Pokémon superfan gathers largest collection of memorabilia for favourite character Gengar
At age 32, Hong Kong office worker Hugo Tsang Cheuk-ti has turned a 22-year devotion to Pokémon's Gengar into a Guinness World Records title for the largest collection of Gengar memorabilia, amassing 1,200 unique items.
It all began with a childhood memory - a striking deep purple toy that sparked a lifelong passion.
“I was eight when I first saw Gengar. Among a batch of Pokémon figures my mom bought, there was this translucent, deep purple one that just grabbed me,” Hugo recalls.
“Later, playing Pokémon games, I found Gengar wasn't just strong - it was versatile, with that sly, adorable grin. Right then, I knew this little guy was my destined buddy.”
From that moment, Hugo snapped up every Gengar item he could find, from plush toys, cards and accessories to clothing, tableware and stationery - as long as it was official or licensed. His spending habits quietly revolved around this obsession.
To score better deals, he often enlisted friends to buy from Japan, where prices were lower. A gacha toy costing about HK$25 in Japan could be HK$40-50 in Hong Kong.
Looking back, Hugo's most cherished memory isn't snagging a rare blind box or an expensive collectible. It's a simple paper placemat from a Pokémon-themed restaurant.
During a “pilgrimage” with nine friends, everyone got a random placemat with their meal, but none featured Gengar. Spotting the coveted design at a nearby table, Hugo mustered the courage to ask for a swap. The stranger agreed, and he carefully preserved the placemat in a borrowed binder. “Some suggested I just buy it on auction sites, but I love the thrill and connection of trading. That's something cash can't buy.”
Such heartwarming moments dot Hugo's collecting journey. As a kid with limited funds, he traded with friends and classmates to grow his Gengar stash. Even after starting work and having more to spend, he didn't just buy everything outright.
Instead, he got savvier - posting on Facebook to organize group blind box buys, splitting them based on everyone's preferences. “I'll spend half an hour at the blind box counter, eyeing the gaps in the box, going by gut to pick Gengar. That rush? Irresistible.”
The toughest item to snag was a massive Gengar plush with a tongue that doubled as a floor mat - a Japan-exclusive with a tricky purchase process requiring a local phone reservation. Hugo leaned on a friend in Japan, but the first delivery attempt failed due to a wrong address. After multiple follow-ups, it finally arrived. “I wasn't just stoked - I was grateful. Friends really went all out for my hobby.”
Applying for the Guinness World Records title wasn't easy. The hardest part wasn't collecting but cataloging. Hugo had to number, photograph, and describe each item in detail.
“Some Gengars look nearly identical, so I had to write descriptions clear enough for someone to pick out the exact piece just by reading.” Compiling that list took several sleepless nights.
When he learned his application succeeded, Hugo felt a validation he'd never known before. It wasn't just about the collection, it was proof he hadn't “wasted his life” on a hobby.
He hopes others see collecting not as escapism but as a way of life, a sincere nod to childhood memories. “Collecting toys isn't just owning stuff. It's about the time you spend with them. Treat them well, or they'll get back at you - mold, tears, or getting lost.”
Looking ahead, Hugo aims to break his own record and chase missed opportunities, like a Gengar cap from New Era he regrets passing up. He's also started an Instagram account to share his Gengar-filled days, hoping to draw more fans to his purple pal.
“I didn't go for the record to be famous. I just want people to think of me when they see Gengar,” he says with a grin. “Where I am, Gengar's there too.”
