Logan Paul shared an emotional tribute on Saturday as he prepared to part ways with his record-breaking PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card. This highly coveted collectible is set to be auctioned off during a live stream on his YouTube channel on Sunday night at 9 PM EST.
In his heartfelt message posted on X, Paul expressed his affection for the card, referring to it as “the greatest collectible in the world.” He reflected on the journey they have shared together, highlighting the card’s prominence in various major events, including achievements recognized by Guinness World Records, his appearances in WWE, and features in Netflix and national news outlets.
The WWE superstar, who initially listed the card for auction through Goldin in January, also announced that the live stream would include over $1.5 million worth of Pokémon boxes being opened. Current bidding on the Pikachu Illustrator card stands at $5.1 million, with the total, including the buyer’s premium, exceeding $6.3 million. This already surpasses the $5.275 million Paul spent to acquire the card in 2021.
Paul likened letting go of the card to a significant milestone in the Pokémon game, stating, “This sorta feels like that moment when you beat the Elite Four, get inducted into the Hall of Fame, and the game restarts. As this Grail changes hands, I’m excited to go on my next Pokémon journey.”
Notably, the Pikachu Illustrator is unique; it is the only card of its kind that has received a perfect PSA 10 rating from an estimated 41 copies in existence. Paul originally secured this prized card through a private transaction that involved both his PSA 9 version and $4 million in cash, ultimately earning a Guinness World Record for the highest price ever paid for a Pokémon card. At one point, he also turned down a private offer of $10.2 million to maintain the card’s status in the Goldin auction.
This card has played a significant role in Paul’s WWE journey, famously worn in a custom diamond-encrusted case around his neck during his in-ring debut at WrestleMania 38. The winning bidder will not only receive the card and the diamond chain but will also benefit from a personal hand-delivery by Paul himself.
Pre-auction estimates for the card range from $7 million to $12 million. The auction employs an extended bidding process, meaning the event could continue in 30-minute increments for as long as new bids are placed, potentially prolonging this emotional farewell into the early hours of the morning. The card was consigned during an episode of Netflix’s “King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch,” with Goldin advancing Paul $2.5 million ahead of the auction.
This auction not only marks the end of an era for Paul and his prized possession but also opens a new chapter for collectors eager to own a piece of Pokémon history.