Logan Paul, a prominent figure known for his YouTube presence and entrepreneurial ventures, is drawing attention to the investment landscape surrounding Pokémon cards, not merely as rare collectibles, but as significant speculative assets. Paul recently featured his exceptionally rare PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card, which he purchased for a record-breaking $5.3 million in 2022, during an appearance on Fox Business's 'The Big Money Show'. He advocated for younger investors to explore beyond conventional stocks and consider alternative investments, including collectibles, trading cards, and various forms of memorabilia.
Paul, also a WWE wrestler, advised, 'If you have the means, don't shy away from taking calculated risks, particularly when you're young,' while displaying the card in a custom-designed, diamond-studded necklace valued at $75,000. This particular Pikachu Illustrator card is one of only a few dozen in existence globally, with Paul's copy being the sole one to achieve a perfect 10/10 grading from the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Although Paul has not disclosed his expected price for the card's public auction in February 2026, prediction markets like Polymarket indicate a high probability of it selling for over $4 million, with an 86% chance of surpassing $5 million, based on current trading data. Paul also highlighted the impressive performance of Pokémon as an asset class, stating it has 'outperformed the stock market by upwards of 3000% in the last 20 years.' However, he cautioned that investors should carefully consider where they allocate their funds or 'trade out of it' if they are unsure of the inherent value of these collectibles.
Paul's endorsement of alternative assets aligns with a broader investment trend among younger generations, who are increasingly diversifying their portfolios into collectibles, memorabilia, and other non-traditional assets. This shift is partly due to their perception of being priced out of traditional markets like real estate and mainstream stocks. Alternative investments encompass a wide range of assets, from cryptocurrencies to vintage cars and artwork. Yet, high-value items, such as rare trading cards or limited-edition art, are attractive targets for counterfeiters. Even seasoned appraisers can sometimes miss subtle signs of forgery, leading unsuspecting buyers to acquire items with no resale value. Paul himself experienced this, losing $3.5 million on counterfeit cards in January 2022, though he was later reimbursed.
The burgeoning interest in alternative investments, particularly rare collectibles like the Pikachu Illustrator card, signifies a shifting paradigm in wealth accumulation. It suggests that value can be found in unexpected places, challenging traditional notions of investment and opening new avenues for financial growth and diversification. This trend empowers individuals to leverage their passions and cultural understanding into tangible assets, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic investment landscape.