Apply for Hobby Shop of the Year 2026
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.
Qualifying Criteria
To be considered for Hobby Shop of the Year, applicants must:
- Operate a physical retail location in the United States (including U.S. territories) or Canada.
- 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.
Check out our application tips before applying for Hobby Shop of the Year!
The winner and runner-ups 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 28, but please note that total votes are not the primary deciding factor.
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.
Prizes for Hobby Shop of the Year
The winner and two runner-ups will win a prize package and be invited to an award ceremony in Baltimore, MD, during the week of the GAMA Expo in April 2027. The winner will receive an upgraded prize package. Prizes include:
- Cash Prize: Earn a cash prize to put into local community programs.
- Roca Sifter (winner only): Win a Roca Sifter, with a 1-year service plan, to help you identify value faster, reduce manual effort, and take your business to the next level.
- 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.
- GAMA Expo Hotel Cost: We'll cover your hotel costs for two nights for the GAMA Expo in Baltimore, MD, where you'll be honored as one of the top hobby shops in the industry.
- Seller Stories Feature: Get featured in a Seller Stories 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 published on the TCGplayer Seller YouTube channel.
- 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 2.
Starting on November 28, 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 nominees will be invited to the GAMA Expo in Baltimore, MD, from April 25-29, where TCGplayer will honor them at our annual GAMA Seller Gathering.
After the award ceremony, we announce the winner and runner-ups for Hobby Shop of the Year to the entire TCG community.
The winner and two runner-ups will each win a prize package, with the winner receiving an upgraded package.
Pro Tip for Your Application
The most important part of your Hobby Shop of the Year application is your story. We've put together the following guide to help you tell us your story! We're not looking for professional writers or the biggest stores. We're looking for authentic stories that show how your hobby shop makes a positive impact on your community.
Your story should tell us
- Who you serve.
- What makes your community special.
- How your store creates meaningful experiences.
- Why the hobby matters to you.
- How you and/or your store embody the TCGplayer Core Values, Inspired by Passion and Community for All.
Instead of beginning your story with your business, start with the people who walk through your doors. Ask yourself:
- Who makes up your community?
- What kind of players, collectors, and hobbyists visit your store?
- What makes your community unique?
- What brings people back to your store?
Tell us about moments you're proud of. For example, you can share:
- A customer success story
- A memorable event
- A new player who became part of the community
- A challenge your community overcame together
- A time your store made someone feel welcome
Share how your store has made a difference, beyond your sales and profits. Don't just tell us what you do, tell us why it matters. Things you can include in your story are:
- Teaching a game to new players
- Hosting community-focused events
- Working with local charitable organizations
- Building community partnerships
- Designing inclusive and youth programming
- Creating a safe and welcoming space
Tell us why you love being a part of this community. Think about the following questions:
- What inspired you to open your store?
- What keeps you motivated?
- What do you love most about the hobby?
- What makes serving your community rewarding?
You don't need to be the biggest, oldest, or highest-selling store to be considered for Hobby Shop of the Year. We're looking for impact, passion, and community — not size.
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 (including U.S. territories) or Canada, 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?
The 2 runner-ups and the winner are chosen based on their story, community impact, and how they reflect TCGplayer Core Values — not on sales performance.
What should I include in my story?
Your story should tell us why your shop got started, what makes it special, and the impact you have on your local community. Check out the Pro Tip for Your Application section for more information.
What are the prizes?
The prizes include a cash prize, a Roca Sifter (winner only), a swag pack, custom 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 2, 2026.
When will I know if I'm a nominee for Hobby Shop of the Year?
We will reach out to you by late November 2026 if you are a Hobby Shop of the Year nominee.
What if I'm a nominee and I can't attend the award ceremony?
We will still announce the winner and runner-ups 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. Nominees are chosen based on their story, community impact, and how they reflect TCGplayer Core Values — not on sales performance. However, nominees 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 runner-up the previous year?
Prior Hobby Shop of the Year winners and runner-ups will have a waiting period before they can apply again:
- Winners: 3 years (i.e. if the shop was a 2025 winner, the shop can reapply in 2028)
- Runner-ups: 2 years (i.e. if the shop was a 2025 finalist, the shop can reapply in 2027)
Winners and runner-ups are awarded prizes in the following year (i.e. applying in 2027 and becoming a 2027 winner or runner-up means prizes will be awarded in 2028)