In a remarkable transaction, Logan Paul parted ways with his treasured Pokémon trading card, fetching an astonishing $16.49 million on Monday. This sale established a new Guinness World Record for the highest-priced trading card auctioned.
Following a nail-biting 42-day bidding war, Paul ceremoniously draped the multi-million-dollar Pikachu Illustrator card around the neck of its new owner, A.J. Scaramucci, a venture capitalist and son of Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House communications director.
“Oh my gosh, this is crazy,” Paul exclaimed as the transaction concluded.
In addition to the rare card, Paul included a diamond necklace and a custom case, both of which he showcased at WrestleMania 38 in 2022.
Originally purchased by Paul around five years ago for approximately $5.275 million, the pristine card from the late 1990s netted the 30-year-old YouTube sensation a profit of about $8 million.
His initial acquisition of the card also set a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card sold in a private transaction.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Sarah Casson was at the YouTube livestreamed auction for its closure on Monday and confirmed the price was the highest bid for any trading card sold at auction.
The holy grail card for collectors was designed by Atsuko Nishida for a 1998 contest and is one of only a few dozen believed to exist.
Paul’s card is in pristine condition and is likely to be the only one in circulation with a quality rating of 10.
The famed YouTuber turned professional wrestler bid his rare card a heartfelt farewell in an Instagram post before the final sale to Scaramucci.
“Goodbye, my friend. What a privilege itâs been to be the owner of the greatest collectible in the world,” Paul, who is known for making videos with his brother, Jake, said to his 26.8 million Instagram followers.
âFrom Guinness World Records to WWE debuts, Netflix to National News, this card and I have been on a generational run,” Paul added.
âThis 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, Iâm excited to go on my next Pokémon journey.”
With Post wires
