Scalpers Target Exclusive Pokemon Worlds Merch

Exclusive items are already being resold online as scalpers target the 2025 Pokemon World Championships merch.

Scalpers Target Exclusive Pokemon World Championships Merch

At the Pokemon World Championships in Anaheim this weekend, exclusive merchandise was released with a one-per-person rule. Reports from Kotaku note that eBay listings already appear for items including a commemorative Pikachu plush, themed TCG playmats, card binders, a special jukebox, and other event-only goods.

Several social posts describe high demand and resales, with buyers showing up early and listings pitched at premium prices. In some cases, crowds have pushed security limits, and there have been discussions about police involvement and crowd control at the venue. The episode mirrors a broader pattern seen in other promotions where scarcity drives secondary markets.

The situation also echoes a separate incident this week when McDonald’s Japan pulled its Pokemon TCG Happy Meal promotion after reports of bulk buying and scalping, prompting a formal apology from the brand. The episode underscores a wider challenge for fans who value authentic access to collectible items.

This episode highlights a clash between live event exclusivity and a growing online resale ecosystem. When items are scarce, a subset of buyers treats the moment as a profit opportunity, often at the expense of ordinary fans who saved up for drops. The result is heightened tension at merch counters and a public conversation about fairness.

Organizers face a difficult balance: maintain rarity to protect brand value while ensuring fans can actually obtain items. Potential paths include smarter distribution, delayed online releases, or on-site methods thathand out items equitably. Platforms hosting resale listings also bear responsibility to curb scalping while preserving legitimate secondary markets.

Highlights

Fair access should guide every future merch drop