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Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon Card Sells for Record $16.5M
The rare card was purchased by venture capitalist A.J. Scaramucci after 41 days of bidding at Goldin Auctions.
Feb. 17, 2026 at 7:47pm
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On Monday, Logan Paul's rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card sold for a record $16.5 million at Goldin Auctions after 41 days of bidding. Paul had purchased the card, one of only a few dozen believed to exist, in 2021 for $5.275 million, which was a Guinness record at the time for a Pokémon card. The card was designed by Atsuko Nishida for a 1998 contest and is the only one known to have a quality rating of 10. The winning bidder was venture capitalist A.J. Scaramucci, son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.
Why it matters
The sale of Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card for a record $16.5 million highlights the continued growth and interest in the collectible trading card market, especially for rare and highly sought-after items. This sale sets a new benchmark for the value of Pokémon cards and demonstrates the significant financial potential in owning such unique and desirable collectibles.
The details
Paul had purchased the Pikachu Illustrator card in 2021 for $5.275 million, which was a Guinness record at the time for a Pokémon card. He then added a diamond necklace and custom case and wore the card at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. On Monday, the card sold at Goldin Auctions after 41 days of bidding, with the final sale price of $16.5 million setting a new world record not just for a Pokémon card, but for any trading card sold at auction.
- In 2021, Logan Paul purchased the Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card for $5.275 million.
- In 2022, Paul wore the card at WrestleMania 38.
- On Monday, February 17, 2026, the card sold at Goldin Auctions for $16.5 million after 41 days of bidding.
The players
Logan Paul
A wrestling and social media star who purchased the record-breaking Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card in 2021.
A.J. Scaramucci
A venture capitalist and the son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, who was the winning bidder for the Pikachu Illustrator card.
Atsuko Nishida
The designer of the Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card, which was created for a 1998 contest.
What they’re saying
“Oh my gosh, this is crazy.”
— Logan Paul
What’s next
Guinness World Records adjudicator Sarah Casson was on hand to confirm the $16.5 million sale price as a new record for any trading card sold at auction.
The takeaway
The record-breaking sale of Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card demonstrates the immense value and demand for rare and highly sought-after collectible trading cards, especially in the Pokémon franchise. This sale highlights the continued growth and financial potential of the collectibles market, as well as the influence of social media stars like Logan Paul in driving interest and prices for these unique items.
