Gym Challenge — The Final Test of Kanto

A deep dive into one of the most iconic vintage Pokémon TCG sets

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Released in late 2000, Gym Challenge represents the culmination of the original Kanto
Gym storyline in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Where Gym Heroes introduced us to the Gym Leaders,
Gym Challenge raised the stakes — stronger Pokémon, more dramatic artwork, and some of the most
memorable chase cards of the entire Wizards of the Coast era.

For many collectors, Gym Challenge marks the end of an era: the last major Kanto-focused set before
the game began shifting toward Johto and beyond. It’s a set built on mastery, reputation,
and the idea that you’ve earned your place as a Pokémon trainer.

Set Overview

• Release year: 2000
• Total cards: 132
• Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
• Set type: Final Gym-themed expansion

Gym Challenge continues the Trainer-owned Pokémon concept introduced in Gym Heroes, but pushes it
further with higher power ceilings and more complex strategies. Pokémon are still tied to Gym Leaders,
but now the emphasis is on proving dominance rather than learning fundamentals.

Connection to the Games & Anime

This set aligns closely with the later stages of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow,
as well as the final Gym battles in the Indigo League anime arc. Cards feature familiar faces such as:

• Blaine
• Sabrina
• Koga
• Giovanni

Gym Challenge feels like the moment when the story turns serious — villains are exposed,
Gym Leaders reveal their full strength, and trainers are tested rather than taught.

Top Chase Cards from Gym Challenge

• Blaine’s Charizard (Holo)
• Rocket’s Mewtwo (Holo)
• Sabrina’s Gengar (Holo)
• Giovanni’s Gyarados (Holo)
• Koga’s Ditto (Holo)

Many of these cards remain highly desirable today due to a combination of character popularity,
darker artwork, and limited supply in high condition.

What Is a Gym Challenge Master Set?

A complete Gym Challenge master set includes:

• All 132 numbered cards
• All holographic versions
• All non-holo rares, uncommons, and commons

While there are no secret rares in Gym Challenge, the difficulty comes from condition.
Many cards in this set feature dark backgrounds that make whitening and surface wear
especially noticeable.

Why Collectors Still Love Gym Challenge

Gym Challenge represents confidence. It’s a set that assumes you already understand Pokémon
and asks whether you can truly master it. For collectors today, that theme resonates —
especially for those returning to the hobby later in life.

Whether you’re building a binder, chasing graded copies, or collecting alongside your kids,
Gym Challenge stands as one of the most satisfying vintage sets to complete.

What’s Next in the Series?

With Gym Challenge complete, the next stop is a major shift:
Neo Genesis — the introduction of Johto Pokémon, new mechanics,
and an entirely new chapter for the Pokémon TCG.

If you’ve been collecting along with this series, now is a perfect time to pause,
reflect on the Kanto era, and prepare for what comes next.