Trading Card Games (TCG) – organised events where players and collectors meet to compete, trade and purchase cards from popular game franchises – have developed into a commercially significant segment of the events industry. The global TCG market was valued at £6.3 billion in 2025, with analysts forecasting growth to £12.8 billion by 2035. Pandemic-era nostalgia, a loyal community base and engaging new franchises are cited as key drivers.

ExCeL London, which offers 125,000 square metres of event space, has established itself as a regular host for major TCG events. These include the Pokémon European International Championships (EUIC), the FAB World Premiere, Grand Archive, MTG Spotlight and the London Card Show.

Pokémon tournament grows 150% in three years

Ian Senior, Head of Consumer Exhibitions at ExCeL London, said: “We first hosted the Pokémon EUIC in 2023 and in just three years it’s grown 150% and now occupies more than half of Excel’s 125,000sqm total capacity. The ever-popular Pokémon Center has grown by some 200%, whilst this year’s event attracted record attendance and more than 1,400 players from the likes of Japan, America and across Europe.”

Overall, ExCeL’s TCG segment has grown by 330% since 2023. Including related formats such as MCM Comic Con, that figure reaches nearly 600%.

International reach as a venue advantage

Beyond the Pokémon tournament, ExCeL has recently hosted several notable premieres: the first major UK edition of Grand Archive, the largest-attended FAB World Premiere to date and the debut of MTG Spotlight. Earlier this year, the London Card Show attracted 24,000 visitors from 70 countries in its first outing at the venue, featuring rare collectibles including a 2019 Gold Kaboom Tom Brady card.

Senior added: “What we’re seeing is explosive growth in the TCG market complemented by London’s global appeal as a meeting destination. This is only the beginning too, with many more major events coming to Excel over the coming years, attracted by Excel’s world-class facilities, transport connectivity and ability to scale with their own growth.”

Investment and a record year

The growth in TCG events comes during what the venue describes as a record year for new business. In 2026, ExCeL is hosting ten major international association events. Following the completion of a 25,000-square-metre expansion, the venue has announced a further multi-million-pound investment programme.