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The London Card Show made history this past weekend (9–11 May) with its first-ever three-day event and it did not disappoint. Thousands of collectors, fans and families from across the globe, including visitors from as far afield as Japan and Miami, descended on the venue for a high-energy celebration of trading cards, pop culture and hobby innovation.
The event welcomed global icons from the Pokémon universe, with Veronica Taylor, the original voice of Ash Ketchum, and Jason Paige, the legendary singer of the Pokémon theme tune, drawing huge crowds. Paige brought nostalgia to life with a live performance of the theme song on Saturday, while both stars joined a Sunday main stage Q&A that delighted longtime fans.
A standout moment of the weekend was a visit from football legend Jermain Defoe, who took to the main stage to share career highlights, answer fan questions, and sign memorabilia, a memorable moment for sports fans in attendance.
A major competitive highlight of the weekend was the official Yu-Gi-Oh! Qualifier Regional tournament, held in partnership with industry stalwart the Brotherhood Games, which drew top players from across the UK.
Industry leading card grading expert PSA were a major presence at the show taking on site submissions to be graded in the US and they wrapped up Saturday with the ever-popular PSA Trading Night where collectors struck deals, networked, and showcased prized cards late into the evening.
More excitement followed with an insightful Sports Creator Panel featuring the UK’s own OfficialGBW, alongside MojoSports, Rothcards and KingoftheKards, who flew in from the US. The panel gave fans an expert look at the latest trends and insights shaping the sports trading card industry. Pokémon fan favourites PokiChloe and PokeDean also drew a massive crowd with a live-streamed box break, thrilling audiences with major pulls and high-energy moments.
The show featured some of the most valuable cards and collectibles ever displayed at a UK event. Goldin Auctions consigned a complete set of Pokemon Skyridge cards all graded a perfect 10 (the highest possible card grade) that combined are worth approximately $100,000*!
More rare consignments included complete Topps Disney Chrome Black and White Speckle Set, all 200 cards, worth approximately $80,000, a Messi 1 of 1 Superfractor card and one of the first ever Harry Potter film posters signed by Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint prior to the release of the first film.
Elsewhere at the show a Jayden Daniels Emergent Prizm trading card, valued at £50,000, was on sale at MojoSports cards table drawing collectors and investors alike.
Across all three days, the venue buzzed with epic pack breaks, rare card finds, and the presence of major industry players. Notably, VeeFriends made their UK debut at the show following their first ever Topps Chrome release, and Fanatics Live took the stage with a high-energy giveaway that had the crowd on their feet.
With collectors, creators and brands from across the globe, the May 2025 London Card Show proved the hobby is stronger than ever. The show's expansion to three days was a resounding success – setting the bar for what’s to come.
For more information about upcoming events, visit www.londoncardshow.co.uk.
*may sell for different price at auction.
Ends
Founded in 2021, the London Card Show was set up with a singular mission: to bring card collectors of all types under one roof. What initially began as a gathering of 10 tables and 40 attendees has since blossomed into a spectacular weekend-long event, attracting over 4,000 enthusiasts from across the globe. Their journey has been ignited by the passion of fans, having recently been crowned the UK’s Card Show of the Year!
About Harry Reynolds, Founder & CEO of the London Card Show
Harry Reynolds, a natural-born entrepreneur, embarked on his journey at a young age, continually seeking innovative ways to seize opportunities and bridge market gaps. His passion for trading cards began during university, where he turned a £10 investment into an impressive £10,000 after discovering the value of cards. Harry's YouTube live streams and TikTok presence catapulted him into the UK card community, where he gained recognition for his unique trading card mystery box breaks. With unwavering determination, he pioneered the London Card Show, and saw it evolve from a small gathering to Europe's largest card event. Harry's dedication has led to global recognition, and he remains committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive card community for enthusiasts of all backgrounds.
About Katie Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at the London Card Show
Katie Hughes, driven by a passion for creativity ignited during her school years, found her true calling in the world of marketing. After a marketing degree at university and six rewarding years within Hard Rock Cafe's marketing department, she embarked on a remarkable journey with the London Card Show. Initially unsure of what to expect from the card industry, she quickly fell in love with it. Her marketing strategy thrived on ingenuity, emphasising community engagement over traditional methods and achieving an exceptional 7% engagement rate, far surpassing industry standards. Her dedication and vision were instrumental in propelling the London Card Show to unprecedented success, doubling attendance and vendor tables within a year. Her dedication to her role, her family's support, and her commitment to the event's success have made her an indispensable asset to the London Card Show's remarkable transformation.