Set Overview
Gym Challenge was the second and final Gym Leader set, completing the Kanto badge run begun in Gym Heroes. It added Blaine, Giovanni, Koga and Sabrina as owners — and their holos, led by Blaine’s Charizard, are among the most sought-after cards of the Wizards era.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 16, 2000 (English) · adapted from the Japanese Gym sets |
| Publisher | Wizards of the Coast |
| Total Cards | 132 cards (95 Pokémon · 31 Trainers · 6 Energy) |
| Holographic Rares | 20 (cards 1–20, including Blaine’s Charizard and Rocket’s Mewtwo) |
| Notable Printings | 1st Edition · Unlimited |
| Key Chase Card | Blaine’s Charizard 2/132 (Holo) |
About the Set
Every card belongs to a Gym Leader or Team Rocket, continuing the “Owner’s Pokémon” mechanic. Cards 1–20 are the holographic rares — sixteen Owner’s Pokémon plus the four Gym Leader Trainer holos (Blaine, Giovanni, Koga, Sabrina). Blaine’s Charizard is the standout chase.
How to identify it: look for the Gym set symbol in the bottom-right corner. 1st Edition copies carry the “1st EDITION” stamp on the lower-left.
Printings: 1st Edition & Unlimited
Each card exists in two main printings. The difference is the single biggest factor in value, so it is worth checking before you buy.
| Printing | How to spot it | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Edition | A black “1st EDITION” stamp on the lower-left of the artwork. The first, smaller print run. | First run — most valuable |
| Unlimited | No stamp. Otherwise identical to the 1st Edition card. | The main, long run — most common |
Quick check: a 1st Edition stamp on the lower-left means the first run; no stamp means Unlimited.
Complete Card Gallery
All 132 cards from Gym Challenge. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Key Cards
The Gym Leader holos headline the set, with Blaine’s Charizard the clear chase card.
| Card | Name | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
 |
Blaine's Charizard 2/132 Holographic Rare | The set’s chase card — a Fire Charizard holo that commands the biggest premiums. |
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Rocket's Mewtwo 14/132 Holographic Rare | A popular Team Rocket holo with striking dark artwork. |
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Sabrina's Alakazam 16/132 Holographic Rare | A strong Psychic holo closing out the Owner’s Pokémon line-up. |
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Giovanni's Machamp 6/132 Holographic Rare | A hard-hitting Fighting holo owned by the Team Rocket boss. |
Promo Cards
By the Gym Challenge era (late 2000), the Wizards Black Star Promos had reached the #30s. They were not part of any set — the series ran to 53 cards across the WotC era — but these are from the same window.
Wizards Black Star Promos use their own numbering (#1–#53) and carry a black star where a set symbol would be.
Collecting & Where to Buy
Gym Challenge is out of print and trades only on the secondary market. 1st Edition holos like Blaine’s Charizard carry the biggest premiums; Unlimited non-holos are inexpensive.
Collector tip: check 1st Edition vs Unlimited (the stamp on the lower-left) and confirm the printing before paying a premium on Blaine’s Charizard.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card's printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.