No.1 Trainer Pikachu (Gold): The Lizardon Mega Battle Trophy Card

The No.1 Trainer Pikachu (Gold) is a legendary Japanese prize card from the "Old Back" era. It represents the pinnacle of early competitive Pokémon in Japan and is widely considered a "grail" for trophy card collectors.

This guide explains specifically the 1997–1998 Lizardon (Charizard) Mega Battle version—often labeled as "1st–2nd Tournament"—which is distinct from the very first Makuhari Messe tournament card.

TL;DR

• It is a trophy card awarded to winners of the Lizardon Mega Battle regional qualifiers (1997–1998), not a pack pull.
• Estimated supply is tiny: historically likely ~15 awarded copies (9 Junior + 6 Senior), with even fewer surviving or graded today.
• Identity matters: verified copies often carry the "1st–2nd Tournament" text, distinguishing them from other No.1 Trainer variants.
• High fake risk: because of its value, counterfeits are common. Only buy graded copies with clear provenance.
• Values are six figures: confirmed sales range from $132,000 to $450,000+ depending on grade and auction house.

What is this card?

In the world of high-end Pokémon, names get confusing. Here is exactly what this card is:

• Name: No.1 Trainer (often called "Trophy Pikachu Gold" or "Old Back Gold Trophy")
• Era: 1997–1998 "Old Back" Japanese Promos
• Event: Lizardon (Charizard) Mega Battle Official Tournament
• Artist: Mitsuhiro Arita

The critical distinction: "1st" vs "2nd" Tournament

Collectors often confuse the different "No.1 Trainer" releases.

• 1st Tournament (1997 Makuhari Messe): The debut of the No.1 Trainer. Extremely rare, awarded at the very first official tournament.
• 2nd Tournament (1997–1998 Lizardon Mega Battle): This is the card discussed here. It was awarded during the regional qualifiers for the Lizardon Mega Battle. In auction listings, you will often see it identified as the "1st–2nd Tournament" variant.

How it was awarded

Unlike modern promos given to hundreds of players, this card was a true champion's reward.

The Lizardon Mega Battle circuit had regional qualifying tournaments across Japan (likely six venues). Winners of these regional events received this Gold No.1 Trainer card.

• Estimated distribution: ~9 Junior Division winners + ~6 Senior Division winners.
• Total estimated copies: ~15 cards.
• Presentation: They were originally presented in an acrylic plaque denoting the specific event and region.

Winners who advanced to the National Championships competed for physical trophies, making these regional card awards the primary "card" prize of the circuit.

Design and why it is iconic

The artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita (famous for the Base Set Charizard) features a "Chubby Pikachu" holding a gold trophy cup, set against a sparkling holographic background.

The text on the card is the key to its identity. It identifies the holder as a "No.1 Trainer" and invites them to the next stage of the competition. This text varies slightly between the different tournament cycles (Makuhari vs. Lizardon vs. Kamex), which is how experts distinguish them.

Rarity: How many actually exist?

There is a big difference between "how many were made" and "how many you can buy."

For a collector, this means "Pop 1" or "Pop 2" scarcity is normal. You are not just competing on price; you are waiting for a copy to even exist on the market.

Notable Sales and Market Value

Because they trade so rarely, every sale is a headline event. Prices are heavily dependent on grade and provenance.

• $450,000 (PSA 9): Sold by Heritage Auctions in December 2025. This result cemented the card's status as a top-tier asset.
• $132,000 (PSA 6): Sold at a Fanatics Collect Premier Auction. Even in mid-grade, the scarcity commands six figures.
• Active Auctions: A copy is currently appearing at major houses like Goldin, often drawing significant attention from investors.

Note: Always verify the exact variant when looking at price history. A "No.1 Trainer" from a different year or contest will have a completely different market value.

Authenticity: How to spot fakes

High value means high risk. Replicas of Trophy Pikachu are everywhere on eBay and Etsy.

1. The "Official Release" Check

Real copies are not glossy cheap cardstock. They are Old Back Japanese holos with specific construction. Never buy a raw copy unless you are an expert handling it in person with a loupe.

2. The Text Variant

Fakes often copy the wrong text for the wrong year. A Lizardon Mega Battle version must have the specific text matching the "1st–2nd Tournament" cycle.

3. Provenance and Plaques

Some sellers claim to have the original acrylic plaque.

• If legitimate, this adds massive value and provenance.
• If undocumented, treat it with extreme caution. Plaques can be faked too.

The Golden Rule: Only buy copies graded by PSA, BGS, or CGC. The risk of a raw fake is simply too high at this price point.

Why this card is a "Grail"

For figoca users tracking the hobby's history, this card represents a specific moment: the birth of organized competitive Pokémon play.

It combines the two strongest demand drivers in the hobby:

1. Pikachu: The mascot of the franchise.
2. True Rarity: It wasn't sold; it was won.

Unlike a Base Set Charizard which has thousands of copies, the No.1 Trainer is a piece of history that only a handful of people could ever own.

Quick Glossary

• Old Back: The original Japanese card back design (different from the modern blue back or English back).
• Trophy Card: A card awarded as a prize in a tournament, not distributed in packs.
• Lizardon Mega Battle: A famous Japanese tournament circuit in 1997–1998 (Lizardon = Charizard).
• Provenance: The history of ownership that helps prove an item is authentic.

Sources and further reading

• Heritage Auctions: Sales data for No.1 Trainer PSA 9
• Fanatics Collect: Auction results for Trophy Pikachu
• Goldin: Active and past Trophy Pikachu auctions
• EliteFourum: Community research on early Japanese trophies

Last updated: 2026-02-22