July 24, 2026
SentThe Pitch Black era is officially upon us, and the first weekend of tournaments has already given us a wild look at the new meta. Let's dive into the results, the new season announcements, and all the spicy deck brews.
🏆tournament results
Rogue Decks Shake Up Major Tournament Top Cuts
The first big weekend of the Pitch Black format saw a ton of action, with major events like the Indianapolis Regional and Full Grip's $3k. While Dragapult and Slowking are still forces, rogue decks like Alakazam/Toucannon and Mega Froslass made impressive top cut appearances, showing the meta is far from solved.
TOURNAMENT OF DOOM! IS THAT THE.....
Read on Limitless TCG ↗
@JessePrker: Top 4 at the @FullGripTCG Pitch Black Standard 3k with Slowking! Going forward, I would cut Annihil…
Discuss on @JessePrker (Twitter) ↗
Pitch Black $3000 GLC Tournament at Full Grip Games
Watch on Tricky Gym (YouTube) ↗
This Happened in TOP 8 of a Massive Online Tournament... #pokemon #pokemoncards #pokemontcg #tcg
Watch on TimDanklin (YouTube) ↗
@cohen_stuntz: Top 8 at a 1K in San Antonio with Zoro, got bad mirror variance in t8. Shoutout @Beesechurger09 for …
Discuss on @cohen_stuntz (Twitter) ↗
📰news
Pitch Black Is Here and Already Shaking Up the Meta
The Mega Evolution—Pitch Black set is officially out, and players are already digging into the new cards. Early tournament results and theorycrafting point to a wide-open format, with creators dropping tons of analysis on which cards will have the biggest impact leading into Worlds.
The Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Pitch Black Expansion Is Available Now
Read on Pokémon.com ↗
The Top 5 Best Pokémon TCG Cards From Pitch Black
Read on TCGPlayer ↗
BEST Pitch Black Pokemon TCG Decks (40+ Decklists for Day 1)
Watch on OmniPoke (YouTube) ↗
@Card_Shop_Guys: Happy Pitch Black Release day! Taking a look at the current pricing for the biggest chases from this…
Discuss on @Card_Shop_Guys (Twitter) ↗
Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Pitch Black Is Now Available in Pokémon TCG Live
Read on Pokémon.com ↗
📅event announcement
Plan Your Season: 2027 Regionals and Worlds Path Announced
Get your calendars ready, because Play! Pokémon has dropped the details for the 2027 competitive season. We've got dates and locations for the first batch of Regionals and a breakdown of the Championship Points needed to punch your ticket to Worlds.
How to Qualify For The 2027 Pokemon World Championships - Full Season Breakdown and Info
Watch on Rahul Reddy (YouTube) ↗
2027 Pokemon TCG Regionals Announced! Dates, Locations & Worlds Changes
Watch on ZapdosTCG (YouTube) ↗
More coverage
2027 Regional and International dates
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@thefleeee: Tentative plans right now (waiting for the remaining US regionals) - Baltimore - Louisville - Puebl…
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The 2027 Pokemon Season Details Are Here! | Uncommon Energy Episode 212
Watch on Uncommon Energy Podcast (YouTube) ↗
📊meta analysis
What's the Play? Dissecting the Evolving Standard Meta
With the off-season in full swing and Pitch Black legal, the community is buzzing with meta discussion and tier lists. Debates are raging on Reddit and YouTube about the best decks to learn, the viability of rogue picks like Slowking and Fossil decks, and how to counter the top threats.
Pokémon Monthly Meta Report - June 2026
Read on PokémonCard.io ↗
The Best Pokémon TCG Decks Right Now (June 2026)
Read on TCGPlayer ↗
What decks do you consider contenders for the PBL meta?
Discuss on r/pkmntcg ↗
Top 10 Meta Decks in Pokémon TCG July 2026
Watch on Celio's Network (YouTube) ↗
@Alloutblitzle: WORLD CUP META
Discuss on @Alloutblitzle (Twitter) ↗
✨set reveal
Leaks Reveal "30th Celebration" Set and Classic Reprints
Get ready for a dose of nostalgia, because leaks for the upcoming "30th Celebration" set are starting to surface. We're seeing product lineups, pack openings, and a look at the Classic Collection reprints, including a newly revealed Jirachi ex.
30th Anniversary Product Lineup Revealed: ETB, UPC & More!
Read on PokémonCard.io ↗
Jirachi ex Revealed from ‘30th Celebration'!
Read on PokémonCard.io ↗
More coverage
The History Behind Every Reprint in the Pokémon TCG's 30th Celebration Classic Collection
Read on TCGPlayer ↗
@PokemonRestockr: More 30th Celebration leaks So many holos Credit: BotehLah.TCG #PokemonTCG
Discuss on @PokemonRestockr (Twitter) ↗
NEW 30th Celebration Cards Leaked! & They're Crazy!
Watch on LittledarkfuryTCG (YouTube) ↗
🎯strategy
Brews and Breakdowns: Deck Guides for the New Format
Looking for a new deck to master in the Pitch Black format? Content creators have been busy, dropping guides for everything from top contenders like Dragapult/Dusknoir and N's Zoroark to spicy rogue builds like Wailord ex, Mega Chandelure control, and Fossil-box.
Dragapult ex/Dusknoir Deck Guide (Pokémon TCG)
Read on TCGPlayer ↗
Need help with new spiritomb
Discuss on r/pkmntcg ↗
Pokémon Champions: Two Mega Pokémon, Too Powerful
Read on Pokémon.com ↗
POKEMON TCG // LBS (LUGIA/BLASTOISE/STEELIX) // RSPK RETRO DECK PROFILE
Watch on GamerGage (YouTube) ↗
Mega Chandelure Deck Profile! | Pokemon TCG Deck Guide
Watch on WickedWonzeTCG (YouTube) ↗
💬community
From the Community: Bricking, Local Leagues, and Regional Jitters
This week's community chatter covers a lot of ground, from new players asking how to get started to veterans debating the best way to prepare for a Regional. There are also some great discussions about dealing with brick hands, finding the right local scene, and whether it's better to master one deck or play the field.
New to Pokemon TCG
Discuss on r/pkmntcg ↗
@Julius07142873: I got a news in this morning we reached 50th members in my first Metafy Festival Grounds group I w…
Discuss on @Julius07142873 (Twitter) ↗
Gourgeist ex Vs N's Zoroark ex | Table Top gameplay — Rip Tide TCG
Watch on YouTube ↗
When/How do you feel ready to go for a Regional?
Discuss on r/pkmntcg ↗
@CardGameNomad: Dude.... English cards are ending up overseas (I believe this breaker is in Malaysia). Really dumb t…
Discuss on @CardGameNomad (Twitter) ↗