What are the strongest team cores to watch for at Worlds?
Shadow Rider Calyrex and Zamazenta, Ice Rider Calyrex and Miraidon, and Lunala and Miraidon are top contenders.
Video Games / Pokemon
The Pokémon World Championships 2025 in Anaheim is set to be an exciting event, bringing together top players and fans from around the globe. This year's championship promises intense battles, strategic team compositions, and a celebration...
The 2025 Pokémon World Championships are shaping up to be a thrilling event with several key team compositions and strategies taking center stage.
### Dominant Team Cores
Shadow Rider Calyrex and Zamazenta: This core has been a consistent force throughout the season. The rise of Smeargle as a partner adds versatility, offering Fake Out and Follow Me support. Decorate is a new option for Smeargle, creating unpredictable scenarios for opponents. Fast Taunt with Flutter Mane or Covert Cloak Tornadus can counter Smeargle.
Ice Rider Calyrex and Miraidon: This combination offers strong offensive synergy. However, the different Speed stats require careful planning. Choice Scarf Miraidon has become a popular choice to outspeed threats like Shadow Rider Calyrex. Volcarona is a strong check to Zamazenta and can bother both forms of Calyrex.
Lunala and Miraidon: The team that won NAIC, this core is paired with Whimsicott, Rapid Strike Style Urshifu, Incineroar, and Ursaluna. It’s a powerful and flexible team that remains strong.
### Dark Horse Combinations
Terapagos: Considered underexplored, Terapagos has potential with the right support. Smeargle can enable Terapagos to boost and deal damage in the same turn. Miraidon and Sinistcha teams have also shown promise.
Miraidon and Shadow Rider Calyrex: This pairing offers significant offensive pressure. Teams often focus on setting up Shadow Rider Calyrex with Clefairy, Incineroar, or Rillaboom.
### Impact of NAIC
NAIC was a catalyst for solidifying the strongest teams. Competitors emphasize the importance of experience with their chosen team. Consistency and knowledge are key strengths. There has been significant meta movement since NAIC, with players exploring less popular cores.
### Key Players to Watch
### Championship Details
The Anaheim Convention Center is hosting the event, expecting up to 25,000 attendees. The event includes competitions for video games and card games, along with fan exhibitions and merchandise. Spectator badges are required for most of the event, but the Pokémon Play Lab offers a ticket-free opportunity to learn the games.
Shadow Rider Calyrex and Zamazenta, Ice Rider Calyrex and Miraidon, and Lunala and Miraidon are top contenders.
Marco Silva, Federico Camporesi, Shohei Kimura, and Wolfe Glick are among the top players to keep an eye on.
The Pokémon Play Lab is an attraction at the World Championships that offers a ticket-free opportunity to learn how to play the card and video games from expert coaches.
What team composition are you most excited to see at the World Championships? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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