Logan Paul sparks backlash after shattering another Pokémon record

Logan Paul, the influencer‑turned‑WWE superstar, has once again shaken up the Pokémon world. The auction for his coveted Pikachu Illustrator card — the one he famously bought in 2021 for more than $5 million — has officially closed, and the final price is nothing short of jaw‑dropping.

Its new owner paid nearly $16.5 million, a staggering figure that has ignited criticism across the Pokémon TCG community, from casual players to high‑end collectors.

Logan Paul sets a new Guinness World Record with his Pikachu Illustrator sale

On January 6, Paul announced he was putting his PSA‑10‑graded Pikachu Illustrator up for auction — an ultra‑rare card in pristine condition. He originally purchased it in 2021 for $5,275,000, a deal that earned him a Guinness World Record for “Most Expensive Pokémon Card Sold in a Private Sale.”

But on February 16, that number suddenly looked small. The highest bid in the auction reached $16,492,000, obliterating the previous record.

The auction ran for 42 days, and the closing window was extended for several hours to give any last‑minute bidders a chance to top the leading offer — if they had the nerve (and the bank account) to try.

“Absolutely insane,” Paul said during a YouTube livestream as the auction officially closed. A Guinness World Records representative appeared on screen to confirm that Paul had indeed set a new world record: “Most Expensive Trading Card Ever Sold at Auction.”

A record‑breaking sale — and a wave of criticism

The move hasn’t been without controversy. Critics argue that throwing this kind of money at what is, at its core, a children’s trading card game is excessive and undermines the spirit of the hobby. They claim it turns collectible cards into luxury items accessible only to the ultra‑wealthy, all while feeding a personal brand built on extravagance.

Others, however, point out that the Pikachu Illustrator is no ordinary card. Only 39 copies were ever produced, awarded as prizes in a Japanese illustration contest — meaning it was never sold in stores. And this isn’t just any Illustrator card; it’s Logan Paul’s Illustrator card.

The WrestleMania factor

Paul famously wore the card around his neck on a diamond‑encrusted chain during his high‑profile entrance at WrestleMania 38 — and that chain was included in the auction.

For many collectors, that moment alone transformed the card from a rare Pokémon item into a piece of pop‑culture memorabilia. It’s no longer just a card; it’s an accessory worn by a WWE superstar during one of his most iconic appearances.

That added cultural weight may have driven the price even higher, leading some to believe the auction was as much about boosting Paul’s personal brand as it was about the card itself.

What happens now?

For the moment, the Pikachu Illustrator stands as the most expensive collectible card on the planet, though the identity of its new owner remains a mystery. Part of the sale includes Paul personally delivering the card — a detail that has only fueled curiosity.

And the debate continues: is it reasonable for trading cards to reach these astronomical prices? Is Paul’s love for Pokémon genuine, or simply another tool in his branding machine?

One thing is certain: the conversation around high‑end collectibles — and Logan Paul’s role in that world — isn’t going away anytime soon.

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