Logan Paul sells rare Pokmon trading card for whopping $16.5M at auction

Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 3:26 am

Logan Paul's Pokémon Card Sells for Record-Breaking $16.5 Million

In a stunning display of the enduring appeal of collectible trading cards, Logan Paul, the popular YouTuber and professional wrestler, has sold his prized Pokémon Illustrator card for a record-shattering $16.49 million at auction. The sale, which concluded on Monday, sets a new Guinness World Record for the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction.

The winning bid came from A.J. Scaramucci, a venture capitalist and son of a former White House communications director. Paul, visibly excited, presented the card to Scaramucci, including a diamond necklace and a custom case.

The card, a highly sought-after Pikachu Illustrator, was originally purchased by Paul approximately five years ago for around $5.275 million. The recent sale represents a profit of roughly $8 million for the content creator. The card's original purchase also set a record for the most expensive Pokémon trading card sold at a private sale.

The card, designed by Atsuko Nishida for a 1998 contest, is considered a "holy grail" for Pokémon collectors. Only a limited number of these cards are believed to exist, and Paul's card is in pristine condition, likely the only one with a quality rating of 10.

Paul, who has leveraged the card for various media appearances, including wearing it at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, expressed his sentiments in an Instagram post before the sale, reflecting on the card's impact on his career.

BNN's Perspective:

The sale of this Pokémon card underscores the continued strength of the collectibles market and the power of celebrity influence. While the price tag is undeniably high, it reflects the rarity and desirability of the item. This event highlights the evolving landscape of collecting and the potential for significant financial returns in niche markets.

Keywords: Logan Paul, Pokémon, trading card, auction, Guinness World Record, Pikachu Illustrator, collectibles, A.J. Scaramucci, Atsuko Nishida, YouTube, wrestling, sale, expensive, investment, rare, profit

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