OT: Will the National be Pokemon free?

[Brian Van Horn]

Just curious.

[ClementeFanOh]

Brian-

With only 1 exception, Pokemon has been available at every sports(!) card
show I've attended in 2025. At one particular show- 300ish tables- the
number keep increasing. I'd be astonished if Pokemon is absent in Chicago.

Trent King

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

You're kidding, right?

[Brian Van Horn]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

You're kidding, right?

So, the possibility of 90 degrees outside, no air conditioning inside and Pokemon to boot. LOL! Hiccup.

[ClementeFanOh]

Brian- make no mistake, I'm not a Pokemon fan. It's growing like mad though.

Trent King

[RayW]

Will be plenty of Pokémon, Wembanyama, and Cooper Flagg cards. Judge and Ohtani fans will have a field day. Personally never understood the allure of Funkos. To each their own.

Will be skipping 90% of the booths. For the cost of my flight and accommodation, could get a nice T205 card. Not looking for anything specific, so mostly impulse buying.🥳. And hopefully meet some forum members.

[BioCRN]

Do a quick search of EBay "Panini Minecraft" and especially the sold sorted by highest price.

...then check out a few YouTube videos of "Pokemon Costco" to see some of the recent scalper hordes similar to what we saw at Target/Walmart with sports cards shortly before and during the pandemic.

Non-sports is having a moment right now, a very strong money-hungry moment.

[Exhibitman]

MODERN non-sport is having a moment. Vintage is chugging along too but the crazy FOMOs are in modern.

[Directly]

I was buying and selling Pokémon packs back in 1996.( heard those packs, today in the $400.00 range, we had a 1st Edition Charizard, sold for 200.00, today worth in the 40,000 range ) recently bought a couple Prismatic SPC at Target for 99.00, have several local offers to buy at 200.00, the product seems just as collectable, with more collectors every second--is this just a fad like beanie babies, or like the 2020 sports card craze, time will tell. Many tables could have $1,000 Pokemon cards graded PSA 10 and Products for sale. Few months ago I sold out of Prismatic at a show--both local sports card shops now offering Pokemon. Guess well see

[theshowandme]

0% chance

I helped a friend secure this in 2024 Cleveland

[jayshum]

I'm guessing the Pokémon collectors don't care if there are vintage card dealers at The National so why should vintage card collectors care if there are Pokémon dealers?

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by Brian Van Horn

Just curious.

Dude -- what planet are you on? With as many tables and vendors at the NSCC there is ZERO percent chance there will be none. In addition, if the promoters try to say you can't bring those in, I guarantee you there will be lawsuits a plenty. That would constitute a restraint of trade and then they would argue (and in my opinion, correctly so) that if they can't bring in those cards then other vendors could not bring in other non-sports cards Old and New.

I do know of several promoters who are running 2-day shows with Saturday being Sports Card heavy and Sunday being TCG heavy and promoted that way.

If you want a TCG free show, check out the promoters who do things the way I noted and go only to the Sports Card day. I will say my little 20 table show had almost no TCG cards on the dealer tables but I ended up with some kids trading those amongst themselves in a little trade area we ended up creating.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Dude -- what planet are you on? With as many tables and vendors at the NSCC there is ZERO percent chance there will be none. In addition, if the promoters try to say you can't bring those in, I guarantee you there will be lawsuits a plenty. That would constitute a restraint of trade and then they would argue (and in my opinion, correctly so) that if they can't bring in those cards then other vendors could not bring in other non-sports cards Old and New.

I do know of several promoters who are running 2-day shows with Saturday being Sports Card heavy and Sunday being TCG heavy and promoted that way.

If you want a TCG free show, check out the promoters who do things the way I noted and go only to the Sports Card say. I will say my little 20 table show had almost no TCG cards on the dealer tables but I ended up with some kids trading those amongst themselves in a little trade area we ended up creating.

While there will certainly be pokemon at the National (there always is), there is absolutely no possible cause of action for a private show excluding a particular type of card.

[Rich Klein]

Maybe but could you imagine the bad publicity in and out of the hobby if they try to ban those cards. And there will be suits a plenty. And all you need is one judge to agree with that.

[JollyElm]

Fixed it for you:
OT: Will the National be 100% Pokemon?

[notfast]

It hasn’t been pokemon free for 30 years.

[Jewish-collector]

Nowadays, all shows have an increasing number of Pokemon dealers.

[BobbyStrawberry]

If you want any Pokemons, you're gonna have to pay for them!

[Eric72]

I still have a sealed box of Base Set Pokemon. Not 1st Edition, but it is the first set. Event though it's the printing with a blue winged Charizard on the box, it's still rather tough to find these days.

I was running a card shop about 25 years ago. I had a WotC account and got product direct from them. I decided to stash a box back then, just in case. If I was going to the National this year, I would probably bring it along. Since I'm not, I will likely bring it to the next Philly Show. With all the Poke-maniacs (and breakers, YouTube micro-celebrities, etc.) running around, demand is pretty strong.

I thought about opening it back when boxes were only $1,000 or so. At this point, though, it seems insane to rip packs of Base Set.

[jingram058]

My daughter has ALL of her 1990s Pokemon cards, and she has kept them MINT all these years. I guess she's sitting on a gold mine. Sigh...

[JollyElm]

At a show recently, this 'old' guy kept referring to the cards as the 'Pokey stuff,' and it still makes me laugh.

[ALBB]

Also hear sometimes - PokeyMan

[sacentaur]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

At a show recently, this 'old' guy kept referring to the cards as the 'Pokey stuff,' and it still makes me laugh.

Pokey

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by Eric72

I still have a sealed box of Base Set Pokemon. Not 1st Edition, but it is the first set. Event though it's the printing with a blue winged Charizard on the box, it's still rather tough to find these days.

I was running a card shop about 25 years ago. I had a WotC account and got product direct from them. I decided to stash a box back then, just in case. If I was going to the National this year, I would probably bring it along. Since I'm not, I will likely bring it to the next Philly Show. With all the Poke-maniacs (and breakers, YouTube micro-celebrities, etc.) running around, demand is pretty strong.

I thought about opening it back when boxes were only $1,000 or so. At this point, though, it seems insane to rip packs of Base Set.

Nice box! We got $24k for one a couple years back, not sure if it's back up to its pandemic highs.

[taul166]

If there is a chance to make money, there will be Pokemon cards.

[BobbyVCP]

I have been trying to 5 years to get a space at the National for VCP and I dont get even an email or anything from the management group...

Guess they have enough vendors and lines of TCG people waiting

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by BobbyVCP

I have been trying to 5 years to get a space at the National for VCP and I dont get even an email or anything from the management group...

Guess they have enough vendors and lines of TCG people waiting

Bobby:

I'll wager with your service the NSCC people would want you in the corporate area. And I wonder if that's why you are not getting a response.

Rich

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by ALBB

Also hear sometimes - PokeyMan

I've been hearing that pronunciation for years. For some inexplicable reason, it truly irks me.

On another note, here's something about which not many others would care:

There's an acute accent diacritical mark over the letter "e" in Pokémon. The accent is on the second syllable.

Nearly everyone I've heard pronounces the word with the accent on the first syllable.

No matter how one pronounces that e with the little accent mark, this sound should get center stage.

po-KAY-mon

po-KEE-mon

po-KUH-mon

[Eric72]

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by BobbyVCP

I have been trying to 5 years to get a space at the National for VCP and I dont get even an email or anything from the management group...

Guess they have enough vendors and lines of TCG people waiting

Do you actually submit your intent paperwork? That's the only way to get on the official waiting list. 5 years ago is when I finally got in. I got a little lucky I was at Chicago for my first lottery as a 0 priority and the next show was AC where a lot of regulars didn't want to go so I actually got picked. I was on the waiting list each of the next couple years and this year, as a priority 4, was the first year I wasn't wait listed even though I had a priority number. I actually got to pick a booth for the first time since that first year. So I know the wait list is long, and it has a lot of guys with priority numbers 1 - 3 on it who will always get preference over a zero.

[GoCubsGo32]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

If you want any Pokemons, you're gonna have to pay for them!

Haha

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

At a show recently, this 'old' guy kept referring to the cards as the 'Pokey stuff,' and it still makes me laugh.

It's the same old story. Whatever kids love but adults deride as junk so ends up being pitched in large numbers ends up highly prized as the kids "mature" and start looking back at the treasures of their formative years. The same thing has happened to My Little Pony; junk 35 years ago but a treasure today.

If though something is an "instant collectible", it's hoarded at issue and stays worthless.

[Exhibitman]

Originally Posted by Eric72

po-KAY-mon

po-KEE-mon

po-KUH-mon

I believe the literal translation is "shiny shit".

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Maybe but could you imagine the bad publicity in and out of the hobby if they try to ban those cards. And there will be suits a plenty. And all you need is one judge to agree with that.

I know we live in a litigous society, but that is simply not how it works. There would be zero problems with a sports card show restricitng dealers to only sports cards. A dealer wants to purchase a table at the show, they have to accept the terms of the show. Simple as that. There is literally no cause of action, and no viable threat of one.

And frankly, I'm not sure what bad publicity you think would come from a sports card show being only sports cards. Who's going to be mad? Pokemon collectors? So what? That doesn't hurt a sports card show.

[parkplace33]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

I know we live in a litigous society, but that is simply not how it works. There would be zero problems with a sports card show restricitng dealers to only sports cards. A dealer wants to purchase a table at the show, they have to accept the terms of the show. Simple as that. There is literally no cause of action, and no viable threat of one.

And frankly, I'm not sure what bad publicity you think would come from a sports card show being only sports cards. Who's going to be mad? Pokemon collectors? So what? That doesn't hurt a sports card show.

Card collectors are card collectors. And Pokemon is big money right now. Why restrict?

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by parkplace33

Card collectors are card collectors. And Pokemon is big money right now. Why restrict?

I never said they should restrict. I was just challenging the assertion that they couldn't, or that a law suit would follow if they did. Of course they CAN put any restrictions on dealers they want (as long as they aren't illegal restrictions). That doesn't necessarily mean they should. And the few pokemon tables at the national in the past haven't taken away from the sports card experience I've had in the slightest. So I don't personally think such a restriction is necessary.

[packs]

Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna do
Cause there ain't no cure for the Pokemon blues

[Rich Klein]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

I never said they should restrict. I was just challenging the assertion that they couldn't, or that a law suit would follow if they did. Of course they CAN put any restrictions on dealers they want (as long as they aren't illegal restrictions). That doesn't necessarily mean they should. And the few pokemon tables at the national in the past haven't taken away from the sports card experience I've had in the slightest. So I don't personally think such a restriction is necessary.

BTW there have been times at previous NSCC's where things such as a Beanie Baby Pavillion was in existence. Now, a Pokemon/TCG pavillion right now would not be a bad thing. In fact, maybe that would be a good usage for those extra upstairs tables

Rocj

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by jayshum

I'm guessing the Pokémon collectors don't care if there are vintage card dealers at The National so why should vintage card collectors care if there are Pokémon dealers?

Precisely.

[OhioLawyerF5]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

BTW there have been times at previous NSCC's where things such as a Beanie Baby Pavillion was in existence. Now, a Pokemon/TCG pavillion right now would not be a bad thing. In fact, maybe that would be a good usage for those extra upstairs tables

Rocj

Agreed. (of course that wasn't my point, but I agree).

[steve B]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

At a show recently, this 'old' guy kept referring to the cards as the 'Pokey stuff,' and it still makes me laugh.

Way back I asked my cousins kid which one was the slowest. That way i knew which one I had the best chance of catching.

Boy did he get mad.....

[steve B]

Originally Posted by OhioLawyerF5

I know we live in a litigous society, but that is simply not how it works. There would be zero problems with a sports card show restricitng dealers to only sports cards. A dealer wants to purchase a table at the show, they have to accept the terms of the show. Simple as that. There is literally no cause of action, and no viable threat of one.

And frankly, I'm not sure what bad publicity you think would come from a sports card show being only sports cards. Who's going to be mad? Pokemon collectors? So what? That doesn't hurt a sports card show.

Many shows did similar restrictions back in the day. Many banned cards like the "benchwarmers" sets.
And of course most banned unlicensed cards.

Some dealers complained, some threatened, but I don't remember any of that getting anywhere.

[imdaman1964]

Pokemon is taking over the collecting world for good or bad
It's what kids relate to now

I have set up at sports card shows and as a test I show a Babe Ruth card to a young kid and asked them to identify him. NO CLUE.

But CHARIZARD? Of course!

Although I am not a follower I will say Pikachu will never go on the DL or get caught in scandal

[Golfcollector]

Originally Posted by Eric72

I still have a sealed box of Base Set Pokemon. Not 1st Edition, but it is the first set. Event though it's the printing with a blue winged Charizard on the box, it's still rather tough to find these days.

I was running a card shop about 25 years ago. I had a WotC account and got product direct from them. I decided to stash a box back then, just in case. If I was going to the National this year, I would probably bring it along. Since I'm not, I will likely bring it to the next Philly Show. With all the Poke-maniacs (and breakers, YouTube micro-celebrities, etc.) running around, demand is pretty strong.

I thought about opening it back when boxes were only $1,000 or so. At this point, though, it seems insane to rip packs of Base Set.

I can Echo this post myself.
I stashed away a sealed box of 1st edition Team Rocket many years ago for my son...who is now in college.

Selling it now would put a nice dent in the Purdue Engineering tuition for the year.

I may tote it along to Rosemont but not sure who may be there buying unopened Pokemon

[JollyElm]

518. Pokémonstrosity
The disappointment of walking into a baseball card show to find that 95% of the tables are hawking nothing but modern day items and non-sport cards.

See also: Pika-ching! - a quite valuable Pokémon card.

See also: Yenolds Rap - happily belting out the beats after you’ve ripped a pack and acquired a very pricey foil parallel card.

[Directly]

Originally Posted by Golfcollector

I can Echo this post myself.
I stashed away a sealed box of 1st edition Team Rocket many years ago for my son...who is now in college.

Selling it now would put a nice dent in the Purdue Engineering tuition for the year.

I may tote it along to Rosemont but not sure who may be there buying unopened Pokémon

nice investment, was told Team Rocket Box valued in the $17,000 ++ dollar range? Should be a few serious buyers around--good luck! ( Just released Destined Rivals ETB could be a good 5 year hold)

[samosa4u]

When I walk around the Toronto Expo, most guys I see selling vintage are old. Once they retire from the show biz, it will be 99.999% modern - Yu-gi Oh, Pokemon, rainbow refractors, autographed game-used jockstrap cards, etc.

R.I.P. vintage

[JollyElm]

Originally Posted by samosa4u

When I walk around the Toronto Expo, most guys I see selling vintage are old. Once they retire from the show biz, it will be 99.999% modern - Yu-gi Oh, Pokemon, rainbow refractors, autographed game-used jockstrap cards, etc.

R.I.P. vintage

Wait, only 99.999%?? Why is your estimate so low?

[whiteymet]

I know it's not possible but it sure would be great if the National could be broken up in three area groups for dealers.

vintage only

Mix of Vintage/ Shiny stuff/Pokemon

All in with shiny/Pokemon

It sure would save the back and knees of this old guy not having to walk the entire floor looking for the "good stuff" !!

[rand1com]

As long as dealers choose their spots by priority, that will not happen. All dealers picking early look for the best spaces based on location. Many modern dealers have high priorities and choose the best spots along with the long time vintage dealers.