Apply for Hobby Shop of the Year 2025
Hobby Shop of the Year recognizes and rewards the local game stores that have gone above and beyond to support both their local community and the TCG industry. These hobby shops are more than just places to buy and sell: they play a pivotal role in creating a community of collectors, players, and enthusiasts. TCGplayer is proud to partner with these small businesses and celebrate them every day.
By applying for Hobby Shop of the Year, you have the opportunity to be featured at large in the TCG community, with the chance to win a prize package that helps boost your business and celebrate your success.
Sales on the TCGplayer Marketplace are not considered in the selection process, but a seller must have a sale on the Marketplace in the last 90 days to be considered.
Qualifying Criteria
To be considered for Hobby Shop of the Year, applicants must:
- Operate a physical retail location in the United States.
- Made a sale on the Marketplace in the last 90 days.
- Be a TCGplayer seller in good standing.
- Show a meaningful impact on the community — either locally or in the larger TCG world.
- Display TCGplayer Core Values: Inspired by Passion and Community for All.
Please note, there is a limit of one application per hobby shop. Multiple submissions for the same hobby shop will be disregarded. Additionally, only owners/employees associated with a store are eligible to apply -- applications submitted by customers on behalf of a store will not be considered.
By applying for Hobby Shop of the Year, you are agreeing to be featured on TCGplayer's website and in marketing materials.
Apply Now
How We Select Hobby Shop of the Year
Finalists and winner are chosen based on their story, community impact, and how they reflect TCGplayer Core Values — not on sales performance.
Here's what we consider:
How the hobby shop supports both its local community and the broader TCG community.
We look for hobby shops that embody TCGplayer Core Values, especially Inspired by Passion and Community for All.
Voting opens on November 29, but please note that total votes are not the primary deciding factor.
Prizes for Hobby Shop of the Year
The winner and two finalists will win a prize package and be invited to an award ceremony in Louisville, KY during the week of the GAMA Expo in March 2026. The winner will receive an upgraded prize package. Prizes include:
- Waived Marketplace Fees: Enjoy partially waived fees on the TCGplayer Marketplace for a limited time.
- Exclusive Swag Pack: Receive branded TCGplayer Hobby Shop of the Year merchandise to celebrate your shop.
- Custom Store Banner: Show off your achievement with a dual-branded Hobby Shop of the Year banner to proudly display in-store.
- 1:1 Seller Growth Sessions: Get personalized seller growth consultations from experts to help your business succeed.
- Store Credit for Your Customers: Receive store credit from TCGplayer to offer to your loyal customers, keeping them coming back for more.
- Sponsored Game Night: Host an unforgettable, TCGplayer-sponsored game night at your shop, creating a fun and engaging experience for your community with custom dual-branded swag.
- Hobby Shop of the Year Award Trophy: Be recognized with a trophy that represents your dedication to the TCG world and your customers.
- Award Ceremony Hotel Cost: We'll cover your hotel costs for two nights for the award ceremony in Louisville, KY, where you'll be honored as one of the top hobby shops in the industry.
- Seller Stories Feature: Get featured in a Seller Stores article, an in-depth piece highlighting your hobby shop and story. It will be published on our Seller Blog and shared across the entire buyer and seller community. The winner will also have a dedicated Seller Stories video.
- Early Access to Test New Products: You'll get early access to beta test new products that help shape the future of TCGplayer seller offerings.
How Hobby Shop of the Year Works
Submit your application before November 14.
Starting on November 29, the community will have the chance to vote for their favorite hobby shop.
Note: Votes are taken into consideration but not the primary deciding factor.
When community voting closes on December 31, TCGplayer begins vetting all applications based on the qualifying criteria.
Three finalists will be invited to the GAMA Expo in Louisville, KY, from March 1-5, where TCGplayer will honor them at our annual GAMA Seller Gathering.
After the award ceremony, we announce the winner and finalists for Hobby Shop of the Year to the entire TCG community.
The winner and two finalists will each win a prize package, with the winner receiving an upgraded package.
Hobby Shop of the Year FAQ
What is Hobby Shop of the Year?
Hobby Shop of the Year is a program by TCGplayer designed to celebrate and recognize local game stores that play a crucial role in the trading card game community. This initiative aims to honor shops that go above and beyond in supporting their customers and fostering a vibrant community of collectors, players, and enthusiasts.
How do I qualify?
To qualify for Hobby Shop of the Year, you must: operate a physical retail location in the United States, made a sale on the TCGplayer Marketplace in the last 90 days, be a TCGplayer seller in good standing, show a meaningful impact on the community, and display TCGplayer Core Values.
How do I win?
Finalists and the winner are chosen based on their story, community impact, and how they reflect TCGplayer Core Values — not on sales performance.
What are the prizes?
The prizes include waived Marketplace fees, a swag pack, customer store banner, 1:1 seller growth sessions, store credit for your customers, a sponsored game night, trophy, GAMA Expo hotel room, an in-depth article about your hobby shop, and early access to beta test new products.
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications are open until November 14, 2025.
When will I know if I'm a finalist?
We will reach out to you by February 2026 if you are a Hobby Shop of the Year finalist.
What if I'm a finalist and I can't attend the award ceremony?
We will still announce the winner and finalists at the award ceremony, regardless if you are able to attend. If you are unable to attend, you will receive the trophy mailed to you, and we will work with you after the ceremony on your remaining prizes.
If I receive the most votes, will I win Hobby Shop of the Year?
No. Votes are taken into consideration, but are not the primary deciding factor.
Does it matter how many sales I have on TCGplayer?
No. Finalists and the winner are chosen based on their story, community impact, and how they reflect TCGplayer Core Values — not on sales performance. However, finalists must have a sale on the Marketplace in the last 90 days from the application close date to qualify.
Can I apply if I was a winner or finalist the previous year?
Prior Hobby Shop of the Year winners and finalists will have a waiting period before they can apply again:
- Winners: 3 years (i.e. if the shop was a 2024 winner, the shop can reapply in 2027)
- Finalists: 2 years (i.e. if the shop was a 2024 finalist, the shop can reapply in 2026)
Winners and finalists are awarded prizes in the following year (i.e. applying in 2026 and becoming a 2026 winner or finalist means prizes will be awarded in 2027)