Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card sells for record $16.5M at auction

Logan Paul set a new world record by selling a rare Pokémon trading card for a staggering $16.5 million NewsLogan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card sells for record $16.5M at auctionLogan Paul set a new world record by selling a rare Pokémon trading card for a staggering $16.5 millionVia AP news wire Monday 16 February 2026 16:48 GMTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverLogan Paul Pokemon Auction (Invision/AP)Your support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read more Logan Paul has set a new world's record — for the auction price of a trading card.The wrestling and social media star's rare Pickachu Illustrator Pokémon card, a “Holy Grail” for collectors, sold for $16.5 million Monday at Goldin Auctions after 41 days of bidding. Paul had purchased the card in 2021 for $5.275 million, a Guinness record at the time for a Pokémon card. He had added a diamond necklace and custom case and wore the card at WrestleMania 38 in 2022.Guinness World Records adjudicator Sarah Casson was on hand Monday for the auction's closure, which was livestreamed on YouTube, and confirmed the price was a record not just for a Pokémon card, but for any trading card sold at auction.“Oh my gosh, this is crazy,” said Paul, who placed the card around the neck of winning bidder A.J. Scaramucci, a venture capitalist and son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.The card was designed by Atsuko Nishida for a 1998 contest. Only a few dozen are believed to exist, and Paul's card is believed the only with a quality rating of 10.More aboutIllustratorLogan PaulPokemonHoly GrailPikachuNew YorkAnthony ScaramucciGuinnessYouTubeWhite HouseMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next