Scalpers have once again cast a shadow over the Pokémon World Championships, this time targeting rare event-only merchandise that has drawn collectors and fans from around the world.
Despite “one-item-per-person” limits set by organizers, coveted items such as commemorative Pikachu plush toys, themed TCG playmats, card binders, backpacks, and even a special event jukebox have already appeared for resale—often at several times their original value. Reports from attendees described listings for a limited statue at $1,000 and a shiny Gyarados figure for $600, sparking outrage across the fan community. Many have called for lifetime bans on those caught reselling.
The merchandise pop-up was described as chaotic, with lines stretching throughout the venue and scenes compared to Black Friday sales. Some attendees reported being pushed to the ground, while police were called in to manage the crowd. Others said scalpers worked in groups to bypass purchase limits, using friends or multiple accounts to buy large quantities and resell them on the spot for inflated prices.
Scalping has long plagued major Pokémon events, from card game releases to in-store merchandise launches. Past efforts to curb the practice included removing packaging from trading card products to discourage resale, but these measures have had mixed success.
The ongoing issue has left many fans frustrated and disappointed, questioning whether event organizers can ever truly eliminate scalping. Suggestions from the community include identity-verified purchases, linking exclusive items to event tickets, and stronger on-site security to protect genuine fans.
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