The Largest Pokémon Card Collection in the World
The world of Pokémon has captured the hearts of many, and two British brothers, Owen and Conner Gray, have taken their passion to the next level. The siblings have earned a Guinness World Record for their impressive collection of 48,339 different Pokémon cards, surpassing the previous record of 34,310 held by Benjamin DeGuire in 2023.
A Passion for Pokémon
Owen and Conner Gray, self-proclaimed Pokémon Trading Card game superfans, have dedicated themselves to building an unparalleled collection. Their slogan, "gotta catch ’em all," is more than just a phrase – it’s their mantra. "The slogan is ‘gotta catch ’em all’ and that’s what we’ve tried to do," Owen told Guinness World Records.
A Global Collection
The Gray brothers’ collection is a true marvel, featuring cards from multiple countries and languages. However, they do admit to having one notable exception – the Dutch language. "We have all of them bar the Dutch language. That became impossible for us to find," Conner said. "Anyone with any Dutch first edition, let us know," Owen added, hinting at the possibility of expansion to their collection.
Fortune and Flair
One of the brothers’ most remarkable finds came when they purchased bags of cards found in an attic. "There were probably about 3 to 4,000 cards just thrown into JD Sports bags and in that combination were two gold star Charizards, which today are worth anywhere between £5-25,000 [US$6,350-US$31,751] each," Owen said. "They weren’t in bad condition at all." This windfall has only fueled their passion for collecting, and they continue to seek out new additions to their collection.
A Word of Caution
Conner offers some tongue-in-cheek advice for aspiring Pokémon collectors: "Save your money." While it’s unclear whether his words of wisdom will lead to a surge in Pokémon card purchases, it’s clear that the Gray brothers have taken their own advice to heart.
A Tour of US Collector Shows
The brothers are now taking their impressive collection on a tour of US collector shows scheduled for the next year. Fans of the franchise will have the opportunity to see their collection up close and personal, and who knows – maybe even catch a glimpse of a rare card or two.
Conclusion
The Gray brothers’ record-breaking collection is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. For those who have ever dreamed of amassing an incredible collection, this story serves as a reminder to never give up. Will you be joining the Gray brothers on their tour, or will you be content with your own modest collection? Either way, the world of Pokémon is sure to continue captivating and inspiring fans for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the Gray brothers start their collection?
A: The Gray brothers began their collection by purchasing a few starter sets and gradually expanded their collection over time.
Q: What is the most valuable card in their collection?
A: The Gray brothers have two gold star Charizards, which are worth anywhere between £5-25,000 (US$6,350-US$31,751) each.
Q: How did they manage to find such rare cards?
A: The brothers have found rare cards through various means, including purchasing bags of cards found in an attic and trading with other collectors.
Q: What advice do they have for aspiring Pokémon collectors?
A: Conner offers some tongue-in-cheek advice: "Save your money."