WWE star Logan Paul sets another record after selling his Pokémon ‘Illustrator’ card for over $16.4 million
(Courtesy : Getty)
The card has tripled in value after the auction.
‘The Maverick’ Logan Paul has once again created headlines, setting another world record after selling his one-of-a-kind PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card for $16.4 million following a 41-day auction hosted by Goldin Auctions.
Widely regarded as the “Holy Grail” of collectibles by enthusiasts, as it is the only Illustrator card considered a Grade 10 card by authentication agency PSA, the rare card, owned by the WWE star, has now skyrocketed to nearly three times its previous value.
Goldin Auctions has verified the record-breaking $16.492 million sale of the Pikachu Illustrator card. The 41-day auction concluded early Monday, with the most competitive bids coming in during an extended post-deadline period.
Notably, the final hammer price of $13.3 million, combined with a 24% buyer’s premium, pushed the total to more than triple what the Maverick had initially paid.
Logan Paul wore the Pokémon card attached to a gold chain at WrestleMania 38
The Pikachu Illustrator card is one of only 20 ever graded by PSA. Logan acquired this exceptionally rare Grade 10 edition in July 2021 by trading in a PSA Grade 9 Pikachu Illustrator he already owned, which was valued at $1.275 million, along with an additional $4 million in cash.
To protect his prized collectible, Paul invested $70,000 in a custom display case and matching necklace, famously showcasing the set during his WrestleMania 38 entrance, where he teamed up with The Miz to take on Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio.
Who was the bidder behind the record-breaking purchase?
The auction attracted 97 bids in total, and while the winning bidder’s identity wasn’t officially disclosed, he joined the live stream to share his thoughts on the purchase. AJ Scaramucci, the buyer of the card, joined Paul on the live-streamed stage after the sale.
Appearing alongside his brother, a film director, he said, “We’ve been passionate Pokémon fans since childhood. This was the perfect way to kick off the treasure hunt.” Logan shook the buyer’s hand and praised the acquisition, calling it epic and congratulating him as he embarked on his ambitious journey.
Per Bloody Elbow, Scaramucci is the Founder and Managing Partner of Solari Capital, and is also related to former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.
He is launching an ambitious initiative called the “Treasure Hunt,” which he envisions will eventually allow him to acquire a T-Rex fossil and, ultimately, the Declaration of Independence itself.
How much did Logan Paul’s Pokémon card sell for?
The final hammer price was $13.3 million, and with Goldin Auctions’ 24% buyer’s premium added, the total reached about $16.49 million, making it one of the most expensive trading cards ever sold.
Who bought the card?
The auction attracted 97 bids in total, and while the winning bidder’s identity wasn’t officially disclosed, he joined the live stream to share his thoughts on the purchase. AJ Scaramucci, the buyer of the card, joined Paul on the live-streamed stage.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.