Logan Paul Sees Pokémon Cards as Blue Chip Art
Logan Paul, the YouTuber and WWE star, dropped jaws when he spent $5.3 million on a single Pokémon card back in 2022. That card is the Pikachu Illustrator, graded PSA 10, the top grade possible. It is the only one in the world with that perfect score, making it one-of-a-kind.[1][2][4]
Paul calls this card the rarest and most valuable Pokémon card ever. He even wore it around his neck in a recent interview, treating it like a trophy. Back in 1998, just a few of these cards went to kids who won a drawing contest in a Japanese magazine. No stores sold them. They show Pikachu with art tools and say “Illustrator” instead of a trainer name. Pikachu is the big star from the Pokémon show, owned by Ash Ketchum.[1]
Paul compares Pokémon cards to blue chip art pieces, like top paintings by famous artists. He says they beat stocks as investments. One report shows Pokémon cards gave a 3,821% return from 2004 to August 2025. Nostalgia, few copies left, and rich collectors drive prices up.[1][2]
Young people listen to him. Millennials put 20% of their money into things like trading cards, way more than older groups. Paul tells young investors to take risks on collectibles instead of just stocks. He admits it could be a fad, but if you have cash, go for rarities at the peak.[2]
Paul plans to auction his Pikachu Illustrator in early 2026. He bought it after making big money and saw it as a smart move. Other rare cards like Shining Magikarp promos or Lugia from Platinum sets fetch huge prices too, but nothing tops his.[2][3]
For collectors, details matter. Foiling, grades, and history set values. A PSA 10 means perfect edges, corners, and centering. Paul’s card ties into Pokémon’s early days, like a piece of art history.[1][3]
Paul uses his card to build his brand, not hide it away. He pushes Pokémon as a real asset class for the future.[1][2]
