Fortysomething Tiina owns 100,000 Pokémon cards: “If I sold all my cards, I could buy an apartment”
Finnish Tiina Torikka’s extensive Pokémon card collection is insured, as her entire fortune is tied up in it: “The best part of collecting is the sense of community and fairness.”
“I estimate I have about 100,000 Pokémon cards. They’re everywhere—about one hundred binders have filled up the bookcase, swap cards occupy the cupboard, and there are at least 100 kilograms (220 lbs) of the less valuable cards in the sauna.
I was 18 when Pokémon cards arrived in Finland. There was something a bit different about those cute and cool characters.
Even as a child, I was enamored with Japanese animation, though it was hardly shown on Finnish television. The Japanese style made Pokémon look especially captivating, too. Pikachu and Slowpoke quickly became my favorites. Soon, my ex and I decided to start collecting cards, and before long, we had acquired the first 151 cards that were released.
I have always been a neat freak, so sorting the cards into binders really suits my personality. It puts me in a flow state that brings me joy. Early on, I also played with Pokémon cards. In a two-player game, each person uses their deck to battle with Pokémon that have different attacks and abilities. The goal is to defeat your opponent’s Pokémon and collect six prize cards.
The joy of collecting is that it never feels like there’s an end in sight.
There were times when collecting fell by the wayside as my enthusiasm waned. In 2011, I moved from Helsinki to Kiuruvesi and needed a hobby. I dug out my binders and started organizing them. At the same time, I began buying new cards, and I’ve been doing it ever since.
I buy my cards from gaming stores, where they’re usually cheaper than in regular stores. You can also get the cards you want by buying or trading with other collectors, or through resellers online and in game shops.
About every three months, The Pokémon Company releases a new set—a batch of cards in varying rarities. The joy of collecting is that it never feels like it’s over.
By selling all my cards, I could buy my own apartment, which is why I’ve insured my collection.
Especially after the pandemic, the value of Pokémon cards skyrocketed. My most valuable card is a Gold Star Pikachu EX, which I bought for a couple hundred euros. It’s now worth 3,000 euros. By selling all my cards, I could buy my own apartment, which is why I’ve insured my collection. All my wealth is in these cards.
I’m currently unemployed, so I’ve started selling several valuable cards, some worth more than one hundred euros. Trading has also allowed me to expand my current collection, even though I can’t afford to buy new ones. I’m worried I may have to sell them all at some point, but I try to see them merely as possessions. If they were lost in a fire, at least no one’s life would be at risk.
Interest in the cards doesn’t depend on age. In France, I met a 60-year-old collector.
For me, when it comes to collecting cards, the most important things are community and fairness. I’ve traveled to events around the world to trade cards and meet like-minded people. Sometimes I’ve helped a new collector get going by offering them worn-out cards of a particular character to start their own collection.
Interest in the cards doesn’t depend on age. In France, I met a 60-year-old collector. I realized I’m not the oldest in the group, and that Pokémon spans multiple generations.
I help organize Pokémon game days at the Poromagia game shop. It makes me happy to share my knowledge and support others. These gatherings have become my passion, and I love seeing entire families get excited about them. I don’t have children of my own, but I’ve gained a Pokémon family.
