$16.4M Pikachu Illustrator: Logan Paul breaks trading card World Record

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Logan Paul’s rare Pikachu trading card has broken the record for the most expensive trading card ever sold.

Logan Paul, a popular online personality and WWE wrestler, recently sold his highly prized Pikachu Illustrator trading card for an incredible $16.4 million during a live-streamed auction. The winning bidder turned out to be someone who was already in the studio with him. Paul originally bought the card in 2022 for $5.25 million, making this a very profitable sale in just a few years.

Paul teamed up with Goldin Auctions to host a live stream where fans could watch a Pokémon card auction as it happened. Throughout the auction, he also opened packs of old Pokémon cards, including a sealed 1st Edition booster box and a Legendary Collection box, briefly checking the bidding on the rare Pikachu Illustrator card each time a new bid came in.

Watch the full Logan Paul Pikachu Illustrator auction livestream below:

Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator sets trading card record

Logan Paul recently purchased a Pikachu Illustrator trading card for over $16 million, making it the most expensive trading card ever sold. This breaks the previous record of $12.9 million paid for a Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant autographed card in 2025.

What is the Pikachu Illustrator card?

Pikachu Illustrator cards are the most sought-after Pokémon cards for collectors. They were originally given out in 1998 to winners of illustration contests held by the Japanese magazine, CoroCoro Comic. Only 39 of these cards were ever made, and they’re unique because they’re the only Pokémon cards officially designated as ‘Illustrator’ cards.

While several Pikachu Illustrator cards are known, Logan Paul owns the most highly sought-after one. It’s the only copy that has received a perfect PSA 10 grade, meaning it’s in the best condition of any Pikachu Illustrator card ever found.

Paul really customized his incredibly rare Pikachu Illustrator card. He removed the protective case and replaced it with an $80,000 gold necklace, so he could wear the card as jewelry and even displayed it at WrestleMania 38.

Why Logan Paul’s copy is so valuable

The $16 million value comes from three factors:

  • Extreme rarity (39 copies)
  • Only PSA 10 condition example
  • Celebrity ownership history

This unique combination makes it the most prized card in the Pokémon TCG hobby – many collectors see it as the equivalent of the Mona Lisa in the world of trading cards.

Who bought the Pikachu Illustrator?

Once the auction ends, Logan Paul plans to hand-deliver the Pikachu Illustrator card to the person who wins it. Interestingly, several people bidding on the card were actually watching Paul’s livestream live from the studio, and one of them ultimately placed the winning bid. The winner’s name hasn’t been made public yet.

Will the value increase?

Because it sold for a record amount, this card is expected to increase in value over time. Its rarity, perfect condition, and notable ownership history all contribute to its potential appreciation.

FAQ

Just 39 Pikachu Illustrator cards were ever made. They were given away in 1998 as prizes in a drawing held by CoroCoro Comic in Japan.

Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator card recently sold for $16 million because it’s the only one in the world that’s been given a perfect ’10’ grade by the PSA, meaning it’s in pristine condition.

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2026-02-16 11:41