Hong Kong Pilot Collects Rare Pokémon Cards, Accumulated Assets Worth 2 Million Dollars

Rare Pokémon cards have become a sought-after collectible for Millennials in buying and selling. Kenneth Ho, 36 years old, works as an airline pilot and has a hobby of collecting Pokémon cards. His collection is estimated to be worth between $1.5 million and $2 million in the market, bringing him substantial assets unexpectedly.

High market value and sales prices for rare cards can reach up to $30,000

According to Kenneth Ho, the value growth of Pokémon cards is closely related to their production cycle. The Pokémon Company typically releases new cards every two to three months, with specific series lasting about two to three years. Once discontinued, unopened original booster boxes often see their value rise. Additionally, the Pokémon collectibles market highly values rarity and item condition. Cards rated a perfect 10 by professional grading agencies are most sought after. Mr. Ho’s cards, such as the “Cloak Pikachu Charizard X” and “Mario Pikachu” promotional cards, recently sold for $27,000 and $34,200 respectively. If they include signatures from illustrators, their market value could even double. Rarity is the key driver of value, Mr. Ho explains.

Kenneth Ho has been into cards since the 1990s. Although he paused during his school years, he rediscovered his interest during the COVID-19 pandemic when staying at home. Since then, he regularly attends new card release events and purchases new Pokémon cards released every two to three months. He believes Pokémon cards will regain popularity in the Japanese market.

Despite the seemingly lucrative market for collectible cards, Kenneth Ho warns that turning interest into investment carries risks. Collectibles are alternative assets with low liquidity. If investors urgently need cash, these cards may be difficult to sell quickly at desirable prices. Market prices are also influenced by trends and may decline. Mr. Ho adopts a long-term perspective, viewing this as a five- to ten-year investment plan. He emphasizes that such assets should be considered with the mindset that funds may be locked in long-term, and short-term price fluctuations should not be seen as financial security.

Millennials Prefer Collecting Cards

Data shows that as of 2023, 68% of collectible buyers in the U.S. are Millennials. Additionally, according to ZipDo’s 2026 report, 35% of Generation Z purchased cards in the past year.

Thomas Ravert, Managing Director of Pathway Capital Corp, states that investing in collectibles should prioritize personal enjoyment rather than profit as an inevitability. He recommends that only when personal finances are solid, retirement savings are sufficient, and potential losses are manageable, should a small portion of funds be allocated to collectibles. Building collecting around the “enjoyment of the process” and viewing profits as an extra benefit can help avoid conflating personal preferences with disciplined investment strategies, thereby reducing financial risks.

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