Remember when Logan Paul dropped over $5 million on a Pokémon card back in 2022? Well, that investment is about to come full circle. The influencer just announced he’s putting his prized Pikachu Illustrator up for auction, and the TCG community is watching closely to see just how much this legendary piece of cardboard will fetch.
The holy grail of Pokémon cards
If you’re into Pokémon TCG, you already know the Pikachu Illustrator isn’t just rare, it’s practically mythical. This card was never sold in stores or tucked into booster packs. Instead, it was awarded to winners of an illustration contest run by Japan’s CoroCoro Comic magazine between 1997 and 1998. We’re talking fewer than 40 copies ever distributed, and even fewer have survived in pristine condition.
Paul’s copy is graded perfectly, making it one of the most desirable collectibles in the entire hobby. When he bought it for $5.275 million, it shattered records as the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold. He even commissioned a $75,000 chain to wear it around his neck because, well, that’s very on-brand for Logan Paul.
What’s it worth now?
Here’s where things get interesting. Paul believes his Pikachu Illustrator could sell for anywhere between $7 million and $12 million. That’s a potential profit of several million dollars in just a few years. Not bad for a card that features Pikachu holding a brush and wearing a painter’s cap.
The auction preview kicks off on January 12, 2026, through Goldin Auctions, with the winning bid expected to be revealed in February. For collectors and investors watching the trading card market, this sale could set a new benchmark for what’s possible in the TCG space.
Beyond the card
Logan Paul used the announcement to encourage younger investors to take risks on alternative investments rather than sticking solely to traditional markets. Whether you agree with his investment philosophy or not, there’s no denying the trading card market has exploded in recent years, with Pokémon leading the charge.
Stay tuned to Geek Realm Hub and follow us on X for all the latest updates on this auction and everything happening in the geek universe!