There is some serious money to be made in Pokémon card collecting. Recently former NFL star Blake Martinez quit the sport after selling an ultra rare Pokémon card for over $600k.
The former Las Vegas Raiders linebacker who was an avid card collector said he was stepping away from the game to 'focus on his family and passions'. His sale made the first edition Pikachu Illustrator card from 1999 the second most expensive card sold for a whopping $672,000 (£570,000).
READ MORE: NFL player Blake Martinez, 28, retires after selling Pokémon card for over $670,000
A statement, released on his Instagram said: "I’m announcing my retirement from the game of football! I had an amazing journey with some incredible franchises, and made lifelong friendships. I have chosen to step away from this career at this time to focus on my family and future passions! I am excited for this new journey and appreciate all the fans and organizations that have supported me throughout the years!"
From the infamous Pikachu Illustrator owned by Youtuber Logan Paul to the Pokémon card made to celebrate the CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara's 60th birthday, here are a list of the most expensive and rare Pokémon cards in the world below
1. Pikachu Illustrator - Sold for $5.275 million in July 2021
2. 1999 First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard #4 - Sold for $420,000 in March 2022
3. Pokémon Blastoise #009/165R Commissioned Presentation Galaxy Star Hologram - Sold for $360,000 in January 2021
4. Black Star Ishihara Signed GX Promo Card - Sold for $247,230 in April 2021
5. Kangaskhan-Holo #115 Family Event Trophy Card - Sold for $150,100 in October 2020
6. 2000 Pokémon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9 - Sold for $144,300 in May 2021
7. 2006 Pokémon World Championships Promo No. 2 Trainer - Sold for $110,100 in February 2021
8. 1999 Super Secret Battle No. 1 Trainer - Sold for $90,000 in July 2020
9. 1999 Pokémon Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind - Sold for $65,100 in October 2020
10. 1996 Pokémon Japanese Base Set No Rarity Symbol Holo Venusaur - Sold for $55,000 in November 2021
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