2000 132 cards

The Final Badge

Gym Challenge completed the Kanto Gym Leader saga, featuring the remaining leaders Sabrina, Koga, Giovanni, and Blaine alongside powerful new trainer cards.

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gym2

Difficulty

5/5 to complete

Avg Card Value

Varies

Market average

Top Card

Blaine's Charizard

See market

Rarity Tier

Very Rare

Overview

Gym Challenge, released October 16, 2000, is the second Gym Leader expansion. Featuring 132 cards, it introduces Sabrina, Koga, Giovanni, and additional cards for Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, Erika, and Blaine. It is often considered the stronger of the two Gym sets.

Best for

People finishing early English sets and learning edition premiums the hard way
collectors pricing Gym Challenge (2000, 132 cards) as WOTC print runs cardboard — not as generic “old cards”
people building around Blaine's Charizard / Giovanni's Gyarados without pretending bulk pays the same

Skip this path if

you only want modern SAR-style hits and will ignore 90s print language
you expect every card in Gym Challenge to carry similar resale (bulk is bulk)

Common mistakes

If you only remember one thing about Gym Challenge: Blaine's Charizard / Giovanni's Gyarados is not interchangeable with every other print of those Pokemon. People still get burned by trusting a “vintage Charizard” listing without matching the exact set stamp, then argue condition after they already overpaid. Confirm gym2 / the set symbol before comps — “WOTC print runs lot” language is how wrong products get mixed.

What to check first

Verify set membership (gym2) and the set symbol and edition first — then surface and edges on the holos. Condition pass on Blaine's Charizard / Giovanni's Gyarados before negotiation. Finish with a checklist gap list so you are not “completing” only the bulk.

Top of the chart

Most valuable cards

Giovanni's Gyarados holo, Blaine's Charizard holo, and Sabrina's Alakazam holo are the most valuable. Koga's Ditto holo is a unique collector favorite. 1st Edition Blaine's Charizard PSA 10 can exceed $10,000.

Fighting Energy

Fire Energy

Grass Energy

Lightning Energy

Psychic Energy

Water Energy

Full Collection

Cards from Gym Challenge

Tap any card to see price history and details.

28 of 132

Blaine's Arcanine

Blaine's Charizard

Brock's Ninetales

Erika's Venusaur

Rocket's Mewtwo

Giovanni's Nidoqueen

Blaine's Dodrio

Erika's Ivysaur

Koga's Weezing

Sabrina's Mr. Mime

Brock's Diglett

Giovanni's Nidoran♂

Lt. Surge's Rattata

Sabrina's Abra

Erika's Kindness

Blaine's Quiz #3

Sabrina's Psychic Control

Saffron City Gym

Viridian City Gym

Fervor

Transparent Walls

Warp Point

Fighting Energy

Fire Energy

Grass Energy

Lightning Energy

Psychic Energy

Water Energy

Tips to finish the set

Gym Challenge features some of the rarer WOTC holos, making a complete holo set more challenging. Pair your collection efforts with Gym Heroes for the full experience. Giovanni's cards are particularly sought after and harder to find.

Step by step

How to Complete This Set

01

Identify Gym Challenge cards by set code gym2 / symbol — do not sort by art alone
02

Split bulk commons/uncommons from holos and special rarities before pricing
03

Track Blaine's Charizard and Giovanni's Gyarados as priority singles, not pack EV fantasies
04

Scan or checklist-gap the rest after the chase budget is honest

Scan with the app

Use Pokex to track progress across both Gym sets and identify the subtle differences between similar Gym Leader variants. The scanner confirms 1st Edition stamps and helps value your Blaine's Charizard accurately.

FAQ

Common questions

01 Which Gym Leaders are in Gym Challenge?

Gym Challenge features Sabrina, Koga, and Giovanni as new additions, plus continued support for Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, Erika, and Blaine from Gym Heroes.

02 Is Blaine's Charizard worth a lot?

Yes. Blaine's Charizard holo is one of the most valuable WOTC-era cards. Unlimited near mint copies sell for $150–$400, while 1st Edition PSA 10s can exceed $10,000.

03 What makes Koga's Ditto special?

Koga's Ditto holo has a unique mechanic where it starts as a trainer card and transforms into a Pokemon. It is one of the most creative card designs in early TCG history.

04 How does Gym Challenge compare to Gym Heroes?

Gym Challenge is generally considered the more valuable set, with higher-demand holos like Blaine's Charizard and Giovanni's Gyarados. Both sets have the same card count of 132.