Logan Paul, the famous WWE wrestler and YouTuber, owns one of the rarest Pokemon cards ever: a Pikachu Illustrator that he bought for about $5.3 million back in 2021[1][2][3]. This card set a Guinness World Record as the most expensive Pokemon trading card sold at a private auction[1][2]. Now, he plans to sell it through Goldin Auctions, with the online event starting January 12[1]. Auction experts like Ken Goldin predict it could fetch between $7 million and $12 million[1].
Paul sees this card as more than just a big-money item. He told Bloomberg TV that the Pokemon market is hotter than ever, especially with the franchise hitting its 30th anniversary in 2026[1]. Adults who grew up playing Pokemon now have cash to chase nostalgia, and they prefer collectibles over traditional art[1]. On Fox Business, Paul pushed young investors to skip the stock market and go for things like rare cards that mean something personal[2][4]. He wore his Pikachu card on a $75,000 chain around his neck to show off its value, calling it the rarest in the world with a top PSA grade of 9 or even a flawless 10 on some versions[1][2][3].
What makes this card special goes beyond the price tag for Paul. He stresses buying only the absolute best items with super limited supply, like this one-of-a-kind promo from Japan in the late 1990s[2][3][4]. Even lower-grade Pikachu Illustrators sell for over $80,000 today[4]. Paul turned down a $7.5 million offer before, taking a $2.5 million advance instead because the timing feels right[1]. He views Pokemon cards as an alternative asset that beats stocks for people who connect with them emotionally[2][4].
For collectors tracking prices on sites like PokemonPricing.com, Paul’s move highlights how scarcity and hype drive values up. The card’s story shows Pokemon investments can deliver real returns while holding deep meaning from childhood memories[1][2]. Goldin calls it a smart play in today’s collector market[1]. Keep an eye on the auction, as it could reset records again and boost prices across rare Pokemon cards.
