ExCeL London says its trading card game market has grown 330 percent since 2023, driven by rising attendance and larger events tied to Pokémon, FAB, Grand Archive, MTG Spotlight, and other titles.
The venue has become a regular host for major trading card tournaments and fan events, including the Pokémon European International Championships, FAB World Premiere, Grand Archive, MTG Spotlight, and London Card Show.
Pokémon events drive growth
ExCeL first hosted the Pokémon European International Championships in 2023. Since then, the event has grown 150 percent and now uses more than half of the venue’s 125,000-square-meter capacity.
The Pokémon Center has also grown by about 200 percent. This year’s event drew record attendance and more than 1,400 players from Japan, the United States, and Europe.
“The size of ExCeL’s TCG market alone has increased a staggering 330 percent since 2023,” said Ian Senior, head of consumer exhibitions at ExCeL London.
Senior added that if similar events such as MCM Comic Con are included, the growth figure approaches 600 percent.
London Card Show adds international draw
ExCeL also hosted the London Card Show for the first time this year. The event drew a record 24,000 visitors from 70 countries.
Other recent trading card events at ExCeL have included the first major U.K. premiere of Grand Archive, the largest FAB World Premiere to date, and the debut of MTG Spotlight.
The growth reflects a broader rise in trading card games as live events and consumer gatherings. ExCeL says the sector is helping attract thousands of international visitors to London while creating demand for larger event footprints.
The venue recently completed a 25,000-square-meter expansion and says 2026 is shaping up as a record year for new business.
ExCeL London is a conference and exhibition venue in London’s Royal Docks. It hosts about 400 events annually and welcomes roughly four million visitors. For more information, visit excel.london.
Press release submitted by ExCeL London. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
