Pokémon TCG is in a Great Moment, Says Tord Reklev

Recommended products

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

-6%

Pokemon Monster Mega Absol 2 inches

$15.90$15.00

Pokemon - Mega Absol ex - 086/132 - ME01: Mega Evolution (MEG) - Double Rare - Single Card

$2.49

2023 Pokemon TCG World Championships Deck – Tord Reklev …

$27.99

-11%

5 Pokemon Ultra Rare Card Lot - V, Gx, ex, Assorted Variety - No Duplicates

$9.99$8.89

Pokemon TCG Salamence ex & Reshiram ex Premium Collection Box

$79.99

Tord Reklev, a five-time international champion and a legend among Pokémon TCG players, competed at the EUIC 2026. Out of approximately 4,000 players, Reklev finished in the top 16 using an Absol deck, which subsequently became a popular meta choice. Despite the attention and pressure at such events, which he admits can be tiring, Reklev remains enthusiastic about Pokémon and is excited to celebrate its 30th anniversary, stating that it has been a significant part of his life. Looking ahead, he is preparing for the Fukuoka Champions League in Japan, where he aims to familiarize himself with the new rotation and experiment with new cards. The EUIC 2026 also featured a popular pop-up Pokémon Center themed around the new Mega Evolution Pokémon from Pokémon Legends: ZA. Trainers eagerly sought exclusive EUIC merchandise featuring the Mega Charizard X and Y evolutions, and the new Pin Trading booth proved to be a major attraction at the event.

In addition to his impressive performance at EUIC 2026, where he placed 13th, Reklev has achieved over 14 top-eight finishes in major competitions. Edwyn Mesman, the winner of the Master Finals, demonstrated Reklev’s impact on the game by crediting Reklev’s deck as the inspiration for his own. Mesman’s victory at the 2026 Pokémon European International Championships in London underscores this influence. During the EUIC 2026, Reklev discussed his Mega Absol Box deck with VGC, the same deck type that propelled Mesman to victory. He also commented on the positive state of the Pokémon TCG. Reklev acknowledged the necessity of the upcoming rotation—where The Pokémon Company determines which cards are legal for tournament play—to invigorate the competitive scene, despite his concern about losing powerful cards. He prefers to focus on the excitement of new cards, archetypes, and decks. Currently, Reklev is playing Gholdengo ex in the TCG scene. Reuben Davidson considers Gholdengo ex the top deck this season, citing its versatility and card-drawing capabilities.

Tord Reklev Praises Pokémon TCG Skill Level Boost and Community Growth Ahead of 2026 World Championships

In other tournament news, Drew Stephenson from the UK reached the finals of the TCG Masters but lost to Edwyn Mesman. Paul Chua from North America won the TCG Masters, earning $15,000 and an invitation to the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, which will be held in San Francisco for the first time in a decade. Indeedee also saw play in the Masters video game finals. Reklev also told VGC that the junior and senior divisions of the Pokémon Trading Card Game demonstrate a higher skill level due to available resources and coaching. He remains enthusiastic about competing, fueled by the community’s growth and the emergence of skilled young players. Reklev believes the Pokémon TCG is in a strong position, stating, “I think it’s a natural consequence of the game’s long availability and is always being pushed to its limits.”

In Case You Missed It

“Join us as we delve into the thrilling world of Pokémon, where Carlos Mendoza takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the 2026 European International Championships in his latest post, ‘Pokémon EUIC Have Become a Massive Event’. Published on February 19th, this must-read article for every Pokémon enthusiast offers a fascinating look into the evolution of tournaments over two decades through the eyes of Norwegian player Tord Reklev. Dive deep into the growing popularity of these events and learn about the intricate logistics behind them, all while gaining personal insights from Reklev himself – don’t miss out, head on over to Pokemon EUIC Have Become a Massive Event now!”