Social media and wrestling personality Logan Paul has shattered a world record with the sale of an exceptionally rare Pokémon trading card. The Pikachu Illustrator card, often described as the "Holy Grail" for collectors, fetched a staggering $16.5 million at auction on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Auction Details and Record Confirmation
The sale took place at Goldin Auctions after an intense 41-day bidding period. Guinness World Records adjudicator Sarah Casson was present to officially confirm the achievement. She verified that the $16.5 million price tag not only sets a new record for a Pokémon card but also establishes the highest amount ever paid for any trading card at auction.
Historical Context and Previous Ownership
Logan Paul originally acquired the card in 2021 for $5.275 million, which at the time was a Guinness record for a Pokémon card. He later enhanced its presentation by adding a diamond necklace and a custom case. Notably, Paul wore the card around his neck during WrestleMania 38 in 2022, showcasing its unique status.
The Winning Bidder and Card's Rarity
The successful bidder was venture capitalist A.J. Scaramucci, son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci. Paul personally placed the card around Scaramucci's neck during the livestreamed event on YouTube. The card itself is a masterpiece designed by Atsuko Nishida for a 1998 contest. Experts believe only a few dozen copies exist, with Paul's version being the sole example to receive a perfect quality rating of 10.
"Oh my gosh, this is crazy," exclaimed Paul during the auction's closure, reflecting the monumental nature of the sale. This transaction highlights the growing market for rare collectibles and the significant cultural impact of Pokémon memorabilia.
