In the whimsical yet competitive world of card collecting, an unexpected twist in the tale has unfolded in 2025. Pokémon cards, with their vibrant art and nostalgic charm, have officially trounced traditional sports cards in terms of grading submissions, making an indelible impression on collectors and graders alike.
According to recent revelations from GemRate, an authority in the grading world, Pokémon cards now account for a staggering 97 out of the top 100 most-graded cards at PSA, the powerhouse among third-party grading companies. This dominance highlights a seismic shift in the realm of collectible cards, with non-sports and trading card game (TCG) submissions comprising 59% of all graded pieces across four major authenticators during the year's first half.
Between January and June alone, a jaw-dropping 7.2 million TCG and non-sports cards were meticulously examined and graded—a 70% surge compared to the previous year. Sport card aficionados, on the other hand, might need a comforting pat on the back, since their cherished items saw a dip, with submissions totaling a comparatively modest 5.1 million, reflecting a 9% decline.
Stealing the spotlight this year is the coveted Japanese Iono’s Wattrel Battle Partners Promo No. 232, with over 45,600 copies eagerly submitted for grading. Nevertheless, the face of the franchise, or perhaps the cheeks, is still Pikachu’s, electrifying the scene with over 345,000 graded examples within 2025 alone. A standout card, "Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat," from its notable collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, has enthralled collectors, with nearly 84,000 graded copies making it the most-submitted Pokémon card ever at PSA. Peak condition examples of this masterpiece have fetched thrilling prices, with PSA 10 graded versions selling for over $900, clearly showing that the demand for Pikachu is, indeed, charged.
Meanwhile, in sports, only three cards crawled into PSA’s top 100 rankings: the 2024 Panini Prizm Jayden Daniels rookie, the 2024 Panini Instant Caitlin Clark WNBA ROY card, and another entry from Jayden Daniels courtesy of Donruss. Despite their impressive athlete roots, each saw between 8,800 and 10,500 submissions, a far cry from what the Pokémon universe is experiencing.
June's breakdown further cements this narrative, as TCG and non-sports cards accounted for a robust 63% of submissions. PSA itself summoned its mystical tally to nearly 911,000 submissions in this category, effortlessly outmaneuvering the combined sports card count of 743,000 from all four key grading establishments.
CGC Cards has found itself riding this magical Pokémon surge, grading 2.18 million cards so far in 2025, nearly matching its 2024 output. Out of which, over 1.8 million belonged to the fascinating world of TCGs and non-sports categories, staking CGC’s claim in this entertaining expedition.
In contrast, the journey for Beckett has hit a bumpy trail, with its operations significantly trailing at the fourth rank among the major graders. From the 366,000 cards scrutinized under its banner this year, approximately 214,000 were found to be enchanted by Pokémon or related TCG mystique.
PSA’s meteoric rise correlates with its ongoing alliance with GameStop. This mutually beneficial liaison, which took flight in October, has ignited a boon of more than 1 million grading submissions, a collaboration that's palpably powering the ongoing boom.
On the retail battleground, Pokémon's charm has led to a state of bustling frenzy and fervor—sellouts are as common as Magikarp, but infinitely more thrilling. Lines coil like Ekans around corners, and restrictions abound as enthusiasts vie for the newest releases, adding cards to their collections, as if trying to capture the rarest, most legendary in the card ecosystem.
With the buzzing interest showing no signs of subsiding, it's safe to say Pokémon’s hold over this hobby world is solidified, perhaps bolstered by nostalgia and strategic collaborations. The landscape of card collecting in 2025 has evolved, painting a colorful portrait where fictional creatures wield as much influence and allure as their human sports equivalents. Who would have thought that trading cards of an electric yellow mouse and its ilk could rival the towering heroes of sport? But behold, here we are!
As collectors revel in this newfound playground, eagerly flipping through stacks for the next psi-blasting Alakazam or a fire-breathing Charizard, the world watches in gleeful anticipation. What a time to be a card collector indeed!
Pokemon Cards Dominate Grading
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