Los Angeles, California – Logan Paul has once again made headlines in the collectibles world by selling his prized Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card for a staggering $16.492 million. This sale marks a remarkable profit of over $8 million for the social media influencer and wrestler, who originally purchased the card for $5.275 million five years ago.

The auction took place on Goldin Auctions and featured the rare card along with a custom diamond-encrusted necklace. Only 39 of these unique cards were made for a Pokémon illustration competition in the late 1990s, making each one incredibly sought after. Paul’s excitement was palpable during the live auction, where he described the outcome as “absolutely insane” and humorously suggested that bidders may have been “tired out” after extended rounds of bidding.

The auction lasted for 42 days, culminating in a flurry of last-minute offers that dramatically increased the final bid from an initial $6.882 million. As the auction concluded, confetti fell and the moment was celebrated by a representative from Guinness World Records, confirming that this sale set a new benchmark for trading cards at auction.

Paul’s acquisition of the card is a testament to his dedication to high-value collectibles. He previously traded a PSA Grade 9 Pikachu Illustrator card and added $4 million in cash to secure the only known PSA Grade 10 card in July 2021. This distinction elevates the card’s status, as it is regarded largely as “the holy grail” of Pokémon cards, and is viewed as virtually flawless by authentication companies.

Goldin, the founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, noted that Pokémon has become the highest-grossing media franchise globally, surpassing major juggernauts like Disney and Star Wars. Over the last two decades, the value of Pokémon cards has skyrocketed, outpacing traditional sports cards and showing unprecedented returns on investment. According to Goldin, the Illustrator card specifically holds unparalleled value in this realm.

As Paul said goodbye to the card in a heartfelt Instagram post, he reflected on the privilege of owning such a coveted item. His commitment to the world of collectibles has seen him make high-profile purchases, including unique digital assets known as NFTs.

In a landscape where collectible values continue to soar, this recent sale not only underscores the profitability of trading cards but also highlights the rising cultural significance of such items in contemporary society. For Paul, this transaction marks another successful chapter in his journey through the dynamic world of collectible trading.