PSA Power Rankings: Top 25 Most Graded Pokémon of All Time (GemRate Data 2026)
GemRate data reveals the 25 most PSA-graded Pokémon ever. Pikachu leads with 2.47M cards, Charizard at 2.34M. Complete rankings, Eeveelution dominance analysis, and market liquidity insights.
The PSA Power Rankings: Top 25 Most Graded Pokémon of All Time
📅 Updated November 4, 2026: the counts are the all-time PSA totals published by GemRate in January 2026; they keep growing with every submission. In this update we corrected some sums in the first version (the share of the top 25, the Gen 1 count, the Eeveelutions above the Kanto starters, Zapdos's sets) and updated the Pikachu Illustrator record. GemRate's page can't be opened without an account, so we couldn't recheck the counts after January.
Quick Answer: Pikachu (~2,468,834) and Charizard (~2,340,040) are the only Pokémon to surpass 2 million PSA-graded cards—each individually exceeding the next three Pokémon combined. GemRate data confirms these two dominate market liquidity by a staggering margin, with Mew at #3 holding just 661K cards. Umbreon ranks #5, ahead of Blastoise and Venusaur, and 18 of the top 25 are Gen 1 Pokémon.
When we talk about "market liquidity" in the Pokémon TCG, we're usually guessing—but thanks to GemRate data, we now have a definitive leaderboard of the most graded Pokémon in PSA history. This list reveals exactly which characters collectors are willing to pay to preserve, and the gap between the top two and the rest of the field is absolutely staggering. Pikachu and Charizard exist in a completely separate tier, each surpassing 2 million graded cards while the third-place Mew sits at just 661K. For investors and collectors, understanding grading population directly correlates to market liquidity—cards with higher graded populations sell faster, have more price data points, and carry less transaction friction. This comprehensive ranking exposes surprising insights: Umbreon's dominance over original starters, the complete Eeveelution takeover of mid-tier rankings, and Rayquaza's unexpected victory over Lugia despite the latter's expensive "grail" status.
Key Takeaways
- 🏆 The Big Two Dominate: Pikachu (2.47M) and Charizard (2.34M) are the only Pokémon above 2 million graded cards
- 📉 Massive Gap to #3: Mew at 661K has less than 27% of Pikachu's graded volume
- 🌙 Umbreon Surprise: Ranks #5 with 526K, beating Blastoise (#7) and Venusaur (#8)—the "Eevee Tax" is real
- ⚡ Eeveelution Dominance: All 8 Eeveelutions rank in top 25, all of them above Squirtle and Bulbasaur
- 🐉 Rayquaza vs Lugia: Rayquaza (#11, 293K) significantly outpaces Lugia (#16, 219K) despite Lugia's grail status
- 📊 Gen 1 Still Rules: 18 of top 25 are Gen 1 Pokémon
- 💰 Liquidity: more graded copies mean more comparable sales, not a higher value per card
⚡ Quick Navigation
Table of Contents
- The Big Two: A League of Their Own
- The Legendary Tier (Rank 3-10)
- The Fan Favorites (Rank 11-25)
- Market Implications: What This Means for Collectors
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Big Two: a league of their own
📌 TL;DR: Pikachu (2.47M) and Charizard (2.34M) are the only Pokémon to break 2 million graded cards. Each individually exceeds the next three Pokémon combined. This dominance comes from decades as the franchise "face" (Pikachu) and "chase" (Charizard).
The data reveals a massive chasm between the top two mascots and every other Pokémon in existence. This isn't a slight lead—it's complete domination.
The Definitive Top 2
| Rank | Pokémon | Graded Cards | % of Total Top 25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Pikachu | ~2,468,834 | 20.8% |
| 🥈 2 | Charizard | ~2,340,040 | 19.7% |
Why the gap is staggering: together the top two hold 40.5% of the 11.88 million graded cards of the top 25. Pikachu and Charizard each individually have more graded cards than positions #3 through #5 combined (Mew + Mewtwo + Umbreon = 1.78M). The third-place Mew at 661K represents just 26.8% of Pikachu's volume.
The "Face" vs "Chase" Dynamic
Pikachu's dominance comes from being the literal face of Pokémon for nearly three decades. Every promotional product, every anime episode, every merchandise category features Pikachu prominently. This translates to thousands of unique Pikachu cards across every set, era, and region—all feeding into the grading pipeline.
Charizard's position reflects its status as the ultimate "chase card" since 1999. While Pikachu appears on more total cards, Charizard cards command higher individual values, driving collectors to grade aggressively. The Charizard 1st Edition Shadowless PSA 10 reaching $420,000 shows how much a grade can matter on a Charizard.
Investment Implication
Pikachu and Charizard are the most traded Pokémon in graded form. A large graded population means more comparable sales, so it's easier to know the fair price of a card. It doesn't make a single card valuable: most graded Pikachu cards are inexpensive promos and commons.
The Legendary Tier (Rank 3-10)
📌 TL;DR: After the Big Two, numbers drop dramatically. Umbreon (#5) is ahead of Blastoise (#7) and Venusaur (#8). Zapdos (#9) edges out Gengar (#10) by about 1,500 cards.
After the Big Two, graded populations drop significantly, but this tier still represents the most actively collected Pokémon outside the elite duo.
Complete Legendary Tier Rankings
| Rank | Pokémon | Graded Cards | Gap to #2 | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Mew | 661,606 | -71.7% | Top Mythic |
| 4 | Mewtwo | 592,782 | -74.7% | Movie icon |
| 5 | Umbreon | 526,682 | -77.5% | Highest non-Gen 1 |
| 6 | Eevee | 459,007 | -80.4% | Evolution base |
| 7 | Blastoise | 430,144 | -81.6% | Original starter |
| 8 | Venusaur | 383,953 | -83.6% | Original starter |
| 9 | Zapdos | 341,395 | -85.4% | Legendary bird |
| 10 | Gengar | 339,935 | -85.5% | Ghost icon |
The Umbreon Phenomenon
Umbreon at #5 is the biggest surprise in this data. As a Gen 2 Pokémon, it beats not only Blastoise and Venusaur (two original starters with 25+ years of card releases), but also positions itself as the highest-ranking non-Gen 1, non-Mythic Pokémon.
It's consistent with what collectors call the "Eevee Tax": modern Umbreon chase cards, such as the Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art from Evolving Skies, are among the most expensive of their sets, so they get graded often.
Zapdos vs Gengar: The Vintage Factor
Zapdos (#9) beating Gengar (#10) surprises many modern collectors, but the gap is small: about 1,500 cards.
A likely factor is vintage: Zapdos is a holo in both Base Set and Fossil, two of the most opened sets of 1999, and the 2020-2021 grading boom brought in many vintage cards. Gengar's most expensive cards are more recent, such as the Mega Gengar ex Special Illustration Rare from Ascended Heroes, at $677.21 on TCGplayer on November 4, 2026 (PokéWallet API).
The Fan Favorites (Rank 11-25)
📌 TL;DR: Eeveelutions dominate mid-tier rankings with all 8 appearing in top 25. Rayquaza (#11) significantly outpaces Lugia (#16) despite Lugia's "grail" status. Squirtle and Bulbasaur rank below every Eeveelution.
The remaining positions showcase a mix of Eeveelutions, starters, and iconic dragons—with some surprising hierarchies.
Complete Fan Favorites Rankings
| Rank | Pokémon | Graded Cards | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Rayquaza | 293,699 | Legendary Dragon |
| 12 | Charmander | 278,567 | Starter Evolution |
| 13 | Sylveon | 265,189 | Eeveelution |
| 14 | Espeon | 241,666 | Eeveelution |
| 15 | Gyarados | 222,085 | Gen 1 Icon |
| 16 | Lugia | 219,174 | Legendary |
| 17 | Flareon | 212,933 | Eeveelution |
| 18 | Snorlax | 209,577 | Gen 1 Icon |
| 19 | Dragonite | 205,784 | Pseudo-Legendary |
| 20 | Leafeon | 205,459 | Eeveelution |
| 21 | Vaporeon | 203,335 | Eeveelution |
| 22 | Glaceon | 201,514 | Eeveelution |
| 23 | Jolteon | 198,168 | Eeveelution |
| 24 | Squirtle | 194,961 | Original Starter |
| 25 | Bulbasaur | 180,831 | Original Starter |
The Complete Eeveelution Takeover
Every single Eeveelution appears in the top 25. More remarkably, all eight rank above both Squirtle (#24) and Bulbasaur (#25): Jolteon, the lowest at #23, is still about 3,200 cards ahead of Squirtle.
| Eeveelution | Rank | Graded Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Umbreon | #5 | 526,682 |
| Eevee | #6 | 459,007 |
| Sylveon | #13 | 265,189 |
| Espeon | #14 | 241,666 |
| Flareon | #17 | 212,933 |
| Leafeon | #20 | 205,459 |
| Vaporeon | #21 | 203,335 |
| Glaceon | #22 | 201,514 |
| Jolteon | #23 | 198,168 |
The interest covers the whole evolution family, not just Umbreon. Sylveon's relatively high position (#13) is notable given it's a Gen 6 Pokémon competing against decades of vintage submissions.
Rayquaza vs Lugia: Volume vs Value
Rayquaza (#11, 293K) significantly outpaces Lugia (#16, 219K)—a 34% difference in graded population. This seems counterintuitive given Lugia's status as one of the most expensive vintage cards (Neo Genesis 1st Edition).
A likely explanation is the number of cards: Rayquaza has appeared in many sets and products across the eras, so there are more cards to grade, even if most are worth less than Lugia's vintage cards.
For investors, this distinction matters: Lugia represents concentrated value, while Rayquaza represents distributed liquidity.
Market implications: what this means for collectors
📌 TL;DR: A large graded population means more comparable sales and easier pricing, not a higher value or a safe investment. Use it as one signal among others, with the prices of the specific card.
Understanding graded population data has direct implications for collecting strategy and investment decisions.
Liquidity Correlation
A larger graded population usually means a more liquid market. Cards of heavily graded Pokémon tend to:
- Have more comparable sales for accurate pricing
- Attract more buyers at any given time
For a PSA 10 of a popular Pikachu card, many comparable sales help you estimate a fair price. For a PSA 10 of a less collected Pokémon, there may be few sales to compare, and the price is harder to judge.
Investment Strategy by Tier
| Tier | Pokémon | Our reading | Pricing data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Two | Pikachu, Charizard | Most comparable sales | Plenty |
| Legendary | Mew, Mewtwo, Umbreon, Eevee | Wide, steady demand | Good |
| Fan Favorites | Rayquaza, Sylveon, Gengar | Driven by specific chase cards | Good for chase cards |
| Outside Top 25 | Various | Niche demand | Fewer sales to compare |
The Eeveelution Premium Is Justified
Grading counts show real demand for Eeveelutions: when Umbreon outranks Blastoise and Venusaur in grading submissions, many collectors are paying to grade Umbreon cards. That supports the interest in Eeveelution chase cards (like Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art), but it doesn't guarantee their future prices.
Gen 1 Dominance Persists
18 of the top 25 most graded Pokémon are Gen 1. The other seven are Umbreon, Espeon and Lugia (Gen 2), Rayquaza (Gen 3), Leafeon and Glaceon (Gen 4) and Sylveon (Gen 6). Gen 1 Pokémon have the most cards over the years and the oldest fan base, from the vintage sets (Base, Jungle, Fossil, Rocket) to today's sets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most graded Pokémon card of all time?
Pikachu is the most graded Pokémon with approximately 2,468,834 PSA-graded cards, followed by Charizard at 2,340,040. These two are the only Pokémon to exceed 2 million graded cards, with each individually surpassing the combined total of positions #3-5 (Mew, Mewtwo, Umbreon).
Why is Umbreon ranked higher than Blastoise and Venusaur?
Because collectors grade a lot of Umbreon cards, the so-called "Eevee Tax". Despite being a Gen 2 Pokémon with fewer years of card releases, Umbreon (526,682 graded) beats both Blastoise (430,144) and Venusaur (383,953). Its modern chase cards, such as the Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art, are among the most expensive of their sets.
Does high grading volume mean a card is more valuable?
High grading volume indicates market liquidity, not individual card value. Cards from heavily-graded Pokémon have more comparable sales, so their price is easier to judge. However, individual card value depends on rarity, condition, and specific card variants. The Pikachu Illustrator PSA 10 sold for $16,492,000 in February 2026, while most graded Pikachu cards are inexpensive promos and commons.
Why does Rayquaza outrank Lugia in graded population?
Rayquaza (#11, 293K) outpaces Lugia (#16, 219K), likely because of card release volume. Rayquaza appears across many sets, eras, and product types, so there are more cards to grade. Lugia's most famous card, the Neo Genesis 1st Edition holo, is a vintage "grail". Rayquaza represents distributed liquidity; Lugia represents concentrated value.
Are all Eeveelutions in the top 25?
Yes, all 8 Eeveelutions plus Eevee itself rank in the top 25. Umbreon leads at #5, followed by Eevee (#6), Sylveon (#13), Espeon (#14), Flareon (#17), Leafeon (#20), Vaporeon (#21), Glaceon (#22), and Jolteon (#23). All eight Eeveelutions rank above both Squirtle (#24) and Bulbasaur (#25).
What does this data mean for Pokémon card investment?
Graded population data helps assess liquidity. Cards from top-25 Pokémon have larger buyer pools and more comparable sales, so their prices are easier to judge. It isn't a forecast: the value of a card still depends on the card itself, its grade and its supply.
Why is Gen 1 still dominant in grading populations?
18 of the top 25 most graded Pokémon are Gen 1, reflecting nostalgia, vintage card volume, and cross-generational appeal. The 2020-2021 grading boom saw massive vintage submissions from collectors who grew up with Base Set, Jungle, and Fossil. Gen 1 Pokémon also have the most cards across the years.
Data disclaimer & methodology
Data Source: All grading population figures sourced from GemRate PSA population aggregation as published in January 2026. The percentages and sums are our calculations on those figures. Prices are from the PokéWallet API, November 4, 2026. GemRate compiles PSA submission data across all card variants for each Pokémon character.
Methodology Notes: Population counts represent cumulative PSA submissions across all card variants, sets, and years for each Pokémon. This includes every Pikachu card ever graded (promos, holos, reverse holos, etc.), not individual card variants. Rankings reflect character popularity for grading, not individual card scarcity.
Limitations: Data reflects PSA submissions only. BGS, CGC, and other grading services are not included. Regional grading services (particularly Japanese) may affect relative rankings. Population counts update continuously as new submissions are processed.
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