By James Gamble
The world’s most expensive Pokémon card is being sold by wrestler Logan Paul for over £3.7m (more than $5 million) – and he will hand-deliver it to you.
The Pikachu Illustrator card was worn by the 30-year-old YouTube star on a custom diamond necklace during his WWE debut.
Paul achieved the Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card sold in a private sale when he bought it for $5.275m (£3.8m) in 2021.
Now, he is offering the ‘world’s most coveted card’ for sale again, along with its diamond-bordered case and necklace and promises to hand-deliver it to the buyer.
International auctioneers Goldin have even pulled forward the trading card sale Paul’s card is set to be sold in, due to ‘overwhelming global interest’.
The Pikachu Illustrator PSA 10 – the world’s only example graded PSA 10 – is the highlight of the sale and widely regarded as the pinnacle of Pokémon trading card game collecting.
The card also features in the third season of Netflix show King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch.
“This is the most coveted card in the world,” Paul, worth an estimated $150m (£109m), said.
“It was absolutely unforgettable when I received the card, and I’m going to
create that same kind of memorable experience for the next owner.
“I will personally hand-deliver the Pikachu Illustrator to the winner, share the whole backstory, and create a moment that will live with them forever.”
Designed by original Pikachu editor Atsuko Nishida, the card was a winner at the 1998 illustration contest in Japan, using distinct artwork including the iconic pen symbol, denoting artistic contribution.
After acquiring the card in 2021, Paul showcased it on major global stages, including at WrestleMania, propelling it to public fame.
Its unparalleled scarcity, cultural significance and high-profile visibility solidify the Pikachu Illustrator as a landmark artefact in trading cards.
Aside from the Pikachu card, 300 other lots in Goldin’s sale include a 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Holo Charizard card, also owned by Paul, which has already seen bids of nearly $470,000 (£340,000).
Rare Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition cards of Blastoise and Venusaur have also already racked up bidding prices of $52,000 (£38,000) and $30,000 (£22,000) respectively.
“This is the biggest Pokémon and trading card game auction ever held, and the unbelievable amount of interest we’ve already received led us to open early,” Ken Goldin, Founder and CEO of Goldin, explained.
“Featuring Logan’s Pikachu Illustrator as the centrepiece draws major international interest and makes it a true landmark for the hobby.
“The entire lineup in this sale is incredible – from cards to artwork to video games – with some of the rarest and most valuable pieces in the world.”
Paul has spoken out in videos on YouTube to claim that Pokémon cards have ‘outperformed’ the stock market by as much as ‘3,000 per cent in the last 20 years’.
The Pikachu card was due to be sold on Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, on February 27 2026, but has been brought forward to February 16.
The anniversary marks 30 years since the Pokémon Red and Green games were released in Japan, marking the birth of the media franchise.
A US, 1998 Nintendo Game Boy Pokémon Red game is also being offered at the auction – with bids already surpassing $18,000 (£13,000).
