Wow! Think you’ve got a large collection of Pokémon stuff? Think again! Here’s Lisa Courtney – she has been recognised by the Guinness World Records as having the largest collection of Pokémon memorabilia in the world!

21 year old Lisa Courtney from Hertfordshire, UK, is celebrating being awarded the Guinness World Record for having the largest collection of Pokémon memorabilia.  Lisa owns 12,113 different items which she has been collecting for over 13 years.

Lisa’s favourite item is a doll of the Pokémon Absol that she won on eBay. Her collection includes items from the UK, USA, France, and of course Japan. She has made several trips to Japan for the specific purpose of collecting Pokémon merchandise, each time sending between 8-12 boxes full back to the UK.

Guinness World Records 2010 Gamer’s Edition, packed full of gaming records, reviews, trivia, and features is out from 21 January!

Interview with Lisa Courtney

On her collection…
LC: “My family have been incredibly supportive considering the collection takes up the whole house, including my mother’s room!”

On her love for Pokémon…
LC: “I love the diversity of Pokémon. There’s such a wide range of different characters. There’s one for everyone.”

On how Pokémon helped her get through a difficult stage on her life…
LC: “I was bullied at school. When I was upset I could just switch on a Pokémon game and it would take me away from everything. I’m now far happier in my life, but still, if I get upset, I can look at my Pokémon collection and it lifts me.

On how it feels to be a Guinness World Record holder…
LC:  “To have your passion recognised by Guinness World Records is an indescribably good feeling”

On any items that she really wants to add to her collection…
LC: “The one item I really want is the life size Tyranitar plush toy. It was released in Pokémon centers in Japan and New York.  Unfortunately these centres don’t ship to Europe, and because of the size of the plush toy eBay sellers are unwilling to ship it.”