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Collector's $10 Million Pokémon Card Empire Earns Guinness World Record
🇮🇳 India /Culture & Society

Collector's $10 Million Pokémon Card Empire Earns Guinness World Record

From Times of India · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Gary Haase, known as "King Pokémon," holds the Guinness World Record for the most valuable Pokémon card collection, estimated at $10 million.
  • Haase began collecting in 1998, importing Japanese cards before they were available in the U.S., and his passion stems from a lifelong fascination with collecting.
  • The collection's value is attributed to the rarity, condition, grading, and popularity of cards, particularly vintage ones from early sets.

Gary Haase, a collector from Las Vegas, has amassed a Pokémon card collection valued at an estimated $10 million, earning him the Guinness World Record for the most valuable collection. Known as "King Pokémon," Haase's journey began in 1998 when he started importing Japanese Pokémon cards, even before the trading card game was officially released in the United States.

His passion for collecting predates Pokémon, stemming from a childhood fascination with gathering items like bottle caps and trading cards from popular television shows in the late 1960s. This early habit of completing sets laid the groundwork for his later dedication to Pokémon. Recognizing the potential of a new franchise, Haase began building his collection from its early stages.

I'm only rich because I know when I'm wrong... I basically have survived by recognizing my mistakes.

— George SorosSoros's philosophy on recognizing and acting on mistakes in investing.

The significant value of Haase's collection is not solely due to its size but also to the rarity and condition of the cards. Factors such as early set inclusions, promotional releases, unique misprints, and professional grading contribute to their worth. Highly sought-after Pokémon like Charizard, Pikachu, and Gengar also drive demand. Haase's collection, which fills three storage lockers across the U.S., continues to grow, with no plans to cease his lifelong pursuit.

To others, being wrong is a source of shame. To me, recognizing my mistakes is a source of pride.

— George SorosSoros's contrasting view on admitting errors compared to societal norms.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Times of India in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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