In our Collector Feature series, we highlight collectors of all kinds and share the stories, passion and advice that have shaped their collections.
For more from Carter and his collection, follow @cbork on Rare Candy!
Fast Facts
Name: Carter Borkholder
Age: 20
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Collects: Pokémon TCG
Crown Jewels: Brilliant Stars rainbow Charizard [PSA 9], Battle Styles alt-art Tyranitar V [PSA 10], Lost Origin alt-art Giratina V [PSA 9], Premium Collection promo Jolteon [PSA 10] and Flareon [PSA 10], Crown Zenith Mewtwo Vstar [PSA 10], Roaring Skies M Rayquaza ex [PSA 9], Lost Origin Pikachu Vmax [PSA 10], Paldea Evolved Magikarp [PSA 9], sealed base set booster pack
Currently Seeking: Astral Radiance alt-art Machamp, Diamond & Pearl Infernape LV.X
"The three main things I do are go to school, watch sports and open Pokémon packs," Carter Borkholder begins, laughing. As a sports management student at the University of Michigan, his passion for Pokémon provides a welcome escape from his studies, while also fostering deep connections. And at just 20 years old, he’s already amassed an impressive Pokémon TCG collection built on the thrill of the pull.
The Journey Begins
Carter's first memories of Pokémon date back to his childhood, when at the age of five he would pore over a Sinnoh handbook that he'd been given as a gift, fascinated by the vast world of all the different Pokémon. "I just remember always looking at that book as a kid," he recalls. "That was my first real introduction to Pokémon."
While he didn't dive into the video games or anime at the time, that early exposure left a lasting impression. "It just fascinated me how there were so many different Pokémon," Carter says. "It was unlike anything else I was into as a kid."
It wasn't until 2011 or so, however, that a chance encounter reignited his passion and led him to discover the TCG. After spotting some Pokémon cards at Burger King, he started to feel that old excitement bubbling back up. "That got me back into it a little bit," he says. Though looking back, there may be some things he'd do differently. "It's horrible. I remember I had them pinned up on my bulletin board, so they’re full of holes now, unfortunately."
Then, two years ago, Carter and his childhood friend Corey dove headfirst into card collecting in a big way. "I was at his house, and on YouTube some Pokémon videos were recommended," he shares. "I remembered how much I was fascinated by Pokémon as a kid, and we ended up going to the store and buying some packs — and I've never stopped since."
Chimchar, I Choose You!
For Carter, one Pokémon has always held a special place in his heart ever since he first encountered it on the cover of that old Sinnoh guidebook: the chimp Pokémon Chimchar.
"Because it was basically a fire monkey, as a kid it was just so cool,” he shares, explaining that his love extends to Monferno and Infernape through the evolution line. And that early fascination with the fiery primate Pokémon has endured over the years into Carter's collecting.
"When I got back into it, Brilliant Stars was the newest set out, and that featured the Sinnoh starters," he shares. "So I just went for it trying to pull the Chimchars."
The Thrill of the Pull
For Carter, the thrill of the hunt is what keeps him coming back. "I usually don’t buy individuals cards much because I like to pull them out of the packs themselves," he explains. And looking back, Carter has had some incredibly lucky pulls.
"One of my first pulls ever was was Rainbow Charizard from Brilliant Stars," he shares. "I didn't even realize how good of a card that was. It was probably within a week or two of my starting to open Pokémon packs at all."
His next major hit was the famous alt-art sleeping Tyranitar V (which came back at PSA 10!) from Battle Styles, followed by what he describes as his most emotional pull to-date.
"I would normally open these packs with my friend Corey back where I grew up," Carter explains, setting the scene. "I bought a mystery box and there was a random Lost Origin pack thrown in." Inside, he discovered the alt art Giratina V. "It was completely unreal," he shares. "It got graded at PSA 9, so that's definitely one of my crown jewels. I've been very lucky."
Fast-forward to one particularly wild week in 2023 when he managed to pull six major cards in quick succession: M Rayquaza ex from Roaring Skies [PSA 9], Gyrados ex from Breakpoint [PSA 8], Charizard and reverse-holo Charizard from Evolutions [PSA 8 and PSA 7], Japanese Origin Forme Palkia Vstar from Vstar Universe [PSA 10] and Japanese Miriam [PSA 9]. Phew!
On the flip side, Carter has had his fair share of chases that have come up empty, like repeatedly trying to pull the alt art Machamp card from Astral Radiance. "I've pretty much given up on that one," he admits. "I just never could get it."
"I've also tried to pull the Infernape LV.X from Diamond & Pearl multiple times," he shares. "Obviously the pull rates are very difficult, but that's definitely one of my most sought-after pulls."
An Appreciation for Vibrant Art
Aside from the rush that comes from getting great results from a pull, it’s also a way for Carter to enjoy the variety of cards that you get in a pack. "I just love seeing the different kinds of art. I love how some cards are more complex and colorful," he shares, "but then others can still look fantastic and be super simplistic."
Personally, Carter has a love for both trainer gallery and Galarian gallery cards. "Over the last couple years, I feel like they've put more and more effort into making them look insane. I especially like ones that are vibrant," he explains.
"The Jolteon Vmax promo card with the lightning in the background is one of my favorite cards," Carter shares. "The colors are just unreal."
Collecting Beyond Pokémon
While Pokémon remains Carter's primary collecting focus, he's also dabbled in comic and basketball cards. "I've been trying to get into collecting basketball cards because I study sports management," he shares. "I tried opening up basketball packs, but it definitely doesn't feel the same."
And that special something, for Carter, is the sense of community and nostalgia that the game evokes: "It's about the memories, you know? Just being as a excited as I was a little kid mixed with now opening packs when I come home from college for a weekend with Corey — it’s the feeling of happiness."
Advice for Collectors
While the thrill of pulling a rare, valuable card is undeniable, Carter acknowledges that it can feel especially challenging when luck doesn't feel like it’s on your side. "If you're not getting any pulls from packs, it can feel daunting if you think about how much money you might be spending," he shares, "so definitely focus on enjoying it and being happy more than chasing monetary value."
"It doesn't matter who you are or what you do in life" Carter reflects. "There are so many different kinds of people who collect cards — and I think that's what makes Pokémon collecting the most special."
