Celebrities, Sidemen and 10,000 Fans Pack Out London Card Show, August 2025

Europe’s biggest trading card event, the London Card Show, hit new heights this August with a sold-out weekend that saw more than 10,000 attendees descend on 1,000 vendor tables for three days of collecting, celebrity moments, and exclusive experiences. 

Among the biggest talking points was a surprise Sunday visit from two of the Sidemen – Simon Minter (miniminter) and Josh Zerka (zerkaa) – who were joined by Callum Airey (calfreezy) and long-time friend of the show, Randolph, a loyal supporter through Ace Grading. Together, they sent fans into a frenzy and lit up social media. Rizzle Kicks band member Harley Sylvester was also spotted in the crowd, alongside major influencers such as Jay Swingler and UFC featherweight fighter Nathaniel Wood (theprospectmma).  

Other standout highlights included Topps’ biggest and most interactive stand to date, featuring exclusive giveaways, live product launches, and even the official Premier League Trophy on Saturday. Fans also got a first look at the 2025/26 Premier League Trading Cards, with more autographs than ever before, while Sunday saw the Topps zone transform into a football playground with Subsoccer tables and challenges. 

The event also marked a major milestone for leading industry players. eBay debuted its mobile eBay Live studio for the first time at any event, broadcasting box breaks and connecting collectors with sellers in real time. Whatnot returned for its fourth year with its largest-ever LCS presence, hosting box breaks, auctions, and giveaways with top UK sellers and creators. Vault X also showcased its brand-new SV10.5 Binder range, with 9, 12, and 16-pocket designs on display. 

Celebrities and fan favourites added to the buzz throughout the weekend. Anime legend Lisa Ortiz delighted crowds with signings, panels and behind-the-scenes stories from her iconic roles in Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Sonic X. Football fans gathered to watch Robbie Lyle (AFTV) join Edition Collect for a live Whatnot break of Topps Finest UEFA 24–25, with radio and TV host Roman Kemp stopping by to celebrate the launch of Edition Collect’s Whatnot page. 

Families and younger collectors weren’t left out either, with Hector the Collector’s second birthday celebrations taking centre stage. A free scavenger hunt ran across the entire venue, keeping kids entertained while giving them the chance to win special prizes. The Kids Zone was busier than ever, packed with activities including Pokémon box breaks with PokiChloe and PokeDean, the Pokémon Trainer Challenge from Shelby on Safari and Professor Dan, plus a retro gaming zone, photobooth, and vlogger zone – creating a full line-up of fun for families to enjoy together. 

Founder Harry Reynolds said: “This was without doubt our most ambitious show yet. The atmosphere was incredible, from kids trading their first cards to seasoned collectors meeting their heroes. Every partner, guest, and fan helped make it unforgettable.” 

The London Card Show has once again set the benchmark for trading card events, blending celebrity moments, big brand activations, and unrivalled trading opportunities for fans of all ages. 

The next edition is already confirmed for 31st October – 2nd November 2025, and with August setting a new standard, excitement is higher than ever. 

For tickets and updates, visit www.londoncardshow.co.uk. 

Ends

Editors notes

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.