Celebrity NFTs: Who Owns the Most Expensive Assets?

Key Takeaways:

• High-profile stars used Celebrity NFTs like Bored Apes as digital status symbols to signal wealth and relevance.
• Investing in these assets carries extreme risks, including liquidity crunches and volatility where values can drop 90% overnight.
• Buying an NFT requires setting up a self-custodial wallet, purchasing Ethereum, and navigating a marketplace like OpenSea.

The rise of Celebrity NFTs changed the perception of digital art forever. Before 2021, collecting art was a hobby reserved for the quiet elite in auction houses like Sotheby’s. But when global superstars started changing their Twitter profile pictures to cartoon monkeys, the world paid attention.

In 2026, the dust has settled on the initial mania. We can now look back to see who bought the top and who is still holding. The list of owners reads like a "Who's Who" of the entertainment industry, proving that digital ownership is the ultimate modern flex.

Who Are the Biggest Holders?

Justin Bieber made headlines when he purchased a Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT for a staggering $1.3 million (500 ETH at the time). Critics mocked the purchase when prices dipped, but Bieber held on. His purchase cemented Celebrity NFTs as a legitimate asset class for the ultra-wealthy.

Eminem, the rap legend, famously bought a Bored Ape that looked exactly like him. He paid roughly $460,000 for the digital avatar. Snoop Dogg went even further, revealing himself as a prominent NFT whale with a wallet worth millions, collecting everything from CryptoPunks to generative art blocks.

What Are the Risks of Investing in NFTs?

While superstars can afford to lose millions, the average investor must understand the dangers. The biggest risk with Celebrity NFTs is liquidity. Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which you can sell instantly on an exchange, an NFT requires a specific buyer.

If the market crashes, buyers disappear. You might own an asset "worth" $100,000 on paper, but if nobody offers to buy it, it is effectively worthless. This is known as the "illiquidity trap."

Volatility is another major factor. The Justin Bieber example serves as a warning. The asset he bought for $1.3 million dropped in value to under $60,000 during the bear market. Digital art is speculative, and prices are driven entirely by hype and sentiment, which can vanish overnight.

How Do You Buy Celebrity NFTs?

If you understand the risks and still want to collect, the process is different from buying normal crypto. You cannot buy an NFT directly on most centralized exchanges.

First, you need to buy Ethereum (ETH). This is the currency used for most celebrity NFTs. You can purchase ETH on a regulated platform like BYDFi. Next, you must transfer that ETH to a self-custodial wallet like MetaMask or Phantom.

Finally, you connect that wallet to an NFT marketplace like OpenSea, Blur, or Magic Eden. Search for the collection (e.g., "Bored Ape Yacht Club"), find the specific asset you want, and click buy. Ensure you have enough ETH to cover the "gas fees" for the transaction.

Have the Values Recovered in 2026?

The market for Celebrity NFTs took a massive hit during the crypto winter. Many assets lost 90% of their floor value. However, the premium collections have shown resilience.

In 2026, we are seeing a shift from speculation to historical appreciation. The specific NFTs owned by celebrities have gained a "provenance premium." Just as a guitar owned by Jimi Hendrix is worth more than a standard guitar, a Bored Ape owned by Justin Bieber commands a higher price than a standard one.

Conclusion

Whether you view them as overpriced JPEGs or historical artifacts, Celebrity NFTs have undeniable cultural impact. They brought blockchain technology to the dinner tables of millions who had never heard of Ethereum.

You might not have $1 million for a Bored Ape, but you can trade the tokens that power these ecosystems. Register at BYDFi today to buy the Ethereum you need to start your digital art collection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Did Justin Bieber sell his NFT?
A: Public ledger data suggests he held the asset through the crash. While the dollar value dropped significantly, he retains ownership of the specific token.

Q: Can I get scammed buying NFTs?
A: Yes. A common scam involves fake collections that look identical to the real ones. Always check for the "verified" checkmark on the marketplace before buying.

Q: Do I own the copyright to my NFT?
A: It depends on the collection. Some Celebrity NFTs like Bored Apes give owners full commercial rights, while others only grant a license for personal use. Read the terms before buying.

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