Pokémon TCG player Xander Pero highlights top five cards from the new: what it means for collectors

Pokémon TCG player Xander Pero's recent highlight of his top five cards from the new Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Chaos Rising expansion has sent ripples through the collector community. Pero's choices, revealed on PokemonBlog.com, not only showcase the set's most powerful and visually stunning cards, but also significantly impact their perceived value and, consequently, grading priorities. This article breaks down Pero's picks, what they mean for collectors, and how you can leverage this knowledge to maximize your collection's potential. Before you even think about sending your cards off, give them a preliminary check using MasterGrade's free AI card grader.

Xander Pero's Top Five: A Collector's Guide

According to the PokemonBlog.com post from May 27, 2026, Xander Pero, a respected figure in the Pokémon TCG community, singled out these five cards from Mega Evolution Chaos Rising:

Mega Charizard EX (Chaos Rising 021/162): A full-art, hyper rare card featuring a dynamic illustration of Mega Charizard EX.

Chaos Energy (Chaos Rising 158/162): A Trainer card with potentially game-changing effects, highlighted for its strategic value in competitive play.

Shining Mewtwo (Chaos Rising 074/162): A stunning Secret Rare with a unique holographic pattern, making it highly sought after.

Professor Juniper's Insight (Chaos Rising 160/162): A Supporter card crucial for deck consistency, prized by both players and collectors.

Ancient Origins Stadium (Chaos Rising 151/162): A visually appealing and competitively relevant Stadium card.

Pero's endorsement immediately affects the desirability and market value of these cards. Why is this important right now? Because the Mega Evolution Chaos Rising set is new, meaning pull rates are still relatively high and prices haven't fully stabilized. Understanding Pero's picks gives you a head start in acquiring potentially valuable cards before the market fully adjusts.

What Changed?

Pero's list acts as a signal boost. While some collectors might have initially overlooked certain cards, his endorsement brings them into the spotlight. This increased attention drives up demand and, consequently, prices, especially for cards in mint condition suitable for grading. Consider Mega Charizard EX (Chaos Rising 021/162) — a card already popular, now facing increased demand due to Pero's spotlight.

Who Is Affected?

Collectors: Those who own these cards might see their value increase. Those looking to acquire them will likely face higher prices.

Players: The increased demand could affect the availability and cost of these cards for competitive play, especially for Chaos Energy and Professor Juniper's Insight.

Grading Services: Expect an influx of submissions for these cards, particularly the Mega Charizard EX and Shining Mewtwo. This could lead to longer turnaround times and potentially higher grading fees.

Grading Implications and Collector Strategies

Pero's picks directly impact your card grading strategy. Knowing which cards are in high demand allows you to prioritize submissions and potentially increase your collection's overall value.

Prioritizing Submissions

If you've pulled any of the cards on Pero's list, consider these factors before submitting them for grading:

Condition: Thoroughly inspect each card for flaws such as scratches, dents, whitening, and centering issues. Refer to PSA's official grading standards for guidance. Minor flaws can significantly impact the grade and, consequently, the card's value. Use MasterGrade's centering tool to get an objective measurement.

Rarity: The rarer the card, the more valuable a high grade will be. Shining Mewtwo, being a Secret Rare, warrants careful consideration.

Market Demand: Pero's endorsement has created a surge in demand. A high grade on any of these cards will likely fetch a premium price.

Understanding Grading Costs

Grading fees vary depending on the grading service and the declared value of the card. PSA, BGS, and CGC are the most reputable grading companies. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to upwards of $100+ per card, depending on turnaround time and declared value. Weigh these costs against the potential increase in value based on the card's grade. Check out MasterGrade's pricing page for a comparison of grading services.

Maximizing Value

Pre-Screen with AI: Before submitting to PSA, BGS, or CGC, use MasterGrade's free AI card grader to get an instant assessment of your card's potential grade. This helps you avoid wasting money on cards unlikely to receive a high grade.

Consider Subgrades: BGS offers subgrades (centering, edges, corners, surface), which provide a more detailed assessment of the card's condition. While more expensive, subgrades can add value to high-grade cards.

Document Your Findings: Keep records of your card assessments, including photos and notes on any flaws. This can be helpful if you need to dispute a grade.

Concrete Example: Mega Charizard EX (Chaos Rising 021/162)

Let's say you pulled a Mega Charizard EX (Chaos Rising 021/162). As of June 2026, raw (ungraded) copies are selling for around $50.

Here's a potential value breakdown based on PSA grades:

PSA 7: $80-$100

PSA 8: $120-$150

PSA 9: $250-$300

PSA 10: $500+

If you believe your Charizard is in near-mint condition, submitting it for grading could significantly increase its value. However, if it has noticeable flaws, it might be better to sell it raw or trade it. Use our pack ROI calculator to estimate the value of your pulls.

What To Do Next

Here's a step-by-step guide to capitalize on Xander Pero's insights:

Inventory Your Collection: Check if you own any of the cards on Pero's list from the Mega Evolution Chaos Rising expansion.

Assess Condition: Carefully examine each card for flaws. Use a magnifying glass and good lighting.

Use MasterGrade's AI: Utilize the free AI card grader to get a preliminary grade estimate.

Research Pricing: Check recent eBay sales and other online marketplaces to get an idea of current market values for graded and ungraded copies of these cards.

Decide on Grading: Based on your assessment and market research, decide whether to submit your cards for grading.

Choose a Grading Service: Research PSA, BGS, and CGC, and select the service that best suits your needs and budget.

Submit Your Cards: Carefully package and submit your cards to the chosen grading service.

Track Your Submission: Monitor the progress of your submission online.

Sell or Hold: Once you receive your graded cards, decide whether to sell them for profit or hold them as part of your collection. MasterGrade also offers a collection tracker to monitor your portfolio's value over time.

Xander Pero's card picks offer a valuable roadmap for Pokémon TCG collectors. By understanding the implications of his recommendations and following the steps outlined above, you can make informed decisions about your collection and potentially maximize its value. Ready to get started? Head over to MasterGrade's free AI grader and see what your cards are worth!