PSA to arrive in the UK for the first time at the London Card Show!

Europe’s largest card trading show, the London Card Show, is set to return on the 11th and 12th of May at Sandown Park Racecourse for a show-stopping event that you won’t want to miss! Immerse yourself in what has become one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the world and meet people from the vibrant card-collecting community at the London Card Show where you can buy, sell, trade, and - for the first time in the UK - the industry-leading grading and authentication service, PSA, are offering drop-off services at the show (cards only). Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, there’ll be something for everyone at the London Card Show’s 12th event.

PSA has long been recognised as the gold standard in trading card, autograph, and memorabilia authentication and grading services, with a reputation built on accuracy, consistency, and expertise. By offering take-home services (cards only) at the London Card Show, PSA aims to provide collectors with unprecedented access to its renowned services, enhancing the trading card collecting experience in the UK. 

Though PSA’s roots lie within the sports cards world, the company grades cards from all genres, whether that’s sports trading cards or TCG (trading card game) cards including Pokémon, Yu Gi Oh, and many more! In addition to broadening its card grading categories, PSA has also expanded its services to authenticate autographs and memorabilia, particularly within the sports memorabilia market, solidifying its presence within the grading and authentication services community. "As we continue to make PSA's authentication & grading services accessible to collectors around the world, we are excited to be on the ground and accepting grading submissions at the London Card Show," says PSA President Ryan Hoge. "It's always fascinating to travel the world not just to see what collectors are into, but to see just how much the hobby continues to grow globally. PSA takes pride in being an integral part of that journey for collectors of all levels and interests."

Their presence at the show marks an exciting new addition for card traders, collectors, and enthusiasts alike, demonstrating just how far the London Card Show has come. 

“We are extremely excited to welcome PSA to the show as it’s the first time anything has been done like this in the UK. They are great friends of the show and have been long-time sponsors so it’s fantastic for them to have a physical presence at this show. It’s an amazing opportunity for collectors to skip a BIG step in the grading process and leave their submissions in PSA’s safe hands”, says The London Card Show’s founder, Harry Reynolds.

PSA's grading has had a significant impact on the trading card and collectables market and community. High grades from PSA often command premium prices, particularly at grades 9 and 10, as collectors and investors place a premium on items with pristine condition and authenticity. The last show saw a handful of rare Pokémon cards, such as a 2017 Shauna Full Art Premium Trainer card, graded at a PSA 10, making it worth just under £10,000, and an extremely rare Blastoise card from an original 1999 base set pack which, if graded a PSA 10, would be worth between £1,500-£2,500. PSA-graded cards and memorabilia have become highly sought-after by collectors, contributing to the growth and development of the hobby. 

Along with the presence of PSA, the London Card Show is pleased to announce several exciting new additions, including main-stage headliners John Barnes MBE and Emile Heskey. The ex-England footballers and Premier League legends will be doing signings and a live audience Q&A. There is also an exciting new Retro Gaming Zone, along with win-a-box tournaments hosted by Brotherhood Games, with games including Lorcana, Pokémon, and One Piece TCGs.

Contact londoncardshow@plus1comms.com or amber@plus1comms.com if you’d like to set up an interview with a representative from PSA, or the London Card Show’s organisers, Harry and Katie, who will be available for on-site interviews at the May show upon request.

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Editors notes

Welcome to the London Card Show - The Ultimate Event for Card Enthusiasts!

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. Our journey has been ignited by your passion, and we are honoured to be recently crowned the UK’s Card Show of the Year - a true testament to the incredible card community!

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.