Logan Paul’s World-Record Pokémon Card Heads to Auction
One of the most famous trading cards in the world—made even more recognizable by its pop culture journey—is heading to auction.
A 1998 Japanese Pikachu Illustrator promo card, personally owned by Logan Paul, is being offered through Goldin Auctions, bringing together elite Pokémon collecting, professional wrestling, and modern entertainment culture in a single headline-grabbing lot.
The card, graded PSA Gem Mint 10 with a population of one, was originally acquired by Paul after months of high-stakes negotiations in Dubai. The private transaction was immediately verified by Guinness World Records as the most expensive Pokémon trading card ever sold in a private sale, cementing the Pikachu Illustrator’s status as the ultimate grail of the hobby.
That status only grew when Paul wore the card as part of a custom, diamond-adorned necklace (also included in the auction) during his WWE debut at WrestleMania 38. Paul received his Guinness certificate backstage at AT&T Stadium after defeating Rey and Dominik Mysterio alongside tag-team partner The Miz, turning the card into an instant crossover icon between sports entertainment and collectibles.
Years later, the Pikachu Illustrator reappeared in another high-profile setting. On December 19, 2025, the card was worn ringside by Ken Goldin at the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Judgement Day bout in Miami, paired with one of just two known 1956 New York Yankees championship watches.
The card also plays a starring role in season three of King of Collectibles, The Goldin Touch, where viewers see Paul don the legendary piece during a box break at Goldin headquarters while searching for the elusive Stephen Curry SuperFractor rookie card. The on-screen negotiations between Paul and Goldin provide rare insight into how seven-figure collectibles deals are structured, negotiated, and ultimately brought to market.
With appearances on Guinness World Records, at WrestleMania, on Netflix, and at major combat-sports events, this Pikachu Illustrator has transcended traditional collecting categories. Few objects, coins, cards, or otherwise, can claim the same combination of rarity, documentation, celebrity ownership, and cultural visibility.
For collectors watching the continued convergence of pop culture and high-end collectibles, this auction represents more than a sale. It marks a moment where modern fandom, media, and collecting history intersect in a way rarely seen before.
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