Georgia Man’s Flamin’ Hot Cheeto Sells for $87,840—Because It Looks Like Pokémon!
A Georgia man sold a three-inch Flamin’ Hot Cheeto shaped like Pokémon for $87,840 at a Goldin auction—after going viral on Instagram. 🌐 #News #CantonGA #Georgia #Lifestyle
CANTON, GA — A Flamin’ Hot Cheeto resembling the Pokémon Charizard, dubbed “Cheetozard,” sold for an astonishing $87,840 at an auction held by Goldin. The three-inch-long snack, owned by a local man from Canton, Georgia, was mounted on a custom-designed Pokémon card and encased in a protective box for the sale. The online auction, which ran from February 10 to March 2, started with an opening bid of $250 and climbed to $72,000 plus fees after 60 bids.
From eBay Find to Viral Sensation
The Cheetozard’s journey began in 2019 when Paul Bartlett, owner of 1st and Goal Collectibles in Canton, Georgia, purchased it on eBay for $350.
Originally listed for $500, Bartlett’s acquisition marked the start of a remarkable 24,997 percent increase in value, culminating in the final auction price.
After sharing a photo of the Cheetozard on Instagram, Bartlett watched it gain widespread attention online, turning the quirky snack into a viral hit.
Crafting a Custom Case
Jordan Tkacsik, a friend of Bartlett, took on the task of designing and building a custom collectibles case for the fragile Cheetozard. Several companies had declined to encapsulate it, citing the risk of damaging the delicate snack during the process.
Tkacsik, determined to protect it, told the New York Times he felt compelled to create the case himself.
A Rocky Road to Sale
Bartlett initially attempted to sell the Cheetozard on eBay but grew wary of potential damage during shipping. When eBay refused to allow hand-delivery, a $10,000 deal fell apart.
Undeterred, Bartlett later sold the Cheetozard to Arena Club, an online trading cards marketplace, for $10,000 at Collect-A-Con.
Arena Club then included it as a mystery prize in a $250 pack of collectibles, paving the way for its eventual auction at Goldin. The seller at Goldin remains anonymous.
Cheetos and Collectibles Collide
The Cheetozard’s appeal spans both Pokémon and Cheetos enthusiasts. Charizard, the final evolution of Charmander, ranks among the most coveted characters in the Pokémon card market.
Dave Amerman, head of consignment at Goldin, noted that the auction house focuses on rare, unique items, making the Cheetozard a perfect fit for bridging these two passionate fandoms.
Tina Mahal, senior vice president of marketing at PepsiCo Foods US, said that Cheetos are intentionally crafted to vary in shape, encouraging fans to seek out unusual designs in every bag.
A History of Notable Cheetos
The Cheetozard isn’t the first Cheeto to make headlines. An Instagram account dedicated to spotting Cheetos resembling other objects has been active for over a decade.
In 2017, a Cheeto shaped like Harambe, the silverback gorilla killed by a zookeeper, fetched nearly $100,000 on eBay. In 2021, a self-described “meme artist” sealed a bag of Cheetos in a time capsule meant to last 10,000 years, further cementing the snack’s quirky cultural status.
The Cheetozard sale marks a striking moment in the world of oddball collectibles, blending nostalgia, craftsmanship, and a touch of snack-food whimsy into a record-breaking transaction. Ok, now I’m hungry for Cheetos.
RELATED TOPICS: Food | Georgia | Lifestyle | Weird News
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