After 20 Years, Pokémon Enthusiast Opens Trading Card Pack and Lands an Amazing Pull

A dedicated fan of the Pokémon Trading Card Game recently shared an exhilarating moment with the community after scoring a rare find from the Scarlet and Violet 151 set. This lucky collector managed to pull a Venusaur ex card from the first booster pack they purchased in over two decades. The Pokémon TCG has been enchanting fans since the late 90s, initially published by Wizards of the Coast with eight expansion sets before The Pokémon Company took the reins. It’s not uncommon for enthusiasts to take breaks and later rekindle their love for the game, and the continuous release of expansions suggests this trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Acknowledging the beloved card game’s enduring appeal, 2024 marked the debut of Pokémon TCG: Pocket, offering a digital spin to traditional card collecting. In this online platform, trainers can virtually open packs without worrying about physical storage, as collectibles are used within the game. Recently, Pokémon TCG: Pocket ramped up excitement with a special Venusaur drop event, allowing players to earn a full-art variant of Venusaur by engaging in solo battles.

On Reddit, user JWS5th proudly shared a snapshot of their Venusaur ex full-art card from the Scarlet and Violet 151 set on the Pokémon TCG subreddit. This was a nostalgic return for them—it had been two decades since their last booster purchase. Spurred by the announcement of a set featuring the original 151 Pokémon, they decided to dive back into collecting, much like other fans who have found themselves re-enchanted by the hobby. The collector couldn’t help but be impressed by the artwork’s growth and transformation since they last held a card.

While Charizard often steals the spotlight from the 151 set, many on Reddit gave kudos to the stunning artistry of the Venusaur card. Pokémon enthusiasts have reimagined Venusaur’s design over the years, but Yoriyuki Ikegami’s full-art rendition truly captivates with its lush, floral detail. Many fans on the thread echoed their enthusiasm for the 151 expansion, expressing how it reignited their passion for collecting.

As this year comes to a thrilling close, fans are diving into the Scarlet and Violet Surging Sparks expansion. This set prominently features Pokémon from the Indigo Disk DLC and introduces exciting new mechanics like Ace Specs and combos, along with Generation 9’s Stellar Tera Pokémon. Looking ahead to 2025, collectors have the Scarlet and Violet Prismatic Evolutions to anticipate, slated for release on January 17. This promises to be a vibrant addition to the enduring and ever-evolving world of Pokémon TCG.

In the vast realm of Pokémon, which requires little introduction, the media franchise continues to thrive with games, TV shows, films, manga, merchandise, music, and more, establishing itself as one of the most successful entertainment empires worldwide. Created by Satoshi Tajiri, Pokémon continues to enchant and inspire countless fans across the globe.