NEW YORK (AP) — Logan Paul, the renowned wrestling and social media star, has achieved a significant milestone by setting a new world record for the auction price of a trading card. On Monday, his coveted Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card sold for an astonishing $16.5 million at Goldin Auctions, following an intense 41-day bidding period. This move not only establishes Paul as a prominent figure in the trading card market but also highlights the growing fascination with rare collectibles.
Paul initially acquired the Pikachu Illustrator card in 2021 for $5.275 million, which at the time marked a Guinness World Record for the highest price ever paid for a Pokémon card. The rarity of this particular card, often referred to as a "Holy Grail" among collectors, is further amplified by the addition of a diamond necklace and a custom display case that Paul created for it. He even wore the card at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, drawing significant attention to its value and significance within the trading card community.
A Guinness World Records adjudicator, Sarah Casson, was present at the auction's conclusion, which was livestreamed on YouTube. She confirmed that the final sale price of $16.5 million not only sets a new record for Pokémon cards but also for any trading card sold at auction. This landmark achievement underlines the evolving landscape of card collecting, where prices continue to skyrocket, fueled by demand from various investors and collectors.
In an excited response following the auction, Paul declared, “Oh my gosh, this is crazy.” The winning bidder, A.J. Scaramucci—a venture capitalist and the son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci—was present to receive the card. Paul ceremoniously placed the card around Scaramucci's neck, marking a ceremonial passing of ownership that enveloped the event in a celebratory atmosphere.
The Pikachu Illustrator card was originally designed by Atsuko Nishida for a 1998 contest, and it is estimated that only a few dozen of these cards exist. Among them, Paul’s card is believed to be the only one graded with a quality rating of 10, adding to its rarity and value. This makes it not only a significant piece of Pokémon memorabilia but also a highly sought-after item in the broader trading card market.
The latest auction result illustrates the increasing appetite for collectibles, particularly in the realms of sports and entertainment, where figures like Logan Paul bring mainstream attention to the trading card scene. The staggering sum fetched by the Pikachu Illustrator card reflects both its cultural significance and the trends driving modern collectibles, establishing Paul as a central figure in raising awareness about the potential investment value of trading cards.
