Rare Pokemon trading card to be sold in London for up to £250k - 'Gotta catch 'em all'

A rare trading card won by one of the "greatest Pokémon players of all time" will be auctioned - for up to £250K.

The 'No.2 Trainer' card, featuring Pikachu, is a unique item from the world-famous Japanese franchise.

Owned currently by Pokémon 'Top Trainer' Tord Reklev, from Norway, the card will be sold at auction by Baldwins' Auctioneers on Saturday (October 21).

The auction has a top end estimate of up to £250,000 - which would make the card one of the most expensive of all time.

In 1998, an illistrated 'Pikachu Illustrator card' was sold for $6mn (£4.9mn) - the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.

In a world first, the card features Tord Reklev’s name emblazoned across the top of the slab describing the card.

It is accompanied by a much-coveted 10/10 grade, denoting its perfect condition.

PSA, the leading global TCG grading and authentication specialists, were approached by trading card experts at Baldwin's alongside Tord earlier this year to facilitate the sale.

Roy Raftrery, from Baldwin's TCG team, said: "It’s been an incredible experience to work with one of the world’s greatest players achieving recognition in this way.”

Tord's journey in Pokémon TCG has spanned 17 years, accumulating trophies in virtually every competition he could enter.

His innovative deck choices and analytical approach to the game have made him a respected international figure within the Pokémon TCG community, and he has also contributed valuable content to help others improve their gameplay.

To further this cause, he is also offering four lucky fans to meet him in battle at Baldwin’s Auction House in Central London, the day before the auction.

Tord said: “I have loved working with the Baldwin’s TCG team, I have known Tom for 10 years and both he and Roy made this experience with PSA extremely easy.

"I’m really looking forward to meeting up with them and the fans.”

You can find out more at www.thestrand.com