Machamp’s reign in thePokemon TCGhas been long and impressive, as their illustrious career is dotted with some fantastic, valuable cards. Since its introduction as one ofthe most expensive cards in the original Pokemon Base Set,Machamp has boasted iconic art that you can recognize in an instant.
However, aside from the most popular Machamp cards, it also boasts a few surprises up its sleeve, with an unexpectedly valuable promo card among the best. From sinister origins in Team Rocket to adorable slice-of-life scenes from one of theSword & Shield era’s best sets,Machamp has it all.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGPlayerMarket Price,which represents what you might pay on average for a copy of the(first edition, where applicable)cards below.
Given the age and rarity of these cards, only those with anestablished market price on TCGplayerare included.
However,sale prices are vastly different depending on the card’s condition,so this market price is just a rough idea of the card’s value.
5Dark Machamp: Team Rocket (Holo Rare) – $57.85
A Fast Start
This Machamp is one ofthe most valuable cards from Team Rocketand flaunts a shadowy background as a superb canvas for the unique holo blotch patterns to appear. Dark Machamp may be under the control of Team Rocket, but there’s no telling what unique versions you may find.
Cards that contain holo botching (holo bubbles) or swirls (whirlpool-shaped constellations) often command a premium for collectors. This card’s background leaves plenty of space for unique holo patterns.
First-edition copies of this card can be purchased at a range of price points for almost any budget. Moderately played(MP)cards sell between $27 and $30, with lightly played(LP)jumping into the $45 to $50 range. Lastly, near-mint(NM)copies of Dark Machamp will carry a $58 to $72 price tag, leaving plenty of room to negotiate depending on the specific card in question.
4Marshadow & Machamp GX: Unbroken Bonds (Full Art) – $75.76
A Little Help From A Friend
Asone of the best cards from Unbroken Bonds,Machamp gets some help from its mythical little buddy, Marshadow, who helps to bump the value of this card even higher. However, even without the boost from Marshadow, Machamp’s close-up combined with the stunning sunset in the background gives this duo all the makings of a valuable card.
However, even this incredible Tag Team card is susceptible to ebbs and flows in the market, as its price dipped fromalmost $100, down to a low hovering around $68,but has seen a resurgence push it back up safely into the mid-70s. An upward trend is showing signs that this card might not be done rallying yet.
3Giovanni’s Machamp: Gym Challenge (Holo Rare) – $90.13
A Furious Run At The Top
Giovanni’s Machamp is one ofthe best cards in Gym Challenge,coming at us with a furious hail of fists determined to land on their target. The unbridled anger depicted in this Gym Challenge Machamp perfectly mirrors its hateful owner, Giovanni, whose fixation on raw strength is evident in this intimidating Machamp.
It’s not exceedingly rare to find this card in NM condition, with sales ranging from $71 to $109, depending on the particular copy’s condition. However, if you’re not fixated on the card’s condition and just want an affordable version, LP copies can be found for about $57, while MP drops to $45, followed by heavily played(HP)at about $40.
2Machamp V: Astral Radiance (Alternate Full Art) – $127.47
A Day In The Life Of The Champ
Machamp V made a name for itself as one of the most unusual depictions of Machamp we’ve ever seen in the Pokemon TCG, though it’s an incredible choice, nonetheless. What’s not to love about watching a Machamp put its multiple muscular arms to work with some everyday chores?
Asthe most valuable card in Astral Radiance,this Machamp V’s legend lives on as one of the most desirable cards from the Sword & Shield era.
This card continues to rise in value since the beginning of2024, starting around the $77 mark and soaring into the 120s.This incredible rise shows no signs of slowing, solidifying this card’s place as the clear chase card in its set and arguablythe best modern Machamp card.
1Machamp (Staff Prerelease): XY Promos (Promo) – $180.25
An Iconic Art Made Exclusive
If you’ve seen the Machamp from the base set, then you’ll recall this artwork, withXY Evolutionsbringing back some of the most iconic cards from Pokemon’s early days withreprints in that XY-era set.The dual stamps indicate this card’s unique status as a staff prerelease version, exclusively distributed to staff members at Pokemon TCG events.
The non-staff prerelease versionof this card also commands a decent amount, clocking in at a $57.15 value that would see it take sixth place.
This rare piece of Pokemon history claims the crown as the most expensive Machamp card ever, with only a handful of listings and sales combined. However, two NM sales have set a high bar, with the latest one selling for$180.There is a damaged copy available for half that price, but the next cheapest listings exceed $180.
