Hello!
I was thinking, Skyridge is obviously the last set that was printed/released by WOTC, which released in May 2003.
But what about non-set cards? I just saw on Bulbapedia that the Best of Game Winner Rocket’s Mewtwo and Hitmonchan were released in June and July 2003 respectively.
Are those the last cards released by WOTC? Are they also the last ones that were printed?
I did a bit of digging but couldn’t find an exact answer, hoping someone here knows more!
I’m pretty sure those Best of Game cards were indeed the last ones. Here on Bulbapedia you can see all WotC-released sets, including the WotC Black Star Promos and Beste of Game Cards: bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Wizards_of_the_Coast.
It’s mentioned that on October 1st, 2003, Nintendo officially took over WotC’s license (and the first Nintendo Black Star Promos were also released in October 2003).
I also don’t see any Miscellaneous promo cards (stamped cards and special non-Holos and such) that were printed between March 2003 and October 2003, so those Best of Game cards are most likely the last ones printed.
Also, I’m pretty sure the Professor Elm Best of Game card was released after the Rocket’s Hitmonchan Best of Game card, since the Professor Elm lacks a Winner stamped version. They were both given at events in July 2003, though. Couldn’t really find the exact date of the BattleZone (July 2003) event where the Rocket’s Hitmonchan was given, but I think the Professor Elm was given on July 24th-27th, 2003 based on the google result of “gencon 2003 date”.
Greetz,
Quuador
The first Nintendo Black star promos were handed out during Gencon 2003 in July . Kyogre ex and Groudon ex foil. At one part of the convention WotC was running the Fan Appreciation tournament, while at the vending part the “new” Pokémon Company (PUI) was handing out boosters EX Ruby & Sapphire, foil promo Kyogre ex and Groudon ex and mousemats of Ruby & Sapphire expansion.
As for the Professor Elm I have to dig into my storage, but I am pretty sure they were given to all Professors and Master Professors as part of the “thank you package” we got.
Perhaps this was because Europe was behind on league materials.
What Quuador said but in a picture, TNT had it wrong, they showed Professor Elm with a winner stamp but I couldn’t find it anywhere until I realized it didn’t come with one :X.
Drunk Shuckle just did a really great video on the Best of Game series. I learned alot! Best Of Game Promos: Wizards of the Coast's Last Hurrah - YouTube
You are awesome Kevin! 