The world of collectibles often throws unexpected curveballs, but none quite like the seismic shift we’re witnessing in 2025: trading card games (TCG) and non-sports cards, particularly Pokémon cards, are now outstripping their sports counterparts in the grading arena. Imagine the once-invincible sports card market, known for its dominance, being eclipsed by the playful yet profound world of Pikachu and friends.
The latest data from GemRate serves up a revealing snapshot of this trend, showcasing Pokémon’s formidable lead. An astonishing 97 out of the top 100 most-graded cards at PSA, a leading card grading company, belong to the Pokémon franchise. Diving deeper into the numbers, it’s clear that 59% of all card submissions to the top four grading companies in the first six months of the year were TCG and non-sports related. This marks an impressive 7.2 million cards graded, a 70% increase from the previous year. In stark contrast, sports card submissions fell to 5.1 million, a 9% drop.
Standing out in this flood of submissions is the Japanese Iono’s Wattrel Battle Partners Promo No. 232, with over 45,600 copies being sent in for grading. But if there’s a true star of the show, it’s undoubtedly Pikachu. The electric mouse, synonymous with the Pokémon brand, has seen over 345,000 graded cards in 2025 alone. One particular card, the “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat” from a collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, has become a sensation, achieving nearly 84,000 graded submissions—the highest ever for a Pokémon card at PSA. Despite this saturation, the card remains a hot commodity, with PSA 10 (gem mint) examples fetching upwards of $900.
As Pokémon reigns supreme, sports cards find themselves struggling for recognition in the top 100 most graded cards. Only three sports cards from 2024 managed to squeak in: two featuring Jayden Daniels—one a Panini Prizm rookie card and another from Donruss—and a Panini Instant card for Caitlin Clark, the WNBA Rookie of the Year. Each gathered between 8,800 and 10,500 submissions, a respectable figure but dwarfed in comparison to the Pokémon deluge.
The trend is not just a passing phenomenon but a consistent pattern, as June illustrated: 63% of submissions were TCG and non-sports, with PSA alone grading a staggering 911,000 in this category. This figure towers over the combined sports card submissions of 743,000 across all four major graders.
In particular, CGC Cards has been riding the Pokémon wave to great heights, processing 2.18 million cards in 2025—almost mirroring its entire 2024 output. Out of this, 1.8 million were of the TCG and non-sports variety. Conversely, Beckett, another titan in the field, has experienced a notable downturn, now trailing as the fourth-most active grader. It has graded 366,000 cards so far in 2025, with a predominant 214,000 being Pokémon or similarly themed cards.
PSA’s success is not only due to Pokémon’s innate appeal but also strategic partnerships, such as their collaboration with GameStop that commenced in October. This union has driven over a million grading submissions, further propelling Pokémon’s dominance.
This phenomenon reflects broader retail trends: the market is being swept by Pokémon fever. Retailers often face rapid sellouts, long lines reminiscent of yore, and even strict limits to curb the insatiable appetite of Pokémon fans. New releases vanish from shelves with alarming speed, cementing Pokémon’s unyielding grip on the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts.
It’s a dynamic and exciting time for Pokémon, a franchise that has captured imaginations since its inception. While digital evolutions in gaming and entertainment continue to captivate audiences, it’s the tangible allure of holding, collecting, and grading cards that proves to be an enduring love affair for fans.
As sports cards weather this unexpected storm, seeking ways to regain lost ground, Pokémon continues to delight and enchant, proving that sometimes, it’s the tales of friendship, adventure, and the art of the game that truly wins the day. Pokémon has proven once more that it is a force of nature—exciting, deeply rooted in pop culture, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious newbie, or a nostalgic enthusiast, the Pokémon card phenomenon is a vibrant tapestry in this era of collecting, inextricably linked with the fun of childhood and the thrill of competition.
