> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.kantopost.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The 14 biggest chase cards in Pokémon 30th Celebration - URL: https://www.kantopost.com/pokemon-tcg/30th-celebration-chase-cards/ - Published: 2026-09-10T17:49:35.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-10T17:49:35.000Z - Description: Here are the must-have Pokémon 30th Celebration chase cards, from the vibrant Lapras IR to the nostalgic Shadowless Charizard reprint. - Author: Callum Self - Tags: Pokémon TCG, Features It’s almost here. After months of waiting, pre-sales flying off digital shelves, and a worldwide simultaneous release that has left us all sitting on the edge of our seats for fresh information, **Pokémon 30th Celebration** is about to land on store shelves. This is a huge milestone for the franchise, and with a massive list of cards, as well as a slightly smaller pack size, the **Pokémon 30th Celebration chase cards** feel somewhat endless. Fortunately, I’ve put together a tighter list of the ones I’m most looking forward to. With collectors like you and me waiting for our [Pokémon 30th Celebration pre-orders](https://www.kantopost.com/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-30th-celebration-pre-orders-release-date-and-set-guide/) to arrive, you’re probably intrigued by which [Pokémon TCG](https://www.kantopost.com/tag/pokemon-tcg/) cards you’ll be hoping to pull. As usual, the following list is based on personal preference, with just a dash of my knowledge of all things Pokémon cards, so the actual ‘valuable’ cards might differ. However, I prefer going with attachment rather than investment, so without further ado, here are my top picks based on PokéBeach’s recent card list reveal. ![Lapras IR card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-lapras.jpg) ## 14: Lapras This Illustration Rare kicks off our list with an almost childlike, vibrant style for the classic Water-type. There’s something deeply nostalgic about it. The way the sunlight hits Lapras, alongside a Psyduck looking up at it, really intrigued me. It’s an adorable pull that hopefully won’t be too hard to get considering its rarity. ![Moltres IR card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-moltres.jpg) ## 13: Moltres I decided to pick only one of the Legendary birds, and I think Moltres is the right choice. All three are IRs, so it came down to aesthetics and popularity, and Moltres just came out on top. Unlike the Moltres ex found in Destined Rivals, 30th Celebration’s take is brighter and more whimsical, with vibrant orange flames swirling around it as it flies. In terms of colour, it’s easily one of my favourites in the entire expansion, with a gorgeous palette that makes Moltres pop. ![Maushold IR card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-maushold.jpg) ## 12: Maushold I love Maushold, so when I saw the new Illustration Rare, I instantly fell in love. It’s fairly simple, with the entire Maushold family scattered around in front of a kaleidoscope of colours that has an almost cloud-like, patchwork effect. I don’t expect this to be a hugely expensive card, but that just means more collectors will be able to buy it. ![Fuecoco ex SIR card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-fuecoco.jpg) ## 11: Fuecoco I’m going to say something controversial: Fuecoco may be one of my favourite starter designs, and it’s third after Squirtle and Piplup. That means, yes, I prefer it to Charmander. Please put down your pitchforks, because this card proves why. Advertisement It’s so freaking adorable. The little teeth as it smiles, joyfully strolling with balloons, bunting, and more around it. I love this card, and if it weren’t for some absolute bangers coming up, it would easily be one of my top three. ![Magikarp Classic Collection card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-magikarp.jpg) ## 10: Magikarp I already spoke about how [30th Celebration’s Magikarp is better than Paldea Evolved’s original](https://www.kantopost.com/pokemon-tcg/magikarp-30th-gold-border/). Despite being a fairly recent Pokémon set, the anniversary expansion’s golden border works better, helping this floppy fish stand out even more than before. With the original card being one of the most sought-after cards of the Scarlet & Violet era, I can see this reprint being equally popular, especially among those who missed out. I’m definitely raising my hand as I write this. ![Pikachu Base Set Classic Collection card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-pikachu-base-set.jpg) ## 9: Pikachu (Base Set) There are a lot of Pikachu cards in this set, but the classic Pikachu from the Base Set is one of my favourite renditions of the Pokémon mascot. With another chance to pull it, I’m hoping I can replace the one I sold (to make matters worse, I sold it for £5). It’s a great modern way to get a card featuring the original design. Basically, who doesn’t like a chonky Pikachu? ![Darkrai and Cresselia Legend Classic Collection cards in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-darkrai-cresselia.jpg) ## 8: Darkrai and Cresselia Legend This is a card that I actually wasn’t aware of until recently, and with the split cards returning in Pokémon Delta Reign, it’s the perfect time to pull this duo. Yes, this is two cards, so in reality, you need to be lucky enough to get both of them, lest you have to buy the other half online. Advertisement Considering how sad I was that Cresselia was missing from the [Pitch Black chase cards](https://www.kantopost.com/pokemon-tcg/pitch-black-chase-cards/), I’m very happy to see the two opposites together in this gorgeous rendition. The split between both of them, as well as the moves being jumbled up, make it a must-own for my collection. So long as I pull both, of course. ![Pikachu and Zekrom GX Tag Team Classic Collection card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-pikachu-zekrom.jpg) ## 7: Pikachu & Zekrom GX It’s quite surprising that Pikachu & Zekrom GX is such a cheap card - just take a look at my Pokémon 30th Celebration Classic Collection value piece. However, I think Zekrom’s recent popularity and the niche appeal of Pikachu (sarcasm, obviously) will give this classic a new lease of life. Seeing Pikachu in a mid-action pose alongside the Legendary Zekrom feels like a juxtaposition that shouldn’t work, yet it manages to capture the sense of awe that I love seeing in Pokémon card artwork. ![Pikachu ex SIR cards in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-pikachu-ex-sirs.jpg) ## 6: Pikachu ex SIRs I’m being a little sly here and combining two separate cards into one section, but considering how similar they are, I think I’m allowed. The two [Pikachu ex SIRs](https://www.kantopost.com/pokemon-tcg/30th-anniversary-pikachu-sir/), split into a day version and a night version, are adorable showcases of celebration. I adore how each of them has such a huge variety of Pokémon alongside them. It feels like a duo of cards that will spark friendly debate. Are you a fan of the brighter daylight variant, or does the nightlife of the Pokémon world appeal to you? That’s the question all of us collectors will face when the new set releases. There’s also no shortage of chase cards that become desirable when other little Pokémon are spotted in them (Bulbasaur from the First Partner Collection comes to mind), but there are rarely cards that feature so many Pokémon. I think that’ll make them some of the biggest chases in Pokémon 30th Celebration. ![Mewtwo and Mew ex Futuristic Rare cards in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-mew-mewtwo-futuristic-rares.jpg) ## 5: Mew ex and Mewtwo ex Futuristic Rares The [Mew ex and Mewtwo ex Futuristic Rares](https://www.kantopost.com/pokemon-tcg/futuristic-rares-opinion/) have been known for a while, since the expansion’s reveal back in February 2026, but because it’s a new rarity tier, all bets are off - hence the double appearance in the fifth spot. I’m not sure if I like them or not, and I think I’ll have to see them in real life rather than as digital images. Sometimes texture can play a huge role in the appeal, but considering that it’s a rarity exclusive to the set, it still deserves a high place on this list. ![Jirachi ex SIR card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-pikachu-jirachi-ex.jpg) ## 4: Jirachi ex SIR I knew it was coming. As soon as [Jirachi’s reveal](https://www.kantopost.com/pokemon-tcg/jirachi-ex-30th-celebration/) came around, I knew an SIR would appear, and here it is. Despite being fourth place, this is my chase card for the set, with a celestial display of cuteness that I want - no, need - in my binder. Advertisement The marble-like background, looking like a brighter version of space, paired with Jirachi’s whimsical smile makes this an essential chase for the expansion. If you manage to pull it and want to give it to someone, hit me up. ![Sylveon ex SIR card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-sylveon-ex-sir.jpg) ## 3: Sylveon ex SIR The Eeveelutions remain some of the most sought-after cards in modern Pokémon sets, and with Umbreon and Espeon locked away in the [30th Celebration UPCs](https://www.kantopost.com/pokemon-tcg/where-to-buy-30th-celebration-ultra-premium-collections/), that leaves a big ol’ Eevee-shaped hole for a different version to take the leading place. That’s Sylveon ex this time around, with a card that rivals the Prismatic Evolutions version. In fact, I’d argue this one is better. The hues of red, pinks, and darker pinks make for a beautiful foreground, with a smiling Sylveon that just looks so happy. If anything, it may actually be a decent substitute for Umbreon, because I know full well I’m not getting that [promo card any time soon](https://www.kantopost.com/pokemon-tcg/umbreon-card-30th-deck-box/). ![Lugia Classic Collection card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-pikachu-lugia.jpg) ## 2: Lugia Crystal Lugia. An underrated gem that has recently exploded in value and is now getting a gorgeous reprint that brings it up to modern standards. While the e-Reader aspect has been, unsurprisingly, toned down for the new Lugia reprint, it still has the gorgeous background that helps the Legendary Pokémon stand out. As someone who was unfortunate enough not to own the original, this is an essential for my collection. Advertisement Admittedly, I do think the gold, sparkly border actually detracts from the artwork here, unlike the Magikarp example, but it still looks stunning, and if I manage to get it in my packs, I’m not complaining. ![Shadowless Charizard Classic Collection card in Pokemon 30th Celebration set](https://www.kantopost.com/content/images/2026/09/pokemon-30th-celebration-chase-cards-pikachu-charizard.jpg) ## 1: Charizard I’ve seen local news articles about sellers listing them (which were hilariously unresearched, may I add), and even family members with little interest in the series know about this gem despite my constant talking about Pokémon. Shadowless Charizard may be the quintessential chase of all time, and here it is, available in modern packs. ## Sign up for Kanto Post The greatest destination for your Pokémon news, including the TCG, videogames, and more. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Of course, this isn’t the same as owning an actual Shadowless Charizard, but considering that it has the perfect balance of nostalgia and modern hype, this might be 30th Celebration’s biggest chase, depending on how popular the Futuristic Rares end up being. This is another card that, if I manage to get it, you won’t hear me moaning about.