The Card Show Boom: Why Collecting is Outpacing the Brewery Boom

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has exploded back into mainstream culture, and in 2025, nothing is growing faster than Pokémon card shows, trade nights, and community meet-ups. What started as nostalgic collecting has turned into a global movement that rivals and in many ways outpaces cultural crazes like the Southern California brewery boom.

At cardsandcollectors.com, we’re diving into why this surge is happening, how creators like Deep Pocket Monster, Poke Rev and more are fueling the growth, and why Pokémon card events are shaping the future of the collectibles industry.

The Pokémon Card Renaissance

Pokémon card shows and meet-ups are experiencing record-breaking popularity, driven by a mix of:

• Nostalgia for the original ‘90s Pokémon TCG era
• Competitive gameplay that connects fans through tournaments
• High-value collectibles like graded cards, rare pulls and many more.

Across the U.S. and beyond, Pokémon trade nights and conventions are becoming hotspots for collectors. From Arizona to Florida, and even internationally in Tokyo and London, fans gather to trade, buy, and showcase their collections.

The numbers speak for themselves: the 2025 Pokémon World Championships in Honolulu drew over 15,000 attendees, proving the TCG community is stronger than ever.

Unlike traditional sports card shows, Pokémon events attract a younger, digitally savvy audience who grew up on the franchise and are now fueling a multi-billion-dollar market.

Pokémon vs. the Brewery Boom

The rise of Pokémon card shows mirrors the Southern California craft beer explosion of the past decade. Just like breweries such as Stone Brewing and Ballast Point transformed San Diego into a beer destination, Pokémon meet-ups are transforming local economies and social culture.

• Breweries became hubs for connection and community
• Pokémon card shows are doing the same—creating vibrant gathering spots at convention halls, shops, and local event spaces

But here’s the difference: the brewery boom was regional, while the Pokémon craze is global. With cards selling for five and six figures at auctions, the Pokémon market offers both emotional and financial value, far beyond what beer culture ever did.

Pokémon vs. the Brewery Boom

The rise of Pokémon card shows mirrors the Southern California craft beer explosion of the past decade. Just like breweries such as Stone Brewing and Ballast Point transformed San Diego into a beer destination, Pokémon meet-ups are transforming local economies and social culture.

• Breweries became hubs for connection and community
• Pokémon card shows are doing the same—creating vibrant gathering spots at convention halls, shops, and local event spaces

But here’s the difference: the brewery boom was regional, while the Pokémon craze is global. With cards selling for five and six figures at auctions, the Pokémon market offers both emotional and financial value, far beyond what beer culture ever did.

A Global Phenomenon with Local Roots

While the brewery boom stayed largely in Southern California, Pokémon card events have become international juggernauts.

In Southern California, major shows like the Front Row Card Show which recently debuted with two shows in San Diego and the West Coast Card Show are already making waves. On top of that, there are rumors that Fanatics could bring a massive event to the San Diego Convention Center, signaling just how big this movement is becoming.

But it’s not only about large-scale conventions. At cardsandcollectors.com, we’re building community through local meet-up nights that give fans and collectors a chance to connect, trade, and grow their collections in a friendly, welcoming environment. These meet-ups are just as important as the mega shows because they create consistent, grassroots energy that fuels the hobby from the ground up.

Globally, hubs in Tokyo, London, and beyond are seeing record attendance at shows, proving that this isn’t just a U.S. phenomenon. Thanks to social media and online communities, this growth isn’t slowing down it’s scaling worldwide.

How Content Creators Fuel the Craze

The Pokémon TCG boom wouldn’t be the same without the digital influence of Content Creators.

Deep Pocket Monster

Poke Rev

Coops Collection

Clovr Cards

Together, these creators have made Pokémon content a global spectator sport, turning live streams and YouTube videos into must-watch events. Their influence drives collectors to shows and inspires fans to chase the same cards they see pulled online inviting many to start their own collecting adventure.

What’s Next for Collectors?

For collectors, the timing couldn’t be better. Whether you’re chasing grail cards, networking with fellow fans, or looking for investment-worthy Pokémon, now is the moment to get involved.

At cardsandcollectors.com, we believe Pokémon card shows aren’t just a trend they’re the future of the collectibles industry. With nostalgia, competition, and community all fueling this movement, the Pokémon craze is positioned to last far longer than the brewery boom ever did.

👉 Stay tuned to cardsandcollectors.com for updates on the latest Pokémon card shows, trade nights, and collectible news. The card table is set, and the trading has only just begun.