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Logan Paul's Rare Pikachu Pokémon Card Sells for Record $16.5M
The wrestling and social media star's prized card sets a new auction record for any trading card.
Feb. 21, 2026 at 7:23pm
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Logan Paul's rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card, a highly coveted collector's item, has sold for a record $16.5 million at auction. Paul had purchased the card in 2021 for $5.275 million, which was a Guinness record at the time for a Pokémon card. He later added a diamond necklace and custom case, and wore the card at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. The card, designed by Atsuko Nishida for a 1998 contest, is believed to be one of only a few dozen in existence, with Paul's copy being the only one with a quality rating of 10.
Why it matters
The record-breaking sale of Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card highlights the continued growth and enthusiasm in the collectible trading card market, especially for rare and highly sought-after items. This sale demonstrates the immense value placed on unique and well-preserved Pokémon cards by dedicated collectors.
The details
Paul's Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card, which he had purchased in 2021 for $5.275 million, a Guinness record at the time, sold for $16.5 million at a Goldin Auctions event. The card, designed by Atsuko Nishida for a 1998 contest, is believed to be one of only a few dozen in existence, with Paul's copy being the only one with a quality rating of 10. Paul had added a diamond necklace and custom case to the card, and wore it at WrestleMania 38 in 2022.
- Paul purchased the card in 2021 for $5.275 million.
- The card sold at auction on February 18, 2026 for $16.5 million.
- Paul wore the card at WrestleMania 38 in 2022.
The players
Logan Paul
A wrestling and social media star who owned the record-breaking Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card.
Atsuko Nishida
The designer of the Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card, which was created for a 1998 contest.
A.J. Scaramucci
The venture capitalist and son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, who was the winning bidder for the card.
What they’re saying
“Oh my gosh, this is crazy.”
— Logan Paul
The takeaway
The record-breaking sale of Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card demonstrates the immense value and enthusiasm in the collectible trading card market, particularly for rare and highly sought-after items. This sale highlights the continued growth and passion of Pokémon card collectors, who are willing to pay astronomical prices for the most unique and well-preserved cards.
