Machamp 65/145 Cosmos Holo – Guardians Rising Collectors & TCG Strategy Guide
The Machamp 65/145 Cosmos Holo Rare from Sun & Moon – Guardians Rising is a great blend of nostalgic Kanto power, collectible holofoil appeal, and practical use in casual Pokémon TCG decks. This article dives into its background, anime connections, collector value, and how it actually plays on the table.
This specific listing appears to offer a Near Mint (NM) ungraded copy of Machamp 65/145 Cosmos Holo Rare from the 2017 Guardians Rising set, making it a solid pickup for fans of Fighting-type Pokémon and classic Gen 1 evolution lines.
| Card Name | Machamp |
|---|---|
| Set | Sun & Moon – Guardians Rising |
| Card Number | 65/145 (Cosmos Holo version) |
| Rarity | Rare Holo (Cosmos Holo pattern, blister-exclusive printing) |
| Type / Stage | Fighting-type, Stage 2 |
| HP | 160 HP (as listed on TCG references) |
| Condition (Listing) | Ungraded – Near Mint (seller description) |
| Printing | Cosmos Holo foil, Guardians Rising blister exclusive |
Below, we’ll explore why this Machamp stands out for collectors, anime fans, and TCG players—and how to decide if this specific copy deserves a slot in your binder or deck box.
1. Card Overview – Machamp from Guardians Rising
Sun & Moon – Guardians Rising released in 2017 as the second main set of the Sun & Moon era. It focused on Alola-region themes, Tapus, and GX cards, but it also brought back fan-favorite classics like Machamp. The Machamp 65/145 card exists in a standard holo version and a Cosmos Holo version, which appears to be what this listing is offering.
The Cosmos Holo pattern—those swirling, star-like foil orbs—is typically used for blister promos or special print runs. In this case, marketplaces and TCG databases indicate that Machamp 65/145 with Cosmos Holo is a blister-exclusive variant of the regular set holo. That gives it a small collectible twist compared to the standard pack-pulled version.
From a gameplay perspective, Machamp is a Stage 2 Fighting-type with a solid 160 HP for the era. Its main attack, Settle the Score, costs two Fighting Energy ([F][F]) and, according to TCG references, deals 20 base damage plus a large bonus depending on your opponent’s last turn. We’ll break down the effect more precisely in the strategy section using information from TCG sites, but the key idea is that Machamp punishes opponents for taking Prize cards.
Visually, the card shows Machamp in a dynamic fighter’s pose, with the Cosmos Holo pattern adding motion and sparkle in the background. For collectors who love Kanto Pokémon, this gives a modern yet nostalgic take on a classic design.
2. Machamp in the Pokémon Anime and Lore
To appreciate any Machamp card, it helps to remember how this Pokémon is portrayed in the broader franchise. In the anime and Pokédex entries, Machamp is described as a Superpower Pokémon capable of throwing anything over the horizon with its four muscular arms. It excels at brute force rather than fine precision—perfect for a Fighting-type bruiser card.
Across various anime episodes, Machamp often shows up as a powerhouse owned by gym leaders, league competitors, or security staff. While this specific Guardians Rising Machamp artwork is not tied to a single episode or character, it reflects that same “ring champion” vibe fans know from the show and games. The stance and the heavy musculature match how Machamp is often animated—ready to grapple, punch, and toss opponents.
In the games, Machamp is frequently used as a physical sweeper with high Attack stats and moves like Dynamic Punch, Cross Chop, and Close Combat. The TCG interpretations of Machamp, including this Guardians Rising version, lean into that identity by giving it attacks that deal big damage but typically require some setup or evolve from Machoke.
For anime and game fans who collect cards that represent their favorite Pokémon’s personality, Machamp 65/145 does a nice job evoking Machamp’s role as a relentless brawler who turns the tide after the opponent scores a knockout.
3. Collecting Machamp 65/145 Cosmos Holo
3.1 Rarity and Print Details
Guardians Rising Machamp 65/145 is listed as a Rare Holo. The Cosmos Holo version is a special foil variant, often referred to as a blister-exclusive printing by TCG databases. That means it usually did not come from regular booster packs but from sealed products like single-card blisters or similar retail packages.
This doesn’t make it ultra-rare in the same sense as secret rares or alternate arts, but it does mean that not every copy of Machamp 65/145 uses this foil pattern. Many collectors specifically seek Cosmos Holo prints because the holo pattern stands out in binders compared to the more common Sun & Moon line style.
The product information for this particular listing states that the card is ungraded, Near Mint. In the Pokémon TCG world, Near Mint usually means a card with very light or no visible wear—no major whitening, scratches, or creases—though exact grading always comes down to close inspection. If you’re picky about condition, it’s always smart to zoom in on the seller’s photos and evaluate corners, edges, and holo surface.
For collectors building a Guardians Rising binder or a Machamp evolution line page, a Near Mint Cosmos Holo copy is a strong choice: it showcases a distinct print run, looks great in a nine-pocket page, and is affordable compared to graded or vintage holos.
3.2 Value and Market Considerations
Public price trackers (like PriceCharting and general eBay sold listings) suggest that Machamp 65/145 in Near Mint ungraded condition typically sells in the low single-digit dollar range at the time of writing, with Cosmos Holo variants sometimes commanding a small premium. Exact prices fluctuate depending on supply, demand, and general hobby trends.
Because this is a Sun & Moon era holo rather than a 1990s vintage card, its value is usually driven by:
- Condition – NM copies vs. lightly played or worse
- Foil pattern – Cosmos Holo blister exclusive vs. standard holo
- Grading – PSA/BGS/CGC 9s and 10s can see a larger multiplier
- Machamp fandom – collectors who focus on specific Pokémon
At the listed price point, this card fits nicely into the category of budget-friendly collectible Pokémon cards that still offer something visually and historically interesting. It isn’t a high-end investment piece, but it’s exactly the kind of card that fills out a well-rounded Machamp or Kanto collection without breaking the bank.
If you’re browsing for more Pokémon TCG singles to round out a binder page or a deck project, pairing this Machamp with matching Machop and Machoke artwork from the same era can make a satisfying 3-card evolution display.
3.3 Why Collect a Modern Machamp Holo?
With so many versions of Machamp over the years, why consider a Guardians Rising Cosmos Holo specifically? There are a few reasons:
- Era representation – If you like to collect one Machamp per era, this card neatly represents the early Sun & Moon period.
- Affordable nostalgia – Not everyone wants to chase expensive vintage holos; modern Cosmos Holos offer nostalgia at a more accessible price.
- Display appeal – The swirling cosmos foil pattern looks especially nice under light, making it a good candidate for top-loader display or a binder centerpiece.
- Playable collectible – This isn’t just a binder queen; it has some real gameplay use in casual Fighting decks.
For many collectors, building a Pokémon-focused binder page with multiple Machamp prints—Base Set, EX era, Sun & Moon, Sword & Shield, and so on—is more satisfying than chasing only one ultra-expensive card. In that kind of collection, this Guardians Rising Cosmos Holo plays an important role.
4. Gameplay and Deck Strategy with Machamp 65/145
4.1 Card Text and Attack Breakdown
According to TCG databases, Machamp 65/145 (including the Cosmos Holo variant) has the following key attack:
- Settle the Score –
[F][F]– 20+ damage. This attack does 80 more damage for each Prize card your opponent took on their last turn.
There may also be a secondary attack on the card depending on the exact printing; however, the highlighted effect across references is this powerful “comeback” style move. The official wording is condensed here, but the core idea is accurate: the more your opponent scored last turn, the more damage Machamp deals in retaliation.
This creates a very specific kind of strategy: Machamp shines when your opponent aggressively knocks out your Pokémon. For example, if your opponent took one Prize card last turn, Settle the Score jumps to 100 damage (20 + 80). If they took two Prize cards (for example, by KO’ing a Pokémon-EX or GX worth 2 Prizes), it could jump even higher, potentially reaching 180 or more. Exact damage scaling depends on the official text, but the core role is unmistakable: Machamp is a punisher.
In casual formats where GX and EX Pokémon are still common, this makes Machamp a satisfying answer to greedy, high-prize attackers. Bring it in after you lose something big, attach two Fighting Energy (with or without acceleration support), and swing back hard.
4.2 Strengths in Casual Play
While Guardians Rising Machamp wasn’t a defining top-tier competitive card, it offers several advantages for kitchen-table and local play:
- High HP for a non-GX – 160 HP on a single-Prize Stage 2 is sturdy for the time, making it somewhat hard to one-shot without a dedicated counter.
- Prize-based scaling – Settle the Score makes opponents think twice before overcommitting to KOs, especially with multi-Prize Pokémon.
- Fighting-type support – In older formats, Stadiums and Items that boost Fighting damage or accelerate Energy (such as Strong Energy or Fighting-based Stadiums) synergize well with Machamp, though exact legality varies by format and region.
- Single-Prize attacker – Trading one-Prize attackers into two-Prize GX/EX Pokémon is generally favorable in mid-power casual metas.
One fun way to use this Machamp is as a mid-to-late game “revenge attacker.” You can set up Machop and Machoke on the Bench, let your opponent KO something worth multiple Prizes, then evolve into Machamp and use Settle the Score to return a massive blow. This fits the anime-style narrative of Machamp stepping into the ring as your final trump card.
Because it is a Stage 2, it does require some deck-building effort—Rare Candy lines, search cards, and careful planning. But for players who enjoy evolutions rather than just playing Basics and Pokémon V/GX, Machamp 65/145 is a nice reward for going the extra mile.
If you’re constructing a casual Fighting deck and want a mix of attackers, you can explore more near mint Pokémon cards from the same era to support Machamp with complementary attackers and consistency cards.
4.3 Deck Ideas and Synergies
Depending on what formats and card pools you use with friends, you can slot Machamp into several deck concepts:
- Classic Fighting Toolbox – Combine Machamp with other budget Fighting attackers. Use efficient Basics to apply early pressure, then bring out Machamp when your opponent takes a key knockout.
- Prize-Trade Control – Pair Machamp with single-Prize Pokémon that are slightly awkward to KO efficiently (or have disruptive Abilities), forcing your opponent into overextensions that Machamp then punishes.
- Thematic Kanto Deck – Run Machamp alongside other Kanto Fighting-types such as Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, or even modern versions of those classics to make a nostalgic yet functional build.
Because Machamp’s high damage potential depends on your opponent’s actions, it particularly shines against aggressive players who like to chain high-damage GX or V attackers. If they grab multiple Prizes in a turn, Machamp can hit back for very relevant numbers.
One important note: this card is rotated out of official Standard play, so it is only legal in expanded, legacy, or “anything goes” casual formats. For most collectors and home players, that’s perfectly fine—many kitchen-table games combine multiple eras, and Machamp feels fair yet strong in that environment.
5. Condition, Grading, and Long-Term Holding
5.1 Understanding “Ungraded – Near Mint”
The listing describes this card as Ungraded – Near Mint. This means the card has not been sent to a grading company like PSA, BGS, or CGC, but the seller evaluates it as Near Mint by hobby standards.
Common characteristics of a Near Mint Pokémon card often include:
- Clean front surface with minimal or no visible scratches in normal light
- Sharp or nearly sharp corners
- Very light or no whitening on edges
- No creases, bends, or major dents
Every seller’s grading is subjective, so if you are extremely condition-sensitive, review the product photos carefully and, if possible, ask questions before purchasing. For many collectors, though, a clean Near Mint holo is perfectly suitable for binders, semi-rigid holders, or top-loaders.
Because this is an affordable Sun & Moon-era card, most buyers look at it as a long-term binder piece rather than a high-grade submission target. That said, if you specifically focus on building a graded Machamp collection, picking a copy that visually appears close to pack-fresh is a smart move.
5.2 Long-Term Collectibility
Will Machamp 65/145 Cosmos Holo ever become a top-tier investment card? There’s no certain way to predict the future, and we should avoid overhyping. However, we can say a few grounded things about its long-term appeal:
- Character popularity – Machamp is a staple Fighting-type from the original 151 Pokémon, and fan love for Kanto Pokémon tends to persist over time.
- Special foil pattern – Cosmos Holo prints often gain a bit of niche appreciation because they differ visually from the main set foils.
- Sun & Moon nostalgia – As newer generations of players grow up with Sun & Moon, there may be retro appeal for Guardians Rising cards down the road.
For now, though, it’s best to treat this as a fun, affordable collectible you can enjoy in a binder, in deck play, or as part of a focused Machamp or Fighting-type display. If it appreciates in value over time, that’s a bonus—its main value today is in the enjoyment it brings.
If you’re assembling a broader collection of collectible Pokémon cards from the Sun & Moon era, this Machamp fits naturally alongside cards like Lycanroc, Tapu Lele, and other Guardians Rising highlights.
6. Who Is This Card Best For?
Different types of fans will appreciate Machamp 65/145 for different reasons. Here’s how it stacks up for each group.
6.1 Pokémon TCG Collectors
For collectors, this card offers:
- A distinct Cosmos Holo variant from a popular modern set
- Low entry price, making it easy to add alongside other Machamp prints
- A way to complete Guardians Rising rare holo binder pages
If you focus on holo variants or want at least one Machamp per generation of sets, this is an easy yes. The listing’s Near Mint condition improves its appeal for collection-focused buyers.
6.2 Anime and Game Fans
If your love for Pokémon comes mainly from the anime or the main-series games, this card works as a visual tribute to one of the franchise’s toughest Fighting-types. The artwork plays into Machamp’s identity as a heavy hitter from the original games, and the attack effect reflects its role as a comeback fighter.
Many fans like to keep a small binder of cards featuring their favorite species, even if they don’t play the TCG heavily. In that context, this Machamp fits nicely with cards like Machamp V, older EX-era Machamps, and even Machamp from Base Set or early Gym sets.
6.3 Casual TCG Players
For players who mostly battle friends and family at home, Machamp 65/145 can pull its weight in many mixed-era decks:
- It’s a solid single-Prize attacker with high HP.
- It punishes opponents who KO your big Pokémon, creating exciting swings.
- It lets you play an evolution-focused strategy rather than only big Basics.
Because it’s not a current Standard-legal powerhouse, it’s best used in casual or house-rule formats where people bring a mix of older and newer cards. In those settings, Machamp’s revenge damage feels very satisfying.
Competitive players might still enjoy the card as part of a larger Machamp collection or as a side project deck, but its sweet spot is definitely among enthusiasts who like creative, thematic builds.
7. FAQ: Machamp 65/145 Cosmos Holo – Guardians Rising
Is this Machamp 65/145 card official and from the real TCG set?
Yes. Machamp 65/145 is an official card from the 2017 Sun & Moon – Guardians Rising expansion. The Cosmos Holo version appears to be a blister-exclusive foil variant of the same card number.
What does “Cosmos Holo” mean?
Cosmos Holo refers to a specific holofoil pattern featuring circular, star-like orbs that swirl across the foil surface. It differs from the standard Sun & Moon holo pattern and is often used for promos or special print runs, such as blister exclusives.
Is this card good in competitive play?
In the modern Standard format, Machamp 65/145 is no longer legal. In its heyday, it saw more use in casual and rogue decks than at top competitive levels. Today, it’s best seen as a fun, thematic attacker for casual play, especially in mixed-era or homebrew formats.
Can I still use Machamp 65/145 in casual decks?
Absolutely. Most casual groups allow older cards as long as everyone agrees on the rules. Machamp 65/145 works well in Fighting-themed decks and evolution-focused strategies, particularly if you like comeback mechanics and revenge attacks.
Is the card worth grading?
That depends on your goals. Ungraded Near Mint copies are usually affordable, so grading mainly makes sense if you’re building a Machamp-focused graded collection or if you believe your copy is in gem-mint condition. For most collectors, keeping it carefully stored in a sleeve and top-loader is enough.
How does the condition “Near Mint” affect value?
Near Mint is generally the most desirable condition short of gem-mint. Lightly played or damaged copies are often cheaper, while confirmed mint or graded high-grade copies can command a premium. For a card at this price level, NM is ideal for binder collections and casual decks.
Is this card a good choice for Machamp fans?
Yes. If you like Machamp in the anime or games, this card offers a modern holofoil look, a thematic comeback-style attack, and a special Cosmos Holo pattern that stands out in a Machamp-focused binder page.
Where can I find more cards like this?
You can explore additional Guardians Rising cards, other Machamp printings, and a wide range of Sun & Moon-era Pokémon TCG singles by browsing dedicated sellers. The store at this eBay Pokémon shop is one place to look for more Near Mint holos, evolution lines, and set-completion pieces.
