Pokémon mania reached a fresh peak on February 16, 2026, when a rare trading card sold for a record-breaking $16.5 million (13.91 million euros). The card, known as “Pikachu Illustrator,” was sold by influencer Logan Paul to venture capitalist AJ Scaramucci, according to auction house Goldin.
The sale, confirmed by Guinness World Records, marks the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction. The auction lasted approximately 40 days, with bidding intensifying dramatically on the final day, tripling the previous high bid. The enduring popularity of Pokémon, which captivated audiences in the 1990s with its anime series airing on channels like RTL2, continues to fuel a thriving market for collectibles and merchandise. This sale underscores the significant cultural and financial impact of the franchise.
Logan Paul Breaks Pokémon Card Record
Paul originally acquired the card in 2022, and even wore it around his neck with a diamond chain during Wrestlemania 38 that same year – the chain too went to the highest bidder in the recent auction. He first showcased his Pokémon card collection on Instagram several years ago.
In July 2022, Paul earned a spot in the Guinness World Records book after purchasing the card in a private sale for over four million euros, setting a previous world record. “I love Pokémon,” the content creator explained after receiving the Guinness World Records certificate from referee Mike Marcotte following a wrestling match.
In a recent YouTube video with his brother Jake, Paul indicated he is considering selling the card. “I’m thinking about letting the card go and potentially giving it to the right person,” Paul said, addressing the camera and inviting potential buyers to reach out. Whether a deal will be struck remains to be seen.
The success of the Pokémon anime series in the 1990s, which aired on channels like RTL2, sparked a decades-long craze for the show, its characters, and related merchandise, including the highly sought-after Pokémon trading cards.
