In a troubling trend, scalpers are once again making headlines, this time focusing on exclusive merchandise available at the highly anticipated 2025 Pokémon World Championships. As reported by Kotaku, listings have already begun to appear on eBay for various collectibles, including a special commemorative Pikachu plush, themed trading card game (TCG) playmats, card binders, and even a jukebox, all tied to the event taking place in Anaheim, California, this weekend.
Despite the venue enforcing a strict one-per-person rule for merchandise purchases, scalpers are still exploiting the situation, capitalizing on the merchandise's exclusivity at this event. Members of the Pokémon community have taken to social media to highlight their experiences at the World Championships, drawing attention to the resellers and online listings that are tarnishing the event's atmosphere.
One particular post that has sparked outrage among fans showcased scenes from the Pokémon Center pop-up at the event, where items like the 2025 Worlds Bearwalker and a Shiny Gyarados statue were being sold for exorbitant prices—$1,000 for the Bearwalker and $600 for the Shiny Gyarados statue. The seller requested payment up front via Zelle, PayPal Friends and Family, or Cash App, further highlighting the disturbing trend of scalping within the community.
Many fans express disappointment over this kind of behavior, which they believe undermines the integrity of the hobby and negatively impacts legitimate Pokémon fans and collectors. This issue echoes another recent incident involving McDonald's Japan, which had to retract its Pokémon TCG Happy Meal promotion within 24 hours due to similar scalping issues, including reports of one customer attempting to purchase 40 Happy Meals. The fast-food chain even issued a formal apology for the situation.
For those interested in attending or following the event, details about the schedule for the 2025 Pokémon World Championships can be found in our previous posts. It's essential for fans to remain vigilant and support fair practices in the community, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the event without the negative influence of scalpers.
