NEW YORK CITY, New York: Wrestling and social media star Logan Paul has set a new world record for the auction price of a trading card, which was sold for a staggering US$16.5 million.

Paul owned a very rare Pikachu "Illustrator" Pokémon card, which collectors call a "Holy Grail."

The card sold for $16.5 million at Goldin Auctions after 41 days of bidding. Paul had originally bought it in 2021 for $5.275 million, which at that time was a Guinness World Record for a Pokémon card. He later put the card in a special case with a diamond necklace and even wore it during WrestleMania 38 in 2022.

A Guinness official, Sarah Casson, was present when the auction ended. The event was streamed live on YouTube. She confirmed that the price was not only a record for a Pokémon card, but for any trading card ever sold at auction. Paul reacted with surprise and excitement. He then placed the card around the neck of the winning bidder, A.J. Scaramucci, who is the son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.

The Pikachu Illustrator card was first created in 1998 by artist Atsuko Nishida for a drawing contest. Only a small number of these cards exist, and Paul's is the only one to receive a perfect grade of 10, making it even more valuable. The sale was a big moment not just for Paul but also for the trading card market, as it increased interest and investment in collectible cards.

However, some people criticized the sale. They argue that spending such large amounts of money on what are essentially children's playing cards is wrong and takes away the fun of the hobby, turning it into a symbol of wealth and exclusivity.

Others disagree. They point out that this card was never sold in stores and was extremely limited — only 39 were made as contest prizes. They also say the value comes not just from the card itself, but from the fact that it was specifically Logan Paul's Pikachu Illustrator card.