Surging Sparks gave collectors one of the most electrifying chase line-ups of the Scarlet & Violet era, headlined by a Pikachu ex that quickly became one of the most talked-about cards of its year.
The question on every collector’s mind:
What are the chase cards in Surging Sparks, and which are the best cards to grade?
With a stunning Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare, the beautifully paired Latias ex, and a strong supporting cast, this guide covers the biggest Surging Sparks chase cards and how to approach grading them.
Surging Sparks Chase Cards at a Glance
| Card | Rarity | Why Collectors Want It | Grading Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pikachu ex | Special Illustration Rare | The set’s flagship chase card | Extremely High |
| Latias ex | Special Illustration Rare | Half of the standout Eon duo art pair | Very High |
| Milotic ex | Special Illustration Rare | Elegant, high-demand full art | High |
| Pikachu ex | Hyper Rare | Premium gold Pikachu variant | High |
| Alolan Exeggutor ex | Hyper Rare | Fun, distinctive gold card | High |
Why Surging Sparks Is Such an Important Set
Surging Sparks packed serious collector value into a single release, giving the set’s mascot Pikachu a genuinely transformative Special Illustration Rare alongside a run of desirable full arts.
The set’s chase tier stands out for a few reasons:
- A flagship Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare with exceptional artwork
- The Eon duo art pairing of Latias ex and Latios
- Multiple Hyper Rare gold cards
- Strong crossover appeal for both players and collectors
The Biggest Chase Cards in Surging Sparks
Pikachu ex – Special Illustration Rare (#238)
The Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare is the crown jewel of Surging Sparks. Its atmospheric, painterly artwork shows the mascot at its very best, and it is comfortably the most valuable card in the set.
It ticks every box collectors look for: an iconic character, stunning art, high rarity and huge demand – making it a mandatory pick-up for anyone building a modern Pikachu collection.
Why collectors want it:
- Iconic Pokémon mascot
- Standout painterly artwork
- The set’s clear flagship
- Broad collector and player demand
Grading potential: Extremely High
Latias ex – Special Illustration Rare (#239)
Latias ex is the second most valuable Special Illustration Rare in the set, and for good reason. Its dreamy, ethereal artwork forms one connected vista with the Latios card, making the pair a favourite for collectors who love to display linked artwork side by side.
Why collectors want it:
- Devoted Latias fan base
- Connected Eon-duo artwork
- Historically holds value well
Grading potential: Very High
Milotic ex – Special Illustration Rare (#237)
Milotic’s Special Illustration Rare is one of the more elegant cards in Surging Sparks, with flowing artwork that has made it a quiet favourite among collectors chasing the set’s premium rarities.
Why collectors want it:
- Graceful, eye-catching art
- Consistent collector interest
- Great value within the set
Grading potential: High
Pikachu ex – Hyper Rare (#247)
The gold Hyper Rare Pikachu ex is the prestige variant of the set’s mascot. As one of the rarest pulls in Surging Sparks, it is a natural grading candidate for collectors who want the premium gold treatment.
Why collectors want it:
- Premium gold finish
- Rarest Pikachu variant in the set
- Strong display appeal
Grading potential: High
Alolan Exeggutor ex – Hyper Rare (#248)
A fun, unmistakable card, the Alolan Exeggutor ex Hyper Rare brings personality and a top-tier rarity to the set. Its towering artwork makes it a memorable addition to any graded collection.
Why collectors want it:
- Distinctive, characterful art
- Top-tier Hyper Rare rarity
- A standout talking piece
Grading potential: High
Grading Surging Sparks Cards: What to Look For
The Special Illustration Rares and gold Hyper Rares in Surging Sparks use heavy foiling and full-art designs that can hide small flaws until you look closely. With so many collectors targeting gem mint copies, a careful pre-check pays off.
Before submitting a Surging Sparks pull, inspect these areas:
- Surface – foil-heavy Pikachu and gold cards can show fine scratches and print lines, so check under a light at several angles.
- Centring – borderless artwork makes uneven margins obvious, particularly on the Pikachu ex.
- Corners – gold Hyper Rares in particular can show whitening on the corners straight from the pack.
- Edges – look for chipping or silvering along the foil border.
A clean, well-centred Pikachu ex is one of the best grading candidates of its era. For a full walkthrough of what our graders assess, see the grading scale and our card grading UK guide.
Should You Grade Pokémon Cards in the UK?
Professional grading offers several benefits for Pokémon collectors, whether you are protecting a prized pull or building a display collection:
- Authentication and peace of mind
- Long-term protection in a sealed slab
- Improved presentation and display
- Easier collection management
- Greater confidence when buying or selling
For premium cards, grading is an excellent way to preserve condition while showcasing some of the most impressive cards in your collection. If you are ready to submit, take a look at our Pokémon grading UK service to see how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable card in Surging Sparks?
The Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare (#238) is the flagship chase card and the most valuable card in the set, thanks to its artwork, rarity and Pikachu’s iconic status.
Which Surging Sparks cards are worth grading?
The Pikachu ex and Latias ex Special Illustration Rares are the strongest candidates, followed by Milotic ex and the gold Hyper Rares u2013 when they are in gem mint condition.
Why is the Latias ex so popular?
Its artwork connects with the Latios card to form a single scene, so collectors love displaying the Eon duo together, which keeps demand for the rarer Latias half especially strong.
Surging Sparks is a blockbuster set with a chase line-up led by an all-time-great Pikachu card. If you have pulled the Pikachu ex or Latias ex Special Illustration Rare, they are among the best cards to grade from the set.
To grade Pokémon cards in the UK, Imperium Grading can help you protect and present your best pulls. Read our how to pack Pokémon cards for grading UK guide before you post, and browse label choices for your slab.
Read more: Ascended Heroes chase cards, Pokémon grading UK.
