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The No. 1 card in 2025 Topps Series 1 Baseball has officially been awarded to three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, cementing his status as one of the most dominant and collectible players in the game. Since 2016, Topps has allowed fans to vote for the player who leads off the set, and this year, Ohtani was the clear favorite.
This announcement follows the release of 2025 Topps Welcome to the Club: 3X MVP, a special edition set celebrating Ohtani’s elite status in baseball history. Fresh off the first-ever 50/50 season, Ohtani’s impact on both the game and the collecting world makes him a perfect fit to headline Topps Series 1.
This is Ohtani’s second time receiving the coveted No. 1 spot, previously leading off in 2022. Last year, the honor went to Ronald Acuña Jr., fresh off his unanimous 2023 NL MVP win, fueled by an incredible 41-home run, 73-stolen base season.
The Topps No. 1 card has a long tradition of featuring some of the greatest players in baseball history. Past honorees include:
Some of these legendary No. 1 cards have commanded major prices at auction. A PSA 10 1975 Topps Hank Aaron #1 sold for $32,400 in 2023, while a 1958 Ted Williams #1 (PSA 9) fetched $66,000 in December 2023. In February 2024, a 1953 Topps Jackie Robinson #1 (PSA 8.5) sold for $63,133, further proving the historical significance of the No. 1 card in the collecting world.
The tradition of the No. 1 card dates back to 1951, when Yogi Berra kicked things off—his card listing his full name as Larry (Yogi) Berra. Over the years, the honor has been reserved for baseball’s biggest stars, and Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 Topps Series 1 #1 card continues that legacy.
With Ohtani at the peak of his career and still making history, this Topps Series 1 release is set to be one of the most collectible in years.
