continue to define the Pokemon TCG standard meta. With a combination of insanely high HP, powerful damage spread capabilities (made worse via Munkidori’s powerful Adrena-Brain ability) and backed by a plethora of handy basic Pokemon, Dragapult ex is just one tough deck to beat.
It’s not like it doesn’t have any weaknesses out there. Technically it can be taken out in a single blow via Lillie’s Clefairy ex, for example. However, given the current matchup spread this deck is seeing the second largest play share in the entire meta, forcing many to either play it themselves or learn how to play against it.
That being said, there is a new card coming out in Ascended Heroes that could potentially put this deck to bed for good, and that’s the new Nighttime Mine Stadium – a card looking to further diminish the power of Tera Pokemon in the era of Mega Pokemon.
Will Nighttime Mine be enough to end the dominance of Dragapult ex once and for all? Perhaps not. Either way, Dragapult ex is actually a fairly accessible deck for newcomers to the game that can be upgraded from the basic League Battle Deck with relative ease.
#3 Gardevoir ex
1st Place Champions League Aichi - Seinosuke Shiokawa
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Pokémon: 18
3 Ralts MEG 58
1 Kirlia MEG 59
2 Gardevoir ex SVI 86
3 Munkidori TWM 95
2 Frillish WHT 44
1 Jellicent ex WHT 45
1 Scream Tail PAR 86
1 Mega Diancie ex PFL 41
1 Lillie's Clefairy ex JTG 56
1 Latias ex SSP 76
1 Mew ex MEW 151
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
Trainer: 32
4 Lillie's Determination MEG 119
4 Iono PAL 185
1 Professor's Research JTG 155
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
4 Ultra Ball MEG 131
3 Nest Ball SVI 181
3 Rare Candy MEG 125
2 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1 Secret Box TWM 163
2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Technical Machine: Devolution PAR 177
1 Artazon PAL 171
1 Mystery Garden MEG 122
Energy: 10
7 Psychic Energy MEE 5
3 Darkness Energy MEE 7
Gardevoir ex is still killing it in 2026 like it has virtually since the deck came out in Scarlet and Violet. At this point, Gardevoir ex is the longest standing threat in the Pokemon TCG meta, having proven itself as one of the greats of the Scarlet & Violet era no matter what new sets (or rotations) throw at us. However, the deck has ALOT more going for it in terms of tools than it did in those days, including the powerful Mega Diancie, Jellicent ex, and Clefairy ex – all attackers that came out in 2025 that added a ton of power to the deck’s strategy.
While Gardevoir ex is notorious for being one of the trickier decks to pilot, it’s core strategy relies on using Psychic Embrace to power up a plethora of situational attackers that can absolutely wreck havoc on your opponent.
Need proof that this strategy works? Look no further than this deck list that took first place at the massive 6000+ player tournament in Japan.
Learn more about the latest way to build and play Gardevoir ex in my guide to the decks post Phantasmal Flames.
#4 Mega Absol ex
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Pokémon: 17
3 Munkidori TWM 95
2 Mega Absol ex MEG 86
2 Mega Kangaskhan ex MEG 104
2 Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex TWM 112
2 Yveltal MEG 88
1 Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex TWM 141
1 Latias ex SSP 76
1 Pecharunt ex SFA 39
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Psyduck MEP 7
1 Tatsugiri TWM 131
Trainer: 34
4 Arven OBF 186
3 Lillie's Determination MEG 119
3 Boss's Orders MEG 114
3 Penny SVI 183
2 Iono PAL 185
3 Pokégear 3.0 SVI 186
2 Nest Ball SVI 181
2 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
1 Energy Switch MEG 115
1 Precious Trolley SSP 185
2 Bravery Charm PAL 173
2 Technical Machine: Turbo Energize PAR 179
2 Lively Stadium SSP 180
Energy: 9
6 Darkness Energy SVE 23
2 Mist Energy TEF 161
1 Fighting Energy SVE 22
Leave it to Pokemon TCG legend, Tord Reklev, to come up with an insane deck like this that actually works. Mega Absol ex is a Pokemon many certainly overlooked going into Mega Evolution – but even more profited from its odd collection of attacks that enables it to take a one-hit-knock-out in the right circumstances no matter the toughness of the opposing Pokemon.
Clearly, this powerful attack is at an unusual premium in the current format with so many powerful three-prize Mega Pokemon ex running around, but you still have to take your hat off to this legend for pioneering yet another innovative deck that has proven itself to be one of the strongest at the highest level of competition.
#5 Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex
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Pokémon: 19
4 Marnie's Impidimp DRI 134
3 Marnie's Grimmsnarl ex DRI 136
3 Munkidori TWM 95
2 Snorunt TWM 51
2 Froslass TWM 53
2 Marnie's Morgrem DRI 135
1 Maractus JTG 8
1 Budew PRE 4
1 Shaymin DRI 10
Trainer: 33
4 Iono PAL 185
4 Arven OBF 186
3 Professor's Research JTG 155
1 Boss's Orders PAL 172
3 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
2 Rare Candy SVI 191
2 Night Stretcher SFA 61
1 Secret Box TWM 163
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Energy Search SVI 172
1 Ultra Ball SVI 196
1 Rescue Board TEF 159
1 Bravery Charm PAL 173
1 Technical Machine: Devolution PAR 177
1 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
2 Spikemuth Gym DRI 169
2 Artazon PAL 171
Energy: 8
8 Darkness Energy SVE 15
Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex is showing itself to be the hot new deck of Destined Rivals. With insane damage spread potential thanks to combining it with Froslass and Munkidori, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex’s ability to accelerate energy onto itself and other Marnie’s Pokemon combined with an effective Shadow Bullet is helping it edge out the competition.
Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex
While it initially showed tremendous promise in online tournaments, once we got to the big, in card events we found out that this deck certainly has the gas to be a presence in the meta, even if not an overwhelming one.
Still, it’s always an exciting event when a new deck breaks into the upper echelons of the standard format, especially decks as fun and creative as this one.
Learn more about how to play Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex in the guide.
#6 Charizard ex
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Pokémon: 19
4 Charmander PAF 7
1 Charmeleon MEW 5
1 Charmeleon PAF 8
3 Charizard ex OBF 125
2 Pidgey OBF 162
2 Pidgeotto MEW 17
2 Pidgeot ex OBF 164
1 Munkidori TWM 95
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Cleffa OBF 80
1 Chi-Yu PAR 29
Trainer: 34
4 Arven OBF 186
3 Iono PAL 185
2 Brock's Scouting JTG 146
2 Boss's Orders PAL 172
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
4 Buddy-Buddy Poffin TEF 144
3 Rare Candy SVI 191
3 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Counter Catcher PAR 160
2 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Energy Search SVI 172
1 Picnic Basket SVI 184
2 Technical Machine: Evolution PAR 178
1 Maximum Belt TEF 154
2 Artazon PAL 171
1 Jamming Tower TWM 153
Energy: 7
5 Fire Energy SVE 10
1 Luminous Energy PAL 191
1 Darkness Energy SVE 15
Charizard ex reminds me most of Gardevoir ex – not because they are similar in gameplay but because of their incredible staying power in the meta. That being said, Charizard ex is far from the tier zero deck it once was. Today, it plays a role on the lower etchelons of the top decks. Yet it still is a top deck undoubtedly.
This version above is the most popular way to build Charizard ex right now – leaning heavily into the original plays that hav always made Charizard ex strong and consistent. This build uses Charizard ex to overwhelm opposing attackers, and Pidgeot ex to help you get what ever you need, whenever you need it.
Also interesting is the addition of Munkidori to the deck. With that powerful Adrena Brain ability, however, many decks run this in their lists.
Ultimately, Charizard ex may not have the greatest matchup spread of all, but it’s a solid and favorite pick that manages to remain meta relevant despite the challenges it faces.
#7 Mega Loppuny ex
28th Place Regional Stuttgart - Simon Maile
Mega Lopunny felt like it might just be another meme deck when we got a first look at it ahead of Phantasmal Flames. Since coming out, however, it’s proven itself as a deadly deck strategy when paired with the formidable Dusknoir evolution line. Use Dusknoir in tandem with Mega Lopunny ex to weaken your opponent’s Pokemon and easily knock them out. Meanwhile, take advantage of a plethora of switching cards to field active Pokemon like Klefki that shut down opponent’s characters abilities while easily pivoting into your Mega Lopunny ex and its powerful Gale Thrust attack.
Mega Lopunny can be a tricky deck to master at first, but becomes relatively straightforward once you’ve gotten the hang of it. Learn more about how to pilot this deck in my Mega Lopunny ex deck list and guide.
#8 Ceruledge ex
10th Place Regional Belo Horizonte - Bruno Ogashawara
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Pokémon: 14
4 Charcadet SSP 32
3 Ceruledge ex SSP 36
2 Lunatone MEG 74
2 Solrock MEG 75
1 Squawkabilly ex PAL 169
1 Fezandipiti ex SFA 38
1 Drilbur TEF 85
Trainer: 26
4 Carmine TWM 145
3 Boss's Orders MEG 114
1 Professor's Research JTG 155
1 Briar SCR 132
1 Professor Turo's Scenario PAR 171
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Ultra Ball MEG 131
3 Night Stretcher SFA 61
2 Fighting Gong MEG 116
2 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
Energy: 20
10 Fighting Energy SVE 22
7 Fire Energy SVE 18
2 Jet Energy PAL 190
1 Legacy Energy TWM 167
I, for one, am so stoked players have finally accepted Ceruldedge ex for the fiery demon of a Pokemon attacker he can be. As it turns out the support added in Mega Evolution was just what this guy needed to reach the top of the heap of the very competitive Pokemon TCG. To be honest, I really liked this card when it first came out in Surging Sparks, and it definitely had potential then. However, it works much, much better now thanks to the combo of Lunatone and Solrock from Mega Evolution.
Use Lunatone to fuel your discard with energy to power up Ceruledge ex’s Abyssal Flames while also drawing cards and Solrock to take easy knockouts against basic Pokemon HP or bigger Pokemon with damage already on them. Thanks to these new cards, Ceruledge ex is one of the most consistent, reliable, and straight shooting top Pokemon decks you can play.
