Influencer Logan Paul’s ‘Holy Grail’ Pokémon Card sells for $16.5 Million with diamond necklace included

Professional wrestler and influencer Logan Paul has shattered records once again after selling his prized Pikachu Illustrator card for an astonishing $16.492 million, a deal that also included a custom diamond-encrusted necklace.

Five years earlier, Paul made headlines when he purchased the ultra-rare Pokémon card for $5.275 million, setting a world record at the time. The latest sale, conducted through Goldin, has reportedly earned him more than $8 million in profit after fees. Reacting to the result, Paul described the outcome as “absolutely insane.”

The auction ran for 42 days before closing Monday night after hours of extended bidding. During a livestream, Paul joked that the prolonged bidding may have “tired someone out” before celebrating as confetti fell to mark the final sale. 

A representative from Guinness World Records later confirmed the transaction as the most expensive trading card ever sold at auction.

The Pikachu Illustrator card, one of only 39 produced for a Pokémon illustration contest in the late 1990s is widely regarded as the most coveted Pokémon card in existence. Paul’s copy holds a PSA Grade 10 rating, making it the only Illustrator card to achieve the highest possible grade from authentication agency PSA. In total, just 20 Illustrator cards have been graded, with only eight receiving a Grade 9.

This particular card was sold encased in a custom necklace that Paul famously wore during WrestleMania 38, along with his promise to personally deliver it to the winning bidder.

Paul originally acquired the Grade 10 card in July 2021 by trading a Grade 9 Pikachu Illustrator valued at $1.275 million plus $4 million in cash.

The Pokémon franchise remains the highest-grossing media brand globally, surpassing entertainment giants like Disney and Star Wars.

Over the past two decades, Pokémon cards have surged in value, significantly outperforming traditional sports cards and even the S&P stock market.

Known for making bold collectible investments, Paul has also spent millions acquiring rare NFTs and other high-value memorabilia.

Ahead of the auction’s conclusion, he posted a farewell message to the card on Instagram, calling it “the greatest collectible in the world” and reflecting on the privilege of owning it.