Wolfe Glick has earned a reputation as one of the finest players in the history of Pokémon Video Game Championships (VGC). His impressive résumé includes triumphs at numerous tournaments such as the 2016 Pokémon VGC World Championship and the recent 2025 Europe International. Additionally, he has secured victories at 10 regional championships, two national tournaments, the 2020 Players Cup II, and the Global Challenge twice in both 2020 and 2025.
Recognized for his quick thinking and originality, Wolfe often takes unconventional Pokémon choices to surprise his adversaries. In light of his recent success in the largest Pokémon tournament to date—attracting over 1,400 participants—let’s explore some of his most pioneering strategies that showcase his tactical brilliance.
Wolfe Glick’s Trailblazing Pokémon VGC Strategies
1. Exeggutor’s Remarkable Performance
Among Wolfe’s preferred Pokémon is Exeggutor, an unorthodox choice that he has effectively utilized. While players often hesitate to rely on personal favorites, Wolfe’s strategic implementation of Exeggutor broke the mold. His team featured well-regarded meta Pokémon like Cresselia, Heatran, Thundurus, Hitmontop, and Terrakion, with Exeggutor serving a specialized role.
Exeggutor possesses the ability Harvest, which yields a 50% chance of restoring a held berry under ordinary conditions—increasing to 100% when in sunlight. With a Sitrus Berry equipped, Exeggutor can achieve unlimited healing in sunny weather. Coupled with impressive Special Attack stats, Wolfe’s Exeggutor could withstand hits while unleashing powerful Leaf Storms against threats like Rotom-Wash and Tyranitar. Wolfe deemed Exeggutor “the star”of his team—a claim substantiated by his successful journey to the finals.
2. Tournament Win Using Sneasler
For players who excel in Singles matches, Sneasler’s threat level might not be surprising due to its speed, power, and unique signature move, Dire Claw, which can inflict status conditions. However, within the VGC format, Sneasler is often susceptible to being double-targeted and quickly eliminated.
Wolfe effectively paired Sneasler with Rillaboom, using the ability Grassy Surge to trigger Sneasler’s Grassy Seed, enhancing its physical defense. Once the item is consumed, Sneasler’s ability Unburden activates, significantly boosting its speed, enhancing its competitive edge on the battlefield.
3. Redemption with a 13th Place Team
Wolfe’s innovative mindset is matched by his resilience. Following a disappointing 13th-place finish with a team slated for rotation, he transformed the squad for an upcoming tournament. By integrating moves like Sludge Bomb on Amoonguss instead of Pollen Puff and utilizing Incineroar with Grass-type Tera, Wolfe breathed new life into his lineup. Despite battling jet lag from recent travels, he successfully led this redesigned team to victory at the Orlando Regionals, illustrating his adaptability and determination.
4. Unlocking Magmar’s Hidden Potential Since 2013
In 2013, Wolfe and fellow competitor Sejun Park took a risk by featuring Magmar, an unevolved Pokémon with Fire typing, at the World Championship. Though generally considered a poor choice due to its vulnerability to widespread moves like Surf and Earthquake, both players recognized its untapped potential.
With the ability Eviolite, Magmar benefits from a substantial defensive boost. Its Flame Body ability adds a chance to burn opponents making contact, weakening their offensive capabilities. Most importantly, Magmar’s access to Follow Me redirects attacks, allowing allies to strike more freely. While Wolfe placed 25th in that tournament—admitting team-building mistakes—he later showcased Magmar’s strength by achieving 5th place in an online tournament where it once again had Follow Me.
5. Championship Victory with Raichu
During the competitive environment of 2016, Raichu proved to be a smart pick despite the dominance of Mega Rayquaza and the two Legendary Primal Pokémon. Utilizing Volt Tackle—one of Pikachu’s signature moves—Wolfe capitalized on Raichu’s substantial offensive capability to deal major damage to threats like Primal Kyogre.
Yet, Wolfe relied on Raichu’s supportive qualities over raw power, utilizing moves like Fake Out, Nuzzle, and Volt Switch, while equipping it with an Assault Vest for bolstered Special Defense. One pivotal moment in the finals showcased how Raichu’s presence compelled Wolfe’s opponent to cautiously respond, allowing Wolfe’s Rayquaza to set up a crucial Swords Dance that ultimately led to his victory in the Pokémon VGC.