Pokémon Ascended Heroes Cards Banned from European Championship After Fan Concerns
The Pokémon Company International has announced a significant rule change affecting the legality of trading cards in upcoming tournaments. This change comes in response to fan concerns regarding access to new cards in competitive play.
Ascended Heroes Cards Banned from EUIC
The much-anticipated Pokémon trading card set, Ascended Heroes, was initially expected to be legal for the Pokémon European International Championships (EUIC). This tournament is one of the largest held annually and is set to take place from February 13 to February 15, 2026, at London’s Excel Center.
Staggered Release and Fan Concerns
The Ascended Heroes cards will have a staggered release, with the first availability being limited. Only the Tech Sticker collection, which includes two packs, will be available before the EUIC. Fans expressed concerns about this restriction, arguing it would be challenging for players to acquire enough packs to build competitive decks.
- New cards could provide a competitive edge.
- Unequal access could favor players willing to spend significantly on limited products.
New Rule Implementation
In light of these concerns, the Pokémon Company has decided that Ascended Heroes will not be legal for tournament play until two weeks after the release of its Elite Trainer Box, which is scheduled for March 2026. This rule will also apply to future special sets.
Unlike traditional expansions, which are readily available in booster boxes and various product lines, special sets like Ascended Heroes typically do not appear in mainstream retail stores. This limited distribution makes these cards harder to obtain, amplifying the concerns raised by the community.
Conclusion
This rule change reflects the Pokémon Company’s commitment to maintaining fair play and accessibility in competitive settings. Players and fans can look forward to equitable opportunities in upcoming tournaments, ensuring a balanced playing field for all competitors.
