Pokémon Cards Are Trending Again – Even Celebrities Are Obsessed

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Interest in Pokémon trading cards is booming among celebrities and collectors, fueled by both the potential for profit and fond memories of the past. With the franchise celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, what started as a hobby in Japan in 1996 has become a worldwide, competitive collecting craze.

The English version of the game was first released in North America in 1999 and quickly became very popular, and it remains so today. As the world of Pokémon grew, the trading card game expanded with it, releasing special, limited-edition sets that are now worth a lot of money.

Today, rare trading cards are incredibly valuable, often selling for huge sums – sometimes hundreds of thousands of pounds. This trend was recently highlighted when Logan Paul bought a Pikachu Illustrator card for a record-breaking $16.5 million, showing just how much money people are now spending on these collectibles.

Social media has been key to the recent popularity of collecting, especially with the rise of “unboxing” videos where people share the excitement of opening rare finds. More and more celebrities are joining in, showing off their own collections and expensive purchases to their many followers.

Kim Kardashian recently sparked attention when she was looking at a Pokémon card worth $100,000 as a potential gift for her son, Saint. However, she ended up choosing a different card – a BGS 10 Hidden Fates Shiny Charizard – for $1,300.

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A post shared by Jon & Isa – PokeHoops (@pokehoops)

Justin Bieber recently shared a video showing off his impressive Pokémon card collection, revealing his long-time love for the hobby. The video featured a complete, framed set of cards from the very first generation, plus many other valuable, professionally graded cards.

Logan Paul is a leading name in celebrity trading card collecting. He first gained attention in 2021 when he purchased a perfect-condition Pikachu card for $5.275 million. Recently, he sold a different card for over $16 million, setting a new Guinness World Record for the highest price ever paid for a trading card at auction.

DJ Steve Aoki is a dedicated card collector who often participates in the hobby by opening packs and searching for valuable cards. He recently teamed up with the Kardashians to guide them through the world of collecting high-end cards.

Jordin Sparks recently revealed on TikTok that she’s been a fan of the series her whole life, with Charizard being her all-time favorite Pokémon. She still has her original collection from when she was a kid and continues to play the classic games on her Nintendo DS.

@jordinsparksofficial

Favorite Pokémon? CHARIZARD. I’m a fire starter, always. 🔥

♬ original sound – Jordin Sparks

Rapper Soulja Boy recently sparked online discussion after he was filmed buying a Japanese Alakazam Pokémon card at a large convention in Miami. He’s well-known for collecting rare Pokémon cards – often showing off his ‘pack rips’ – and frequently says he’s one of the first musicians to get into the hobby.

Many of today’s trading card stars are also busy with successful careers in music and movies. For example, Justin Bieber is said to be both recording a new album and enjoying life as a father.

Kim Kardashian will star in a new legal drama called All’s Fair. The series will also feature Naomi Watts and Teyana Taylor as part of the main cast, marking another acting role for Kardashian.

Pokémon continues to be incredibly popular, with new video games reportedly in the works for Nintendo’s next consoles. The trading card game is still a major source of income, consistently ranking among the best-selling toy brands worldwide.

As anniversary events keep the excitement going, both collectors and fans are closely monitoring auction results, which are showing increased demand. These once-familiar toys and collectibles have now become a major investment opportunity, representing a significant asset for this decade.

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2026-03-19 16:45