One of the most fun things about Gym Leader Challenge Format, in my opinion, is trying to build a deck that features my favorite type of Pokemon. (sorry Fairy trainers! LOL) For me, those are Lightning Type Pokemon, and specifically Zapdos! I had to wait A LONG time for a good Zapdos card to get printed. I started playing the Pokemon TCG in 2011 with BW: Noble Victories. Zapdos from Team Up was released in February 2019. That’s over EIGHT YEARS! The wait was worth it. I played Zapdos to a Top-32 finish at the St. Louis Regional Championships in 2019 and loved every moment of it. Unfortunately, Zapdos was quickly power crept out of Standard Format during the Sword and Shield block as Pokemon V and VMAX were introduced to the game. My beloved Zapdos seemed to be destined for the bulk box after seeing play for just under a year.
Fortunately, with the introduction of Gym Leader Challenge Format, Zapdos and other single Prize Pokemon have their time to shine and triumph again! Check out this video to learn more about the most powerful Lightning Type Pokemon in the Gym Leader Challenge Format!
##Pokémon – 16
* 1 Blitzle NVI 35
* 1 Electrike DAA 58
* 1 Mareep LOT 75
* 1 Raikou BKT 55
* 1 Shinx UPR 45
* 1 Tynamo NVI 38
* 1 Voltorb ROS 21
* 1 Zapdos TEU 40
* 1 Zekrom BLW 114
* 1 Eelektrik NVI 40
* 1 Electrode PLF 33
* 1 Luxio UPR 47
* 1 Manectric PR-SM 130
* 1 Zebstrika LOT 82
* 1 Eelektross UNM 66
* 1 Luxray RCL 62
##Trainer Cards – 34
* 1 Switch HS 102
* 1 Tate & Liza CES 166
* 1 N FCO 105
* 1 Rough Seas PRC 137
* 1 Bird Keeper SHF 66
* 1 Sonia RCL 192
* 1 Professor Juniper PLF 116
* 1 Rescue Stretcher GRI 130
* 1 Evolution Incense SSH 163
* 1 Pokémon Fan Club UPR 155
* 1 Timer Ball SUM 134
* 1 Marnie SSH 200
* 1 Colress PLS 135
* 1 Aether Paradise Conservation Area GRI 116
* 1 Evosoda XY 116
* 1 Ultra Ball SUM 161
* 1 Escape Rope PRC 127
* 1 Eviolite NVI 91
* 1 Nest Ball SUM 158
* 1 Boss’s Orders RCL 189
* 1 Max Elixir BKP 102
* 1 Fighting Fury Belt BKP 99
* 1 Air Balloon SSH 156
* 1 Float Stone PLF 99
* 1 Cynthia UPR 148
* 1 Guzma BUS 143
* 1 Brigette BKT 161
* 1 Electropower LOT 172
* 1 Quick Ball SSH 216
* 1 Ball Guy SHF 65
* 1 Muscle Band XY 121
* 1 VS Seeker PHF 109
* 1 Level Ball NXD 89
* 1 Copycat CES 163
##Energy – 10
* 9 Lightning Energy SMEnergy 4
* 1 Speed Lightning Energy RCL 173
Total Cards – 60
-Andrew
The shinx line is definitely my favorite. It has all of the desirable attributes of a Pokémon card line except for energy acceleration. It has speed, disruption, AND explosive damage output. Insane dude