Logan Paul, the WWE star and YouTuber, recently shared a bold idea about Pokémon cards: they can turn attention into real value.[1][2] He bought the rarest Pikachu Illustrator card back in 2021 for about $5.3 million, setting a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card sold at the time.[1][2][3] Now, with the market heating up, he has agreed to auction it off through Goldin Auctions starting January 12, after taking a $2.5 million advance.[1]
Paul sees Pokémon cards as more than just collectibles. He calls them an alternative asset class that has beaten the stock market by over 3,000% in the last 20 years.[2] On Fox Business, he told young investors to think beyond stocks or buying a house. Instead, put money into things like top-tier Pokémon cards that match your interests, especially if they are super rare.[3][4] His Pikachu card is a PSA Grade 10, the highest possible rating, and only one like it exists from a 1997 Japanese promotion.[1][4] Even lower-grade versions go for over $80,000.[4]
Why now? The Pokémon market is hotter than ever, fueled by nostalgia as fans who grew up with it hit their 30s and 40s with cash to spend.[1] With Pokémon’s 30th anniversary coming in 2026, collectors are paying top dollar.[1] Goldin Auctions expects Paul’s card to sell for $7 million to $12 million, way more than he paid.[1] Paul wore it on a $75,000 gold chain back when gold was cheap; now gold prices have doubled, adding to the hype.[5]
Paul stresses buying only the best of the best with true scarcity, not every card out there.[3] His story shows how fame from YouTube, wrestling, and brands like Prime energy drink mixes with smart collecting to build wealth.[1][3] For Pokémon fans tracking prices on sites like ours, this auction could push values even higher for Illustrator cards and other holy grails.[1][2] Keep an eye on Goldin Auctions in early 2026 to see the final sale price.
