In a world where nostalgia meets modern obsession, 2025 has seen Pokémon cards soar to dizzying heights, leaving sports cards trailing in their Poké-dust. This year, the colorful cards depicting a myriad of fantastical creatures have solidified their dominance in the grading arena, marking a pivotal moment for collectors and investors alike.
The latest report by GemRate paints a vivid picture of the phenomenon: a whopping 97% of the top 100 cards submitted for grading at Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) belong to the beloved Pokémon franchise. Even broader trends show that trading card game (TCG) and non-sports cards have staked their claim on the grading market, making up 59% of all graded submissions across the four major authenticators for the first half of the year.
In a bold testament to Pokémon’s growing appeal, a staggering 7.2 million TCG and non-sports cards underwent the scrutinizing eyes of graders from January to June, a dramatic 70% increase from the previous year. In stark contrast, sports card submissions dwindled to 5.1 million—a noteworthy 9% decline.
Within this cardboard kingdom, certain cards have captured the collective imagination of fans and collectors. The Japanese Iono’s Wattrel Battle Partners Promo No. 232 has emerged as the most-graded single card, with over 45,600 copies vetted this year alone. Yet, in a world populated by cherished monsters, Pikachu reigns supreme. In 2025, over 345,000 incarnations of this small, yellow mouse-like creature have been graded, spearheaded by the “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat” card from a collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum. This particular piece of art has achieved nearly 84,000 graded copies, becoming the most-submitted Pokémon card ever at PSA. Despite or perhaps because of its saturation, a PSA 10 example of this Pikachu iteration has fetched prices upwards of $900, underscoring the mettle of this global icon.
While Pokémon thrives, sports cards find themselves in a surprising slump, with only three managing to breach PSA’s top 100 submissions. Among them are the 2024 Panini Prizm Jayden Daniels rookie, a 2024 Panini Instant Caitlin Clark WNBA Rookie of the Year card, and another from Jayden Daniels, this time from Donruss. Each card saw submissions ranging from 8,800 to 10,500, numbers that seem paltry next to Pokémon’s multitude.
June’s data drives the point further home, showing that TCG and non-sports cards made up 63% of grading submissions. PSA handled an impressive 911,000 cards in this category alone, outpacing the sports card frenzy, which clocked in at 743,000 across all key graders.
Riding this electrifying wave, CGC Cards has graded 2.18 million cards in 2025, drawing tantalizingly close to its entire output for 2024. Of these, more than 1.8 million were TCG or non-sports cards, a clear indicator of the shifting tides.
Meanwhile, Beckett finds itself slipping in the grading hierarchy, now ranking fourth. In 2025, Beckett has managed to process 366,000 cards, with approximately 214,000 falling into the Pokémon or TCG category, marking a stark contrast to its former dominance.
PSA’s remarkable rise this year can partly be attributed to a strategic alliance with GameStop. Since its inception last October, this collaboration has seen over 1 million cards submitted for grading, turbocharging the Pokémon surge.
Amidst this fervor, retail landscapes mirror the grading world’s metamorphosis. Shelves once brimming with Pokémon packs now sit empty, as demand reaches its zenith, spurred by unforgettable new releases that vanish as quickly as they appear. Widespread sellouts have become the norm, and fervent fans queue for a chance to snag the latest gems. Stores, bracing for the onslaught, have been forced to impose limitations on customer purchases, reminiscent of a coveted treasure hunt.
As 2025 unfolds, Pokémon cards have proven themselves not merely a passing fad but a cultural staple, captivating hearts and wallets alike. With no sign of diminishing fervor, the franchise continues to forge an indelible path, symbolizing a collectible cosmos that has transcended its humble beginnings. Whether driven by nostalgia, investment aspirations, or sheer delight, the Pokémon card phenomenon shows no sign of fading, promising a vibrant future for the enthusiasts who dare to catch ’em all.
