Key Takeaways From Worlds 2024

Hello! Gabriel Semedo here with another Pokemon TCG article. This time, I want to talk about everything that happened at the Pokemon TCG World Championships 2024, focusing on the latest news and potential changes to the metagame.

The most important Pokemon TCG tournament in the world has concluded, and I don’t think anyone expected Quad [card name=”Iron Thorns ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”196″ c=”name”][/card] to be the World Champion, with Turbo [card name=”Roaring Moon ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card]as the finalist. Interestingly, both decks shared a common strategy: packing four copies of [card name=”Pokémon Catcher” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”187″ c=”name”][/card] and using [card name=”Prime Catcher ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”157″ c=”name”][/card]as their ACE SPEC of choice. In a tournament filled with surprises, certain patterns emerged, explaining the success of aggro decks — Basic Pokemon decks focused on attacking from turn 1 — and the downfall of Stage 2 decks, particularly [card name=”Charizard ex” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”234″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Gardevoir ex” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”233″ c=”name”][/card].

The Worlds metagame played out differently from what was expected, and the reason is simpler than it appears. Understanding this key factor will make it easier to grasp how the metagame might change moving forward.

The Regidrago VSTAR Factor

[cardimg name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

Shrouded Fable certainly impacted the metagame, and Worlds always pushes players to innovate or take risks for glory. However, the real game-changer wasn’t the new expansion but rather [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card]. Its entry into the metagame caused a ripple effect, particularly against Stage 2 decks. Aggro decks, which usually struggle against Charizard ex and Gardevoir ex, found new life due to Regidrago’s ability to deal with these threats effectively.

At the World Championships, Regidrago VSTAR effectively neutralized Charizard ex and Gardevoir ex, paving the way for [card name=”Raging Bolt ex ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”208″ c=”name”][/card], [card name=”Miraidon ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”244″ c=”name”][/card], and Roaring Moon decks to rise in the competition. While these aggro decks still struggle against Charizard ex, Regidrago VSTAR’s dominance has made them more viable in the Worlds format.

In this article, I’ll delve deeper into how the metagame has shifted after Worlds and highlight some of the best strategies I observed by analyzing and testing the decks that made it to Day 2. With another new set on the horizon, we have limited time to explore this format fully, so I spent the week post-Worlds studying the biggest Pokemon TCG competition closely. There are many valuable lessons to learn before we welcome the introduction of Stellar Crown into the Standard format.

Regidrago VSTAR Disrupts the Meta

From a surprise contender at the North America International Championships (NAIC) to a top deck at Worlds, Regidrago VSTAR’s rise wasn’t driven by Shrouded Fable. Pokemon like [card name=”Kyurem” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”47″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Haxorus” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”46″ c=”name”][/card] were decent options, but Regidrago was the real discovery, honed through extensive testing worldwide until a strong, consistent list emerged.

Strategically, Regidrago VSTAR sits between an aggro deck and a Stage 2 deck, almost like a Stage 1 deck in both structure and strategy. Its success lies in its strong matchups against Stage 2 decks, while maintaining balanced matchups against aggro decks, thanks largely to [card name=”Radiant Charizard” set=”Pokemon GO” no=”11″ c=”name”][/card]. A skilled Regidrago player can create a difficult scenario for opponents, who must avoid Radiant Charizard to stay ahead in the Prize race.

By effectively countering the format’s top decks — Charizard and Gardevoir — while holding its own against other decks, including control decks, Regidrago VSTAR emerged at Worlds as the best choice in this format. No other deck currently matches its versatility.

Learning From Worlds

The Worlds Championship is a spectacle because surprising ideas always emerge, some of which end up being incorporated into the metagame. Last year, [card name=”Miraidon ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”244″ c=”name”][/card] became a competitive deck at Worlds, used by Sejun Park, a South Korean legend in Pokemon games. This year, [card name=”Roaring Moon ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”109″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Iron Thorns ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”196″ c=”name”][/card] reached the finals in a matchup that no one expected, and these decks might remain part of the metagame throughout the season. The lessons we can learn from Worlds are invaluable, so I’ve highlighted some key takeaways for you to add to your repertoire.

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Regidrago VSTAR

Regidrago Decks Improved and Became More Uniform

From NAIC to Worlds, [card name=”Regidrago VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] deck lists evolved significantly, becoming more streamlined and efficient. Additional Pokemon and Energy cards were trimmed, freeing up space to address consistency issues the deck previously had. As a result, most of the Regidrago lists that performed well at Worlds are very similar, indicating that the deck has reached a new level of refinement.

Temple of Sinnoh Is Crucial for Beating Lugia Consistently

In my previous article on Regidrago, I identified [card name=”Temple of Sinnoh” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”214″ c=”name”][/card] as a must-have card to counter [card name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”211″ c=”name”][/card]. However, it wasn’t universally embraced by players. At Worlds, some players used Temple of Sinnoh successfully, while others achieved good results without it.

I understand the reasoning on both sides. Players who include Temple of Sinnoh know that if Lugia sets up quickly and consistently, their only chance to win is by deactivating [card name=”Gift Energy” set=”Lost Origin” no=”171″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Legacy Energy” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”167″ c=”name”][/card]. On the other hand, players who omit Temple of Sinnoh believe that Lugia’s inconsistency gives them an edge, or they feel that even with Temple of Sinnoh, they could still lose to a perfectly set-up Lugia.

Both perspectives are valid, but I believe Temple of Sinnoh significantly improves the matchup. Regidrago’s VSTAR Power allows you to retrieve Temple of Sinnoh from the discard pile, giving you another chance to use it when needed.

Radiant Charizard Is Essential for Countering Aggro Decks

Most Regidrago players included Radiant Charizard in their decks, but some, like Top 4 finisher Raz Wolpe, opted not to. This shows that not everyone values this card as much as I do, but I still see it as the best option for dealing with aggro decks.

Radiant Charizard does have its downsides — it’s a poor starter with heavy Retreat Cost, and the deck lacks many switching cards to retreat it or reset its attack. However, it remains the ideal solution for Knocking Out Pokemon with 250 HP, which includes nearly all Basic Pokemon in the current format, except for [card name=”Bloodmoon Ursaluna ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”216″ c=”name”][/card]. [card name=”Raging Bolt ex ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”208″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Roaring Moon ex” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”251″ c=”name”][/card] can easily Knock Out a Regidrago VSTAR, even after using [card name=”Hisuian Goodra VSTAR” set=”Lost Origin” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card]’s attack. But using a single-Prize Pokemon to take down a two-Prize Pokemon is a trade your opponent cannot afford to ignore.

With the success of aggro decks at Worlds, it’s likely that these decks will reappear in future tournaments, making Radiant Charizard even more important moving forward.

Lugia VSTAR

Don’t Play More Than a 3-3 Cinccino Line

[cardimg name=”Lugia VSTAR” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”211″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

The addition of [card name=”Cinccino ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”183″ c=”name”][/card] can make Lugia VSTAR even more inconsistent than it already is. The standout Lugia list from recent times was Alex Schemanske’s NAIC list, which did not use Cinccino. At Worlds, I observed that the most successful lists either did not use Cinccino or employed a lighter line of Cinccino. Rahul Reddy, who finished 9th, used a 1-1 Cinccino line, while Konsta Kallama, who made Top 16, used a 2-2 Cinccino line.

It’s undeniable that Cinccino has its merits, but it takes up valuable space in a deck that is already inconsistent and relies heavily on a coin flip.

Mesagoza Is Still the Best Stadium

As for the choice of Stadium card, [card name=”Jamming Tower” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”153″ c=”name”][/card] competes with [card name=”Mesagoza” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”178″ c=”name”][/card] in Lugia lists, but just as you can’t use a 3-3 Cinccino line due to consistency issues, you also can’t replace a Stadium that helps search for any Pokemon and directly assists with the deck’s setup problems. I’ve tested Jamming Tower in Lugia decks and found it lacking. It’s difficult to draw this Stadium card when you need it because the Lugia VSTAR deck doesn’t have much draw power.

Flutter Mane Is Needed to Beat the World Champion Deck

Since the release of Lugia VSTAR, the most effective way to counter it is by deactivating its Ability. Without this Ability, Lugia VSTAR cannot bring [card name=”Archeops” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”147″ c=”name”][/card] onto the Bench, rendering it ineffective. Until now, there was nothing in the metagame that could stop this Ability. However, with Iron Thorns winning Worlds, I believe this deck will become more popular.

By adding [card name=”Flutter Mane ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”78″ c=”name”][/card], it gives you a chance to beat Iron Thorns. Its Ability can deactivate Iron Thorns’ Ability, allowing Lugia’s VSTAR Power to put Archeops from the discard pile onto the Bench. While there is still a risk of losing, not using Flutter Mane almost guarantees a loss.

Charizard ex

Radiant Charizard is More Important

The biggest challenge for [card name=”Charizard ex” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”234″ c=”name”][/card] at the World Championships was Regidrago VSTAR, which can Knock Out Basic Pokemon before they evolve, creating a significant problem for Charizard players. To counter Regidrago after an attack from Kyurem or [card name=”Dragapult ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”200″ c=”name”][/card], you can use Radiant Charizard with [card name=”Defiance Band” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”169″ c=”name”][/card] attached. As a Basic Pokemon, it can brought into play without needing a Charizard ex on the field.

Against aggro decks, Charizard ex has an advantage because Radiant Charizard can help with Prize trades when necessary.

Thorton is a Staple in Charizard Top Player Lists

This Supporter surprised many Charizard fans because the best Charizard players at the competition included it in their lists. [card name=”Thorton” set=”Lost Origin” no=”195″ c=”name”][/card] allows you to evolve into Charizard ex even without having [card name=”Charmander” set=”151″ no=”4″ c=”name”][/card] on the field. It was added to counter Regidrago. Even if the opponent Knocks Out all your Charmander with Kyurem, you can use Thorton to change [card name=”Rotom V” set=”Lost Origin” no=”176″ c=”name”][/card] into Charmander and then evolve it into Charizard ex in the same turn.

Is Rabsca the Answer to Stop Kyurem and Dragapult ex?

Tord Reklev innovated the standard Charizard list by replacing [card name=”Manaphy” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”41″ c=”name”][/card] with a 1-1 [card name=”Rabsca ” set=”Temporal Forces” no=”24″ c=”name”][/card]line. This allows you to prevent damage from Kyurem and Dragapult ex on your Pokemon on the Bench, as Rabsca’s Ability prevents damage and effects on the Bench.

The challenge with using Rabsca is that it’s an Evolution Pokemon, and to be competitively viable, you need to evolve it quickly using [card name=”Technical Machine: Evolution” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”178″ c=”name”][/card]. If you start the game well, this strategy can work, though it has its risks. Rabsca might end up in the Prizes or you might not draw the necessary cards to execute the combo. Despite these potential issues, it remains a plausible strategy. If you manage to get Rabsca into play, your matchup against the top decks becomes more balanced.

Another approach is to forego Rabsca and Manaphy, accepting that you’ll take damage from Kyurem and Dragapult ex while finding an alternative solution to beat Regidrago VSTAR. Brazilian players Pedro Pertusi and William Azevedo chose this route, using [card name=”Entei V” set=”Brilliant Stars” no=”22″ c=”name”][/card] to Knock Out [card name=”Teal Mask Ogerpon ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”211″ c=”name”][/card] without being Knocked Out in return by another Teal Mask Ogerpon. However, this approach can leave you vulnerable in other matchups where Manaphy would be beneficial, such as against [card name=”Chien-Pao ex” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”261″ c=”name”][/card] and Lost Box. William lost his chance to advance to the Top 32 due to a Chien-Pao deck, highlighting the value of Manaphy.

Entei V Is an Effective Way to Achieve Relevant Knock Outs

Pedro and William included Entei V in their lists because it is an excellent Basic Pokemon attacker that functions independently of Charizard ex. Entei V ensures that you can make effective attacks even if all your Charmander are Knocked Out. Regidrago VSTAR poses a challenge for Stage 2 decks, so combining Stage 2 Pokemon with powerful Basic Pokemon ex and Pokemon V is a viable strategy.

Entei V and Radiant Charizard can fulfill the role of Charizard ex when it’s not on the field. Entei V has additional advantages: it’s a good starter in the current format, has 230 HP, an Ability that lets you draw a card, and an attack with excellent cost-benefit. It’s also another Pokemon V that can attach [card name=”Forest Seal Stone” set=”Silver Tempest” no=”156″ c=”name”][/card] to.

Flutter Mane Instead of Canceling Cologne

Another change seen in some lists is the substitution of [card name=”Canceling Cologne” set=”Astral Radiance” no=”136″ c=”name”][/card] with Flutter Mane. Both serve similar functions, but Flutter Mane has the advantage of being reusable with [card name=”Super Rod” set=”Paldea Evolved” no=”276″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Night Stretcher” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”61″ c=”name”][/card].

I prefer Flutter Mane because it offers more opportunities for use throughout the game. Although Canceling Cologne has a stronger effect, using it only once in a match might not be sufficient. Decks that use Iron Thorns ex and control decks with [card name=”Cornerstone Mask Ogerpon ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”215″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Mimikyu” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”160″ c=”name”][/card] are prepared to handle Canceling Cologne once, but dealing with a Flutter Mane that can attack and return to play multiple times with Super Rod, Night Stretcher, and Thorton is a different challenge altogether.

Iron Thorns ex

Can the World Champion Deck Stay on Top?

I believe it will be challenging for [card name=”Iron Thorns ex” set=”Twilight Masquerade” no=”196″ c=”name”][/card] to remain at the top of the metagame for an extended period. Although Iron Thorns was a strong metacall, gaining recognition in online tournaments before Worlds in Hawaii, many players did not consider the deck to be a serious contender. Iron Thorns is a legitimate deck if the metagame is overlooking it. However, if you want to counter this deck effectively, you can include specific cards to significantly improve the matchup. Flutter Mane and Canceling Cologne are direct counters to Iron Thorns and can be incorporated into almost any deck.

Moreover, Iron Thorns relies on luck to secure victories. Cards like [card name=”Crushing Hammer” set=”Sword and Shield” no=”159″ c=”name”][/card] and [card name=”Pokémon Catcher” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”187″ c=”name”][/card] have effects comparable to Supporter cards but are dependent on a coin flip. Crushing Hammer, for example, has no direct Supporter equivalent due to its potentially powerful effect of discarding your opponent’s Energy cards. Iron Thorns also depends on the opponent’s misfortune, such as starting with a poor hand or relying heavily on Abilities to operate. Sometimes, Charizard ex can simply attach two Fire Energy cards from its hand, evolve, and attack without needing an Ability. Ultimately, there are variables beyond the player’s control, as the deck doesn’t provide many options to counteract luck.

Gardevoir ex

Technical Machine: Devolution Is Now a Staple Card

Gardevoir ex emerged from the NAIC as one of the best decks in the format. There was minimal changes to the deck list until Worlds, with most Day 2 lists being quite similar. However, a significant change from NAIC to Worlds was the inclusion of at least one copy of [card name=”Technical Machine: Devolution” set=”Paradox Rift” no=”177″ c=”name”][/card] in every list. It has become a mandatory Tool card to counter Charizard ex. Some players, like Calvin Connor, included two copies of Technical Machine: Devolution.

Miraidon ex

Although the Day 2 lists for Miraidon ex are very similar, none of them include [card name=”Iono” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”237″ c=”name”][/card], as the strategy has shifted to an all-in approach. Some lists included [card name=”Judge” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”228″ c=”name”][/card], but this was used primarily to disrupt the opponent early in the game, for example, to try and stop Charizard ex from being able to set up.

Academy at Night is Broken and Essential

[cardimg name=”Miraidon ex” set=”Scarlet and Violet” no=”244″ align=”right” c=”none”][/cardimg]

One of the standout performances at Worlds 2024 was Jesse Parker’s impressive run, with 12 consecutive wins before being stopped by Iron Thorns in the Top 4. One notable observation is that he did not use [card name=”Academy at Night” set=”Shrouded Fable” no=”54″ c=”name”][/card], a new Stadium card addition from Shrouded Fable.

In my current Miraidon ex list, I included three copies of Academy at Night because it significantly increases the chance of hitting two Lightning Energy cards with [card name=”Electric Generator” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”79″ c=”name”][/card]. Those who have tested this combo know how it improves both the odds and gameplay. When you are certain of hitting at least one Energy with the Electric Generator, your strategy can shift dramatically, allowing for safer moves that can take you on a solid path to victory. I’m frustrated by the number of games that seemed secure, but were lost due to bad luck when using Electric Generator two or three times in a row.

In addition to the great synergy with Electric Generator, Academy at Night can protect valuable resources from being discarded by cards like [card name=”Squawkabilly ex” set=”Paldean Fates” no=”223″ c=”name”][/card]. It also helps you place an important card on top of your deck, just in case your opponent decides to play Iono.

However, Academy at Night is not essential if you rely on luck or increase the number of Basic Energy cards. Jesse Parker used 16 Lightning Energy cards, one of the highest counts in the competition, second only to Felipe Luna Herrera, who used 17.