May 28, 2026
With the Chaos Rising meta just beginning and major results from Utrecht and Melbourne, the road to NAIC is getting spicy. Let's dive into the decks and drama from a huge week in Pokémon TCG.
🏆tournament results
Big Weekend Sees Wins for Pidgeot and Honchkrow
Major events in Melbourne and Utrecht have wrapped, giving us a clearer picture of the pre-NAIC meta. Hasan Kunukcu took down Utrecht with Pidgeot Control, while a surprise Honchkrow deck made a huge splash in Melbourne. Check out the finals VODs and full decklists on Limitless.
📊meta analysis
The Chaos Rising Meta is Taking Shape
With Chaos Rising now legal for play, the meta is in full flux as players test out the new Mega Evolution cards. Early standouts include Beedrill ex and a resurgence of N's Zoroark, but there's still plenty of room for innovation. See what the top creators are brewing and how the tier lists are already shifting.
✨set reveal
First Look at Cards from Paradox Drive
While we're still digging into Chaos Rising, the first packs of the next set, Paradox Drive, are already being opened in Japan. This gives us a sneak peek at what's coming down the pipeline for our format later this year. Get a glimpse of the new cards and start theory-crafting early.
📋rules update
Official Rules and TCG Live Get Q2 Updates
Pokémon has released the official Q2 2026 rules and resources document, so make sure you're up to date before your next event. Additionally, TCG Live has added the new Build & Battle mode, offering a new way to play and test cards from Chaos Rising.
🎯strategy
From Meta Staples to Rogue Plays
The community is buzzing with deck ideas, from optimizing Dragapult lists to debating the merits of Crushing Hammer. Interesting rogue concepts are also popping up, like a Slowking deck that's quietly becoming a meta threat and a Miraidon ex combo that can hit for infinite damage. Dive into the discussions and find your next ladder or tournament deck.
💬community
The Real Cost of a Season and Prepping for NAIC
As the season heads towards its climax at NAIC, players are sharing their experiences and anxieties. ZapdosTCG breaks down the real cost of playing a full competitive season, while others are asking for advice on everything from mental resilience after a loss to finding scrim partners. It's a great time to connect with the community and share the grind.