Top 10 Most Expensive Pokemon Cards From Destined Rivals

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Destined Rivals is right around the corner, and collectors are already getting a good idea of what the top chase cards will be. This upcoming English set pulls together cards from two Japanese releases — Heat Wave Arena and Glory of Team Rocket — both of which have already seen huge interest on the secondary market. Based on early prices, artwork, and popularity, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 most expensive cards you’ll want to watch for when Destined Rivals officially launches. If you’re planning your pulls, here’s what to keep an eye on!

These are the top 10 cards to look for in Destined Rivals!

The 10th most expensive card on this list is the Cynthia's Garchomp ex Ultra Rare #091. Cynthia's Garchomp ex Ultra Rare is a nod to one of the most iconic Trainer-Pokemon duos in franchise history. Cynthia, the Champion of the Sinnoh region, has long been associated with Garchomp, and this Gold Ultra Rare card fully embraces that legacy.

Garchomp has long been a formidable opponent in games like Diamond, Pearl, and Brilliant Diamond. In the Pokemon TCG, Cynthia's cards are consistently among the most beloved, and this version continues the tradition by blending nostalgia with stunning golden aesthetics. 

At #9 on the list of most expensive cards from Destined Rivals is the Giovanni SAR #129. The Team Rocket’s Giovanni Special Art Rare captures the essence of the legendary villain in a way few cards have before. Unlike standard Full Art Trainers, this SAR adopts a "Friends in" group style, highlighting Giovanni alongside other notable Team Rocket executives: Ariana, Proton, Petrel, and Archer.

This full art paints a full portrait of Team Rocket’s leadership rather than focusing on Giovanni alone, giving collectors a much richer visual experience. The card perfectly embodies the organization's dominance and style from the original Red and Blue days until today.

The 8th most expensive card to be featured in Destined Rivals is the Mewtwo ex Ultra Rare #130. Mewtwo is probably the most legendary Pokemon of all time, and the Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex Ultra Rare brings a bold new interpretation to this iconic character. This card reflects a time when Team Rocket sought to control Mewtwo’s power for their own nefarious purposes—a story thread central to Pokemon lore since the very first movie.

Collectors who fondly remember cards like Rocket’s Mewtwo from Gym Challenge will see the Mewtwo cards in this set as something of spiritual successors. The combination of legendary status, historical significance, and high rarity makes it a valuable addition to any Pokemon TCG collection.

The 7th most expensive card from Destined Rivals is Ethan's Adventure SAR #089. Ethan’s Adventure Special Art Rare provides a rare and charming glimpse into the life of the beloved protagonist from Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Rather than featuring a battle scene, the artwork captures Ethan mid-journey, showcasing the more human and relatable side of Pokemon adventures. It’s a card that emphasizes exploration, companionship, and the quiet moments of growth that define a Trainer's journey.

One especially endearing aspect of this card is how it highlights the bond between Trainer and Pokemon without needing a full battle scene. Some fans have expressed a wish for an Ethan’s Pichu card to accompany this artwork, but Ethan's Adventure more than holds its own. It brings out the spirit of the Johto region in a beautifully understated way, making it a must-have for fans of Gen-2 nostalgia and character-driven designs.

Landing as the 6th most expensive card from Destined Rivals is the Nidoking ex SAR #126. Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex Special Art Rare delivers a powerful visual that immediately evokes Giovanni’s fearsome reputation. Nidoking, long associated with Giovanni since the earliest games, stands as a symbol of brute strength and command. This SAR channels that legacy with a dramatic and highly detailed illustration, giving Nidoking a regal yet menacing aura, with the Rocket leader giving commands from the back.

Nidoking has deep roots in both the video games and the Pokemon TCG, with cards like Giovanni’s Nidoking from Gym Challenge setting early standards for villainous Pokemon partnerships. This new SAR version brings that lineage full circle, blending old-school Gen-1 vibes with modern card aesthetics.

At the halfway point for the top chase cards from Destined Rivals is the Crobat SAR #127. Team Rocket’s Crobat ex Special Art Rare shows off Crobat in a way that feels fast, chaotic, and powerful. The artwork captures a full swarm of the evolutionary line flying together, giving the card a ton of movement and energy. It feels like you’re right in the middle of a wild group of bats in flight, which fits Crobat’s character perfectly. Instead of looking playful or over-the-top, the card has a sharper, more serious tone that fans really seem to appreciate.

This is one of those cards that immediately stood out when the set was revealed, and it’s easy to see why. The scene feels big and alive, with Crobat front and center but surrounded by enough action to make the whole card feel busy in a good way. It’s already become a favorite for a lot of collectors, and it’s a great example of how Destined Rivals mixes strong designs with classic Pokemon that people love.

Breaking into the top 4 of the biggest pulls in Destined Rivals is Ethan's Ho-oh ex SAR. Ethan’s Ho-oh ex Special Art Rare is a stunning tribute to one of the most iconic moments in Pokemon history. Illustrated by Atsushi Furusawa, this card calls back to the legendary first episode of the Pokemon anime, where Ash sees Ho-Oh soaring through the sky—a moment that captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. The perspective and lighting mirror the majestic, dreamlike quality that defined that scene.

This card also shares a similar perspective as the Lugia Alternate Art from Silver Tempest, creating a natural pairing for collectors who love Legendary Pokemon lore. By featuring Ho-Oh alongside Ethan, this SAR taps into deep-rooted Johto nostalgia and makes a compelling case as one of the most emotionally resonant cards in Destined Rivals.

The third most expensive card in Destined Rivals is likely to be Team Rocket's Moltres ex SAR #124. Team Rocket’s Moltres ex Special Art Rare is a fiery masterpiece brought to life by the exceptional artist AKIRA EGAWA. AKIRA EGAWA’s past work on cards like the gold Palkia, Dialga, Giratina, and Arceus from Crown Zenith set a high bar, and this Moltres easily meets—and perhaps even exceeds—that standard.

This version of Moltres doesn’t just showcase power; it offers an artistic rendering that feels almost mythical. It’s little wonder that it’s widely considered one of the finest depictions of Moltres in the Pokemon TCG to date, and a major prize for any collector lucky enough to pull it.

The 2nd most expensive card in Destined Rivals is Cynthia's Garchomp ex SAR #087. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex Special Art Rare is a jaw-dropping card that cements the power of a fan-favorite Trainer and her signature Pokemon. Illustrated by HICO KIM, a brand-new artist whose debut with this card immediately left an impression, the card exudes strength, elegance, and tactical genius.

Cynthia’s Garchomp is legendary within the franchise, known for devastating teams in both the games and competitive scenes. It's a testament to Cynthia's enduring popularity that a brand-new artist was able to capture her essence so perfectly on their very first try—and it’s no surprise this card is considered one of the biggest chases in Destined Rivals.

Topping the list is the extraordinary Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex Special Art Rare, a card that captures the dramatic tension between Giovanni and Mewtwo like no card before. Illustrated by Iwamoto05, who has only three Pokemon TCG artworks to their name, this card radiates a sense of power, rebellion, and tragedy. Mewtwo, born from human ambition but unwilling to be controlled, stands as a symbol of strength and defiance—and this card captures that perfectly.

The combination of deep storytelling, immaculate artwork, and historical significance makes this card a crown jewel for Destined Rivals collectors. It’s not just another Mewtwo card; it’s a full narrative frozen in time. For fans of Pokemon lore, TCG artistry, or just jaw-dropping collectible design, Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex SAR is the absolute must-have from this set.

Try your luck at pulling these cards from Destined Rivals:

Or, check out the Japanese counterparts to Destined Rivals:

That’s it for the current top 10 most expensive cards from Destined Rivals. If you enjoy this content, then be sure to join our Discord community to connect with other people in the hobby and get notified about restocks of your favorite sets!

Want to see more cards from the set? Check out these runner-ups, or check out our Visual Set List for Destined Rivals.

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