World Championships TCG Junior Division

  • Tobias Strømdahl (Norway)
    Junior Division Champion—Gardevoir-GX / Gallade
  • Minaki Hasegawa (Japan)
    Junior Division Runner-up—Gardevoir-GX
  • Kabu Fukase (Japan)
    Junior Division Semifinalist—Golisopod-GX / Decidueye-GX
  • William Wallace (United States)
    Junior Division Semifinalist—Gardevoir-GX / Xerneas BREAK
  • Lucas Mancuso (United States)
    Junior Division Quarterfinalist—Drampa-GX / Garbodor
  • Tsubasa Watanabe (Japan)
    Junior Division Quarterfinalist—Garbodor / Golisopod-GX
  • Niko Ishida (Japan)
    Junior Division Quarterfinalist—Rainbow Road
  • Regan Retzloff (United States)
    Junior Division Quarterfinalist—Gardevoir-GX / Xerneas BREAK

Many of the Gardevoir-GX decks we've seen include either Sylveon-GX or Diancie. Tobias skips both of those options, but does include Gallade with the Premonition Ability. This works with Octillery's Abyssal Hand Ability to help Tobias draw the cards he wants. Tobias also includes an Acerola, which is uncommon for Gardevoir-GX decks, but it's a strong way to get damaged Pokémon off the playing field.

Pokémon
  • 4
    Gardevoir-GX
    93/147
    sm3 93
  • 3
    Kirlia
    92/147
    sm3 92
  • 3
    Ralts
    100/162
    xy8 100
  • 1
    Ralts
    52/98
    xy7 52
  • 2
    Tapu Lele-GX
    60/145
    sm2 60
  • 2
    Octillery
    33/162
    xy8 33
  • 2
    Remoraid
    32/162
    xy8 32
  • 1
    Gallade
    84/162
    xy8 84
Energy Cards
  • 8
    Fairy Energy
    nrg1 34
  • 4
    Double Colorless Energy
    xy12 90
Trainer Cards
  • 4
    Professor Sycamore
    xy9 107
  • 3
    N
    xy10 105
  • 1
    Acerola
    sm3 112
  • 1
    Fisherman
    xy8 136
  • 1
    Brigette
    xy8 134
  • 2
    Guzma
    sm3 115
  • 1
    Lysandre
    xy7 78
  • 4
    VS Seeker
    xy4 109
  • 4
    Ultra Ball
    sm1 135
  • 4
    Rare Candy
    sm1 129
  • 2
    Choice Band
    sm2 121
  • 1
    Field Blower
    sm2 125
  • 2
    Rescue Stretcher
    sm2 130
More Info Copy Deck List

Minaki is running one of the more slimmed-down Gardevoir-GX decks: it doesn't have the Diancie, Sylveon-GX, Gallade, or Octillery that we've seen in many other decks here. But it does include Giratina as a defense against Greninja BREAK and its Giant Water Shuriken Ability, which is important to protect the Ralts on his Bench. We don't see Parallel City too often, but its dual effects can help Minaki in a number of ways.

Pokémon
  • 4
    Gardevoir-GX
    93/147
    sm3 93
  • 3
    Kirlia
    53/98
    xy7 53
  • 4
    Ralts
    91/147
    sm3 91
  • 2
    Alolan Vulpix
    21/145
    sm2 21
  • 3
    Tapu Lele-GX
    60/145
    sm2 60
  • 1
    Giratina
    XY184
    xyp XY184
  • 1
    Kirlia
    92/147
    sm3 92
Energy Cards
  • 7
    Fairy Energy
    nrg1 34
  • 4
    Double Colorless Energy
    xy12 90
  • 2
    Wonder Energy
    xy5 144
Trainer Cards
  • 4
    Professor Sycamore
    xy9 107
  • 3
    N
    xy10 105
  • 1
    Acerola
    sm3 112
  • 1
    Hex Maniac
    xy7 75
  • 1
    Brigette
    xy8 134
  • 2
    Guzma
    sm3 115
  • 2
    Parallel City
    xy8 145
  • 4
    VS Seeker
    xy4 109
  • 4
    Ultra Ball
    sm1 135
  • 1
    Rare Candy
    sm1 129
  • 2
    Choice Band
    sm2 121
  • 2
    Field Blower
    sm2 125
  • 1
    Super Rod
    xy8 149
  • 1
    Max Potion
    sm2 128
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Kabu runs a fairly standard Decidueye-GX and Golisopod-GX deck, choosing an even split between the two Grass-type Pokémon lines. With Acerola and Forest of Giant Plants, Kabu can use Decidueye-GX's Feather Arrow Ability, scoop up the Pokémon, then put down the entire line again to use Feather Arrow a second time. He can also use Acerola to return his Active Pokémon to his hand and promote a Benched Golisopod-GX; that Pokémon can then use its First Impression attack for an impressive 120 damage with just one Grass Energy.

Pokémon
  • 3
    Golisopod-GX
    17/147
    sm3 17
  • 3
    Wimpod
    16/147
    sm3 16
  • 3
    Decidueye-GX
    12/149
    sm1 12
  • 3
    Dartrix
    10/149
    sm1 10
  • 3
    Rowlet
    9/149
    sm1 9
  • 2
    Tapu Lele-GX
    60/145
    sm2 60
  • 2
    Tapu Koko
    SM30
    smp SM30
  • 1
    Espeon-EX
    52/122
    xy9 52
  • 1
    Sudowoodo
    66/145
    sm2 66
Energy Cards
  • 5
    Grass Energy
    nrg1 26
  • 3
    Double Colorless Energy
    xy12 90
Trainer Cards
  • 3
    Professor Sycamore
    xy9 107
  • 3
    N
    xy10 105
  • 2
    Guzma
    sm3 115
  • 2
    Acerola
    sm3 112
  • 1
    Brigette
    xy8 134
  • 4
    Forest of Giant Plants
    xy7 74
  • 4
    Ultra Ball
    sm1 135
  • 3
    VS Seeker
    xy4 109
  • 2
    Revitalizer
    g1 70
  • 3
    Choice Band
    sm2 121
  • 2
    Field Blower
    sm2 125
  • 2
    Float Stone
    xy8 137
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William puts an interesting twist on Gardevoir-GX by adding Xerneas BREAK. The two Pokémon work well together, with Xerneas BREAK benefitting from the number of Energy on your own Pokémon, and Gardevoir-GX taking advantage of the Energy on both Active Pokémon. It's been remarkable to see how many different ways players have built winning decks around Gardevoir-GX.

Pokémon
  • 3
    Gardevoir-GX
    93/147
    sm3 93
  • 2
    Kirlia
    53/98
    xy7 53
  • 3
    Ralts
    100/162
    xy8 100
  • 1
    Sudowoodo
    66/145
    sm2 66
  • 2
    Tapu Lele-GX
    60/145
    sm2 60
  • 1
    Giratina
    XY184
    xyp XY184
  • 4
    Xerneas
    81/114
    xy11 81
  • 3
    Xerneas BREAK
    82/114
    xy11 82
Energy Cards
  • 9
    Fairy Energy
    nrg1 34
  • 4
    Double Colorless Energy
    xy12 90
  • 1
    Wonder Energy
    xy5 144
Trainer Cards
  • 4
    Professor Sycamore
    xy9 107
  • 3
    N
    xy10 105
  • 2
    Lysandre
    xy7 78
  • 1
    Hex Maniac
    xy7 75
  • 1
    Brigette
    xy8 134
  • 1
    Teammates
    xy5 141
  • 3
    Fairy Garden
    xy10 100
  • 3
    VS Seeker
    xy4 109
  • 4
    Ultra Ball
    sm1 135
  • 3
    Rare Candy
    sm1 129
  • 1
    Rescue Stretcher
    sm2 130
  • 1
    Super Rod
    xy8 149
More Info Copy Deck List

Lucas's Garbodor/Drampa-GX variation has several Pokémon that we don't see a lot in this type of deck. Necrozma-GX has several powerful attacks—including one that synergizes well with the Psychic-type Energy already in the deck—and serves as a solid defense against opposing Drampa-GX. Magearna-EX's Mystic Heart Ability can prevent effects of attacks to any of Lucas’s Pokémon with Metal-type Energy attached, which works well with the Rainbow Energy. At the same time, the Rainbow Energy can help Drampa-GX's Berserk attack reach its potential.

Pokémon
  • 2
    Drampa-GX
    115/145
    sm2 115
  • 3
    Garbodor
    51/145
    sm2 51
  • 1
    Garbodor
    57/122
    xy9 57
  • 4
    Trubbish
    56/122
    xy9 56
  • 2
    Tapu Lele-GX
    60/145
    sm2 60
  • 1
    Magearna-EX
    75/114
    xy11 75
  • 1
    Espeon-EX
    52/122
    xy9 52
  • 1
    Necrozma-GX
    63/147
    sm3 63
  • 1
    Tapu Koko
    sm30
    smp sm30
  • 1
    Oricorio
    56/145
    sm2 56
Energy Cards
  • 4
    Psychic Energy
    nrg1 30
  • 4
    Rainbow Energy
    xy8 152
  • 4
    Double Colorless Energy
    xy12 90
Trainer Cards
  • 3
    Professor Sycamore
    xy9 107
  • 4
    N
    xy10 105
  • 2
    Guzma
    sm3 115
  • 1
    Teammates
    xy5 141
  • 1
    Acerola
    sm3 112
  • 1
    Brigette
    xy8 134
  • 3
    Po Town
    sm3 121
  • 4
    Ultra Ball
    sm1 135
  • 3
    VS Seeker
    xy4 109
  • 3
    Float Stone
    xy8 137
  • 2
    Choice Band
    sm2 121
  • 1
    Fighting Fury Belt
    xy9 99
  • 1
    Enhanced Hammer
    sm2 124
  • 1
    Field Blower
    sm2 125
  • 1
    Rescue Stretcher
    sm2 130
More Info Copy Deck List

The combination of Garbodor and Golisopod-GX is one that Japanese players have been trying out prior to Worlds, and Tsubasa found a way to achieve victory with it. Instead of the more recent Garbodor with the Trashalanche attack, this is the Garbodor with the Garbotoxin Ability, which shuts down all other Abilities. Interestingly, Tsubasa does include Acerola in his deck, but does not include Forest of Giant Plants—Acerola is used almost exclusively for healing his Pokémon and to promote Golidospod-GX and use its First Impression attack.

Pokémon
  • 3
    Golisopod-GX
    17/147
    sm3 17
  • 4
    Wimpod
    16/147
    sm3 16
  • 2
    Garbodor
    57/122
    xy9 57
  • 3
    Trubbish
    56/122
    xy9 56
  • 2
    Tapu Koko
    SM30
    smp SM30
  • 3
    Tapu Lele-GX
    60/145
    sm2 60
Energy Cards
  • 4
    Double Colorless Energy
    xy12 90
  • 6
    Grass Energy
    nrg1 26
Trainer Cards
  • 4
    Professor Sycamore
    xy9 107
  • 3
    N
    xy10 105
  • 1
    Brigette
    xy8 134
  • 2
    Guzma
    sm3 115
  • 3
    Acerola
    sm3 112
  • 4
    Ultra Ball
    sm1 135
  • 4
    VS Seeker
    xy4 109
  • 2
    Choice Band
    sm2 121
  • 4
    Float Stone
    xy8 137
  • 2
    Field Blower
    sm2 125
  • 2
    Rescue Stretcher
    sm2 130
  • 2
    Heavy Ball
    xy8 140
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Rainbow Road doesn’t get played too often, and perhaps that element of surprise helps with its success. Niko's version includes the Darkness- and Metal-type Bisharp, which not only helps power Xerneas's Rainbow Force attack, but can also strike hard against Gardevoir-GX with its Retaliate attack. With a Choice Band attached, Bisharp can even collect a one-hit knockout against Gardevoir-GX.

Pokémon
  • 4
    Xerneas
    107/162
    xy8 107
  • 2
    Tapu Koko
    SM30
    smp SM30
  • 2
    Pawniard
    81/146
    xy1 81
  • 2
    Bisharp
    64/114
    xy11 64
  • 1
    Tapu Lele-GX
    60/145
    sm2 60
  • 1
    Sudowoodo
    66/145
    sm2 66
  • 1
    Shaymin-EX
    77/108
    xy6 77
  • 1
    Oranguru
    113/149
    sm1 113
  • 1
    Volcanion-EX
    26/114
    xy11 26
Energy Cards
  • 8
    Fairy Energy
    nrg1 34
  • 4
    Double Colorless Energy
    xy12 90
Trainer Cards
  • 4
    Professor Sycamore
    xy9 107
  • 2
    N
    xy10 105
  • 2
    Guzma
    sm3 115
  • 1
    Professor Kukui
    sm1 128
  • 1
    Teammates
    xy5 141
  • 1
    Hex Maniac
    xy7 75
  • 3
    Sky Field
    xy6 89
  • 4
    Ultra Ball
    sm1 135
  • 4
    VS Seeker
    xy4 109
  • 4
    Max Elixir
    xy9 102
  • 2
    Choice Band
    sm2 121
  • 1
    Special Charge
    xy11 105
  • 1
    Float Stone
    xy8 137
  • 1
    Super Rod
    xy8 149
  • 1
    Field Blower
    sm2 125
  • 1
    Rescue Stretcher
    sm2 130
More Info Copy Deck List

Regan has been rolling through the 2017 season, picking up top honors in both the Oceania and North American International Championships. His Gardevoir-GX and Xerneas BREAK deck also includes Giratina, whose Devour Light Ability shuts down Abilities on opposing Pokémon BREAK—ideal when facing Greninja BREAK's Giant Water Shuriken.

Pokémon
  • 4
    Xerneas
    81/114
    xy11 81
  • 3
    Xerneas BREAK
    82/114
    xy11 82
  • 3
    Gardevoir-GX
    93/147
    sm3 93
  • 2
    Kirlia
    92/147
    sm3 92
  • 3
    Ralts
    52/98
    xy7 52
  • 1
    Sudowoodo
    66/145
    sm2 66
  • 1
    Giratina
    XY184
    xyp XY184
  • 2
    Tapu Lele-GX
    60/145
    sm2 60
Energy Cards
  • 9
    Fairy Energy
    nrg1 34
  • 4
    Double Colorless Energy
    xy12 90
  • 1
    Wonder Energy
    xy5 144
Trainer Cards
  • 4
    Professor Sycamore
    xy9 107
  • 3
    N
    xy10 105
  • 2
    Lysandre
    xy7 78
  • 1
    Brigette
    xy8 134
  • 1
    Teammates
    xy5 141
  • 1
    Hex Maniac
    xy7 75
  • 3
    Fairy Garden
    xy10 100
  • 4
    Ultra Ball
    sm1 135
  • 3
    VS Seeker
    xy4 109
  • 3
    Rare Candy
    sm1 129
  • 1
    Super Rod
    xy8 149
  • 1
    Rescue Stretcher
    sm2 130
More Info Copy Deck List
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