As the Pokémon trading card market continues to surge in popularity and price, one TikToker has triggered widespread backlash for taking things to a shocking extreme. Known online as Pokecentral, the creator filmed himself setting fire to a collection of rare Prismatic Evolutions cards worth an estimated $1,700—roughly 50 million VND.
In the controversial video, Pokecentral is seen clearing out an entire stock of Prismatic Evolutions booster boxes from a local store, only to torch them soon after. The destroyed cards could have included valuable pulls like Umbreon EX, which alone can fetch high resale prices depending on condition and rarity.
Unsurprisingly, the video has enraged Pokémon fans and collectors across platforms. Many viewers condemned the stunt as wasteful and disrespectful to the collecting culture. Some called it a desperate bid for online attention, while others expressed frustration over how difficult it’s already become to find certain packs due to hoarding and price gouging.
The incident also sheds light on a broader issue. In recent years, sets like Prismatic Evolutions have fueled a speculative frenzy in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) market. Retailers are struggling to keep items on shelves, and genuine players often find themselves priced out due to resellers and inflated demand.
Veteran collectors and industry voices argue that acts like this don’t just hurt feelings—they disrupt the already fragile balance of the market. Destroying rare cards may seem like a statement about overvaluation, but in practice, it diminishes the cultural and historical value these cards represent to the community.
Ultimately, the video has sparked more than outrage—it’s reopened discussions about the limits of viral content and the growing need to regulate what has become an increasingly chaotic market. Whether intentional or not, Pokecentral’s fiery stunt has become a burning example of how internet fame can come at a cultural cost.