Many Pokemon have left their mark on the history of the series, but a select few stand out as some of the most important Pokemon in VGC history. While it's not unusual to find Pokemon that perform way better in the anime than they do in any real games, some of the most impressive Pokemon have changed the VGC metagame forever.

Whether as part of an unusual strategy that led to a historic Pokemon World Championship crown or their consistent appearances across multiple generations of competition, the best Pokemon in VGC history each stand out.

Tyranitar

Tyranitar played a massive role in the VGC during the Black & White era in the early 2010s, appearing on multiple top teams in 2012 and 2014 as weather wars took control of the Pokemon VGC metagame. While many trainers ran teams that could set up either rain or sandstorm, Tyranitar did it simply by entering the battle.

The automatic sandstorm refresh upon entry was one of the biggest positives a Tyranitar could bring to your team, and that's ignoring the immense amount of damage this Pokemon is capable of dishing out.

Pachirisu

Pachirisu never gained much of a foothold in the Pokemon VGC until 2014, when it embarked on a legendary run to the top of the leaderboards as one of the essential Pokemon in Sejun Park's VGC-winning team.

If Pachirisu's appearance on a VGC-winning team wasn't shocking enough, Park also became the first South Korean to be crowned the best Pokemon VGC trainer.

No other trainers have been able to replicate Sejun's improbable run using an unexpected choice like Pachirisu, but this Pokemon inspired a generation of VGC competitors to open up their teambuilding horizons.

Mega Kangaskhan

Mega Kangaskhan was so strong in the mid-2010s that in 2015, every single top five finisher at the Pokemon VGC World Championships included one on their team. While there was some more variety in 2016, Mega Kangaskhan was a huge problem to solve and only really disappeared thanks to the standard rotation.

While this Pokemon looks more like a great option for a cuddly plush than a destructive menace, Kangaskhan remains one of the most powerful Pokemon to ever appear in the Pokemon VGC, and singlehandedly redefined the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire metagame.

Incineroar

Incineroar's Pokemon VGC career has been extremely impressive thus far, and this Pokemon continues to make an impression on the metagame to this day. Incineroar appears in the top teams across a variety of generations and has appeared in several Championship events, including the 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2025 tournaments.

Given this Pokemon's Intimidate ability and variety of top-tier moves, like Knock Off, it's no surprise that Incineroar has remained relevant for so many years and hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.

Amoongus

Although it's pretty cute to admire this Pokemon's design, it's probably just as annoying in real life as it is to deal with in the VGC. Much like Incineroar, Amoongus isn't on this list due to a flash-in-the-pan moment, but thanks to its impressive longevity across VGC tournaments.

Amoonguss appeared in the top eight of the 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2025 tournaments thanks to its impressive blend of support abilities combined with its Regenerator ability, which restores a portion of this Pokemon's health when it's switched out of battle.

Kyogre/Groudon

Kyogre and Groudon don't boast quite the longevity of Amoonguss, but these powerful Legendary Pokemon still made a momentous impact on the VGC. These Pokemon debuted on the competitive scene with a powerful takeover of the 2010 VGC metagame, then lay dormant until 2016 with the introduction of Primal Reversion.

In 2016, Kyogre and Groudon's Primal Reversion forms could be used in the VGC World Championships, and, predictably, they were everywhere. They appeared again in 2019 and 2022 to reclaim their places among the very best Pokemon the VGC has ever seen, taking home more first-place honors.

Landorus, Thundurus, and Tornadus

The three legendary Genie Pokemon had some of the biggest impacts on the Pokemon VGC metagame in history, with unrivaled longevity and impressive synergy in a variety of regions. At least one of the trio appeared significantly among top teams in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2022, playing instrumental roles in their team's victories.

The other genie Pokemon, Thundurus and Tornadus, also made massive impacts on the VGC, though Thundurus might be slightly more powerful overall.

Landorus' Therian form strikes an impressive balance between years at the top of the Pokemon VGC charts alongside impressive combat capabilities that could sway the flow of battle in your favor.

Cresselia

Despite having one of the shortest reigns in the Pokemon VGC, Cresselia stands out as arguably the most impressive Pokemon to ever appear in the VGC as the key behind so many victories in 2010, appearing in three of the top four teams.

Of course, Cresselia was also part of a metagame that highly prioritized powerful legendary combinations, including Groudon and Kyogre, but Cresselia was the tipping point upon which battles were won and lost once Groudon and Kyogre successfully canceled each other out.

Pokemon

10.0/10 Created by Satoshi Tajiri First Film Pokemon: The First Movie Latest Film Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle First TV Show Pokémon First Episode Air Date April 1, 1997 Video Game(s) Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Pokemon Sun and Moon, Pokemon Black and White, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon GO, Pokemon Snap, Pokémon Unite, New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Masters EX, Pokemon TCG Live Expand Collapse