The 2023 Pokémon Oceania International Championships kicked off today in Melbourne. Paradox Pokémon have shaken up the game, changing how players build their teams.
We used to see a lot of Pokémon like Maushold and Murkrow in VGC matches. But now, with Paradox Pokémon in the mix, some old favorites aren’t as strong. Yet, a few still stand tall against the new challengers.
From day one at Oceania, several Paradox Pokémon are making waves. Here’s a list of the top 12 Pokémon that players chose most on the first day.
Top Picks from Day One at Oceania’s Scarlet and Violet
- Flutter Mane – 53.19 percent
- Iron Bundle – 43.26 percent
- Iron Hands – 34.40 percent
- Arcanine – 31.21 percent
- Great Tusk – 27.66 percent
- Amoonguss – 27.66 percent
- Gholdengo – 24.11 percent
- Talonflame – 21.99 percent
- Dondozo – 18.09 percent
- Roaring Moon – 17.73 percent
- Kingambit – 17.02 percent
- Tatsugiri (Curly Form) – 15.60 percent
Paradox Power
Five Paradox Pokémon stood out on Day One—Flutter Mane, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Great Tusk, and Roaring Moon. Both Flutter Mane and Iron Bundle hit fast and hard. Iron Hands adds great Fake Out pressure. Great Tusk beats out its rival, Iron Treads, with strength and bulk. Roaring Moon is still in the game after a rough start in Orlando.
Paradox Pokémon are a hit because of their high base stats. Each one has a base stat total of 570, close to the 600 of myths like Mew. Even the acclaimed Gholdengo falls short against these stats.
Familiar Faces
Seven other Pokémon also got picked a lot at Oceania—Arcanine, Amoonguss, Gholdengo, Talonflame, Dondozo, Kingambit, and Tatsugiri. Amoonguss is great for its sleep moves and healing power. Gholdengo remains a popular choice too.
Arcanine shines with its Intimidate Ability. Talonflame is back on top, working well with Paradox Pokémon like Great Tusk. Kingambit hits hard and punishes foes for using Intimidate.
Dondozo and Tatsugiri might not be the stars they once were, but they’re still powerful. Together, they can break through teams if not handled carefully.