Champion’s Path
Set Details
The Champion’s Path Pokémon Set stands out as a unique, gym‑themed special expansion in the Sword & Shield Series, first arriving on September 25, 2020. Rather than a traditional booster release, Champion’s Path was woven into themed merchandise—Elite Trainer Boxes, pin collections, and the popular V‑Starter Decks—each containing a mix of cards from Infinity Zone, Explosive Walker, Legendary Heartbeat, and exclusive promos. Centered on the Gym Leaders of the Galar region, this set brings fan‑favorite challengers to life in full holo glory, giving collectors and competitors alike plenty of reasons to chase every pack.
Gameplay‑wise, Champion’s Path packs a punch with powerhouse cards and tag‑team dynamics. The long‑awaited Charizard VMAX—previously only a Limited Tournament prize in Japan—finally appears as a Secret Rainbow Rare, boasting immense HP and an attack that can scorch an opponent’s entire bench. Alongside it, the Shiny Charizard V shines as one of the set’s most sought‑after pulls, its mirror‑foil artwork marking the first time a Shiny V card took Secret status. Trainer cards like Cynthia & Hilda and Bea & Allister deliver one‑two strategy punches, letting you draw cards, disrupt your opponent’s hand, or power up your benched Pokémon faster than ever before.
Behind the scenes, Champion’s Path created waves in the TCG community long before its release. Rumors of the imported Japanese‑exclusive Charizard VMAX prize card sparked frantic pre‑orders, prompting Play! Pokémon to issue statements about stocking challenges. A handful of early Elite Trainer Boxes surfaced with rare miscuts—where Charizard’s wings extended beyond the holo border—instantly becoming collector legends. And eagle‑eyed fans discovered that the set symbol cleverly incorporates the Galar Champion’s crown, a subtle nod to the triumphs that await those who blaze the Champion’s Path.
Champion’s Path Set Cards
