Collecting Pokemon cards appeals to people of all backgrounds and ages. However, those aiming to acquire the most elusive and costly cards might face unexpected rivalry. Simon Cowell, widely recognized as a former judge on American Idol and the creator of America`s Got Talent, was recently observed investing nearly $3,000 in a single Pokemon card. He even posed for a photo with the individual who sold him the card.
The seller, from Onfire Trading Cards, shared a picture with Cowell on Instagram, mentioning it was taken at the London Trading Card show. Reports suggest Cowell paid approximately $2,700 for a Rayquaza VMAX Alt Art card that had received a PSA 10 grade, indicating its top condition.
Furthermore, the seller commented that Cowell appeared to be acquiring a variety of other rare Pokemon cards while attending the event.
With the recent surge in the Pokemon franchise`s popularity, there have been instances of illicit activities associated with the cards, including reports of organized crime groups using them for money laundering. In one case in May, a man in the United Kingdom was apprehended with stolen Pokemon cards valued at over $300,000. The significant value placed on collectibles is also highlighted by unusual items, such as a Cheeto shaped like Charizard, which reportedly sold for $72,000 earlier this year.
In broader news for the franchise, The Pokemon Company recently revealed that Pokemon video games have collectively sold nearly 500 million copies since their initial launch in 1996. Separately, Niantic, the company behind the successful mobile game Pokemon Go, sold its games division to the Saudi Arabian firm Scopely in a substantial $3.5 billion transaction. Despite this change in ownership, the Niantic team involved with the game has indicated that they anticipate minimal impact on operations under the new management.