The upcoming Goldin Pokémon & TCG Auction, set to feature the legendary Logan Paul Pokémon card auction, is now commencing a full week ahead of schedule due to soaring international interest. Originally slated for January 12, 2026, Goldin has moved the debut up to January 5, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET, putting the spotlight on Logan Paul’s one-of-a-kind Pikachu Illustrator PSA 10 card—a centerpiece generating excitement throughout the global collector community.
Record-Setting Interest Drives Schedule Change
Goldin, the renowned auction house known for its headline-making sales of rare collectibles, responded to an “unbelievable amount of interest” by launching the landmark auction sooner than planned. The decision underscores the extraordinary appeal of the event and the magnitude of the items on offer, particularly the Pikachu Illustrator card consigned by Logan Paul, a high-profile entertainer, entrepreneur, and professional athlete. The auction seeks to highlight the creativity and influence behind trading card games while bringing some of the rarest Pokémon and TCG collectors’ items to market.
“This is the biggest Pokémon and trading card game auction ever held, and the unbelievable amount of interest we’ve already received led us to open early,”
said Ken Goldin, Founder and CEO of Goldin.
“Featuring Logan’s Pikachu Illustrator as the centerpiece draws major international interest and makes it a true landmark for the hobby. The entire lineup in this sale is incredible–from cards to artwork to video games–with some of the rarest and most valuable pieces in the world.”
— Ken Goldin, Founder and CEO of Goldin
The Pikachu Illustrator PSA 10: A Collectible Icon
Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator card stands as the only known PSA 10 example, making it a singular treasure in the Pokémon card world. This card appears in Season 3 of Netflix’s
“King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch”
and has gained worldwide recognition for its rarity and story. Crafted by Atsuko Nishida, Pikachu’s original illustrator, the card was awarded to winners of a 1998 illustration contest in Japan. Its unique pen symbol and distinct artwork set it apart from mainstream releases, and its status has only grown thanks to Paul’s public acquisition and unveiling at major events such as WrestleMania. The card’s incredible scarcity and prominence have turned it into a touchstone for both artistry and value within the hobby.
A Star’s Personal Touch for the Next Owner
“This is the most coveted card in the world,”
stated Logan Paul, adding,
“It was absolutely unforgettable when I received the card, and I’m going to create that same kind of memorable experience for the next owner: I will personally hand deliver the Pikachu Illustrator to the winner, share the whole backstory, and create a moment that will live with them forever.”
— Logan Paul, Entertainer, Entrepreneur, and Professional Athlete
This promise by Paul to hand-deliver the card highlights not only the card’s value but also elevates the sense of occasion for the winning collector, providing them a direct connection to the card’s public legacy and its famous owner.
Major Auction Highlights Across TCGs and Memorabilia
In addition to the Pikachu Illustrator, the auction features more than 300 individual lots spanning the breadth of trading card game history and pop culture collectibles. Notable among these is a 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Holo Charizard, remembered from one of Paul’s iconic breaks, and a factory-sealed 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Booster Box loaded with the potential for rare pulls like Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur.
Collectors will also find the signed and framed “Dawn” artwork by Ken Sugimori, key creative force behind original Pokémon designs, offered with memorabilia from Pokémon’s 10th Anniversary celebration in New York. Additional top-tier items include the 1997-98 Japanese 2nd Tournament Trophy Pikachu, personally autographed and sketched by Mitsuhiro Arita and featured on “King of Collectibles,” and the highly sought-after 2014 Pokémon World Championships Pikachu Trophy set. The collection also includes Magic: The Gathering gems, such as the iconic 1993 Beta Black Lotus and the 2025 Final Fantasy “Traveling Chocobo” Gold Serialized Card. Factory-sealed booster boxes and cases from Pokémon’s earliest print runs round out the impressive lineup.
The auction also features sealed Pokémon Red and Silver video game editions and the November 1999 TIME Magazine cover showcasing Charizard and Pikachu—a celebrated population rarity.
Key Dates and Expanded Auction Calendar
The live bidding for the Pokémon & TCG Auction begins on January 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET and closes on February 15, 2026, with extended bidding careening into the finale from 10:00 p.m. ET onwards on closing day.
Other major sales currently hosted by Goldin include the 2025 Shohei Ohtani Historic 3rd Home Run Baseball Auction (ending January 14), the 2026 Winter Hollywood Memorabilia Auction (concluding January 21), and the Winter John Terry Auction (open until January 28), which benefits the John Terry Foundation and celebrates the legacy of the notable footballer. Future Goldin events span the January Elite Auction (January 9), Winter Pop Culture Auction (January 16), and Winter Vintage Elite Auction (January 21), which showcases the recently uncovered 1909 T206 Honus Wagner “Shields Wagner” card—a piece kept in one family for over a century and now in the Netflix spotlight.
Goldin’s Reputation in the Collectibles World
Founded in 2012 by Ken Goldin, a central figure in trading card and memorabilia culture and the star of Netflix’s
“King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch,”
Goldin has established itself as a top-tier destination for high-value items. Now part of the eBay family, Goldin boasts more than $1 billion in total company sales, with Ken Goldin himself credited for moving upwards of $2 billion over his career. The auction house is frequently the stage for record-breaking sales and is trusted by both expert collectors and newcomers to the field. Goldin serves as the official auction partner for key organizations including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, and the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.
Significance and the Road Ahead for the Hobby
The early launch and heightened enthusiasm for the Logan Paul Pokémon card auction reflect a broader surge in interest for trading card game culture on a global scale, bridging generations of hobbyists and bringing new attention to both modern celebrities and historic artisans such as Atsuko Nishida and Ken Sugimori. Goldin’s efforts to spotlight diverse and iconic pieces—from the Pikachu Illustrator card to rare Magic: The Gathering releases, landmark video games, and pop culture memorabilia—underscore how collecting continues to evolve as both an investment and a cultural phenomenon.
As auction day approaches and extended bidding looms, all eyes in the collectibles world remain fixed on what is set to become the most watched TCG auction in history, with Logan Paul’s legendary card at its heart and numerous other rarities waiting to make an indelible mark on new collections. The event promises not only financial milestones but also unforgettable moments and legacies for the next generation of collectors.
