Logan Paul Shatters World Record with $16.49 Million Sale of Rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon Card

Renowned influencer and professional wrestler Logan Paul has officially established a new global benchmark in the collectibles market. On February 16, 2026, his exceptionally rare "Pikachu Illustrator" Pokémon card was sold for a staggering $16,492,000 through Goldin Auctions. This monumental sale has solidified the card's status as the most expensive collectible card ever transacted in a public forum, effectively shattering the previous record held by the very same item.

This specific specimen is an ultra-rare piece of history, originally illustrated by Atsuko Nishida, the creative mind behind Pikachu's iconic design. What sets this particular card apart is its flawless condition; it remains the only known copy to achieve the prestigious PSA Gem Mint 10 grading. Such a distinction makes it a "one-of-one" in terms of quality, representing the pinnacle of the Pokémon collecting world.

Logan Paul’s journey with this asset began in 2021 when he acquired it through a private transaction valued at $5.275 million. At that time, the purchase itself set a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card. By offloading the asset for over $16 million, Paul realized a gross profit exceeding $7 million before auction fees, highlighting the explosive growth and financial viability of high-end alternative assets in recent years.

The winning bidder was identified as venture capitalist A.J. Scaramucci, the founder and managing partner of Solari Capital and co-chairman of SALT. In a personal handover, Scaramucci received the card directly from Paul. Notably, the card was still housed within the custom-made diamond-encrusted necklace that Paul famously wore during his high-profile debut at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, adding a layer of pop-culture provenance to the physical item.

The conclusion of the sale was a highly publicized event, broadcast live on YouTube to a global audience. To ensure the legitimacy of the achievement, Sarah Casson, an official adjudicator from Guinness World Records, was present at the close of the auction to certify the new record. The bidding process at the New Jersey-based Goldin Auctions was a marathon event, spanning a total of 41 days of intense competition among elite collectors.

The "Pikachu Illustrator" card boasts a unique origin story that contributes to its legendary status. Unlike standard cards, it was never available in booster packs. Instead, it was awarded exclusively to winners of illustration contests hosted by the Japanese magazine CoroCoro Comic between 1997 and 1998. While 39 copies were officially distributed at the time, the current known census stands at 41. Its design is distinctive, featuring the word "Illustrator" where "Trainer" usually appears, along with a signature pen icon in the bottom right corner.

The final hammer price reached $13.3 million, which, when combined with the buyer's premium, brought the total investment to $16,492,000. Scaramucci, who brings a wealth of experience from roles at Google, Tesla, and Sinovation Ventures, and serves as a co-founder of Radial Health, indicated that this purchase is a cornerstone of a new project. Known as "Treasure Trove," this initiative is dedicated to the acquisition and preservation of historically significant artifacts and cultural treasures.