Pokémon Gym Challenge, released in October 2000, was the second half of the Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge era. This expansion brought fans deeper into the world of Gym Leaders, highlighting signature Pokémon from iconic trainers like Blaine, Sabrina, Giovanni, and Erika. With 132 cards in the set, collectors could chase powerful holofoils, character-themed cards, and some of the most memorable artworks from early Wizards of the Coast printing.
Gym Challenge also introduced some of the toughest pulls, making mint condition copies highly sought after today. PSA 10 examples in particular command strong premiums, with many cards holding nostalgic and competitive appeal. Below is a ranked list of the 17 most valuable Gym Challenge cards.
17. Sabrina #20/132
This Trainer card showcases Sabrina, the Saffron City Gym Leader. Its utility in decks gave it attention, but its true appeal today lies in nostalgia and character-driven collecting. While not a holofoil, pristine graded copies remain desirable. Collectors often target it to complete a full Gym Leader lineup in top condition.
16. Giovanni’s Persian #008/132
As Giovanni’s trusted Normal-type, Persian appears with sleek artwork that highlights its elegance. The card was holo, giving it added appeal in 2000. Collectors value it for representing Giovanni’s signature style, especially in high-grade condition. Its availability is limited compared to other holos, making it a steady mid-tier chase.
15. Koga’s Ditto #010/132
Koga’s Ditto is a quirky card that stands out for its unusual pairing between the Poison-type Leader and a transformative Pokémon. The holo treatment enhances its collectability. While it wasn’t heavily used in play, its novelty makes it a collector favorite. PSA 10 examples see consistent demand.
14. Giovanni #018/132
This Supporter-style Trainer card highlights the Team Rocket boss himself. Featuring Giovanni’s full portrait, it carries strong character appeal. Though not holo, mint condition cards are surprisingly tough to source due to play wear. Collectors looking to showcase all the Gym Leaders often prize this card.
13. Giovanni’s Machamp #006/132
Giovanni’s Machamp delivers a striking pose with holofoil background, giving the powerhouse Fighting-type extra flair. This card represents Giovanni’s dominance in raw strength. Centering and print quality issues keep gem mint copies scarce. Collectors rank it among the better Gym Challenge holos.
12. Brock’s Ninetales #003/132
A fan-favorite Fire-type Pokémon under Brock’s leadership, this card flips expectations since Brock was known for Rock-types. The holofoil design and fiery artwork set it apart. It remains one of the more collectible Brock cards in the series. Condition-sensitive copies add long-term value.
11. Sabrina’s Gengar #029/132
Sabrina’s Gengar is one of the set’s spookiest holos, with artwork that captures the spectral vibe perfectly. It holds high demand among Gengar collectors, a community known for chasing every variant. In PSA 10, it stands as one of the more expensive mid-tier Gym Challenge cards.
10. Lt. Surge’s Raichu #011/132
Lt. Surge’s Raichu showcases powerful electric-themed artwork with a bold holo finish. Raichu has always enjoyed popularity among fans, making this card especially collectible. Print quality was inconsistent, leaving high grades tougher to obtain. It remains a standout Electric-type in the set.
9. Giovanni’s Nidoking #007/132
Nidoking, Giovanni’s powerhouse, bursts from the artwork with a commanding presence. The holo design makes it visually stunning and a long-time collector favorite. Condition plays a major role in its value, as many copies suffered from scratches. In gem mint, it ranks as one of Giovanni’s most valuable cards.
8. Rocket’s Zapdos #015/132
This card highlights the legendary bird under Team Rocket’s control. Its dark, edgy artwork captures the theme of corruption perfectly. It remains one of the more iconic Gym Challenge holos, with strong demand among both Zapdos and Team Rocket collectors. High-grade versions fetch solid premiums.
7. Giovanni’s Gyarados #005/132
Gyarados appears ferocious under Giovanni’s command, making this holo one of the most dynamic in the set. Its water-splashed artwork makes it visually dramatic. Collectors love the combination of Gyarados’s popularity and Giovanni’s notoriety. PSA 10 copies are particularly desirable.
6. Blaine’s Arcanine #001/132
Arcanine, one of Blaine’s most powerful Fire-types, shines in this holofoil card. Its fiery artwork remains a highlight of Gym Challenge. With Blaine being a fan-favorite Leader, this card is often ranked among the best non-Charizard options. High-grade copies continue to appreciate steadily.
5. Misty’s Gyarados #013/132
Misty’s Gyarados features swirling water effects and bold holofoil treatment. It has always been one of the most impressive cards in her lineup. Collectors prize this card for combining a popular Gym Leader with one of the game’s most iconic Pokémon. Its scarcity in pristine condition enhances long-term demand.
4. Erika’s Venusaur #004/132
This holo card showcases Venusaur under Erika’s guidance, complete with lush artwork fitting her Grass-type specialty. Venusaur is one of the original starters, ensuring strong collector interest. Its print run makes PSA 10 examples relatively tough, cementing its place among the most valuable Gym Challenge holos.
3. Sabrina’s Alakazam #016/132
Alakazam, tied to Sabrina, appears in one of the set’s most striking psychic-themed holos. The artwork emphasizes its mental power and control. Collectors place it high due to both Alakazam’s popularity and Sabrina’s reputation as a powerful Gym Leader. In gem mint, it consistently sells at premium levels.
2. Rocket’s Mewtwo #014/132
Rocket’s Mewtwo is one of the most iconic cards of the set, featuring a legendary Pokémon under Team Rocket’s control. Its dark holofoil artwork is among the best from the Gym Challenge expansion. Popularity of Mewtwo alone drives demand, but the Rocket theme elevates it further. High-grade examples are top-tier collectibles.
1. Blaine’s Charizard #002/132
The crown jewel of Gym Challenge is Blaine’s Charizard. Its fiery artwork, combined with Charizard’s enduring popularity, makes it the most valuable card of the set. Print quality issues and heavy demand keep PSA 10 copies at extremely high values. For many collectors, it represents the ultimate Gym Challenge prize.
Gym Challenge remains one of the most collectible expansions from the Wizards of the Coast era. The set perfectly captured the personalities of the Gym Leaders and paired them with iconic Pokémon that continue to resonate with fans.
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