Pokémon Events: Fairs & Tournaments

By Jessie Schreuders
3 min read
Pokémon evenementen: beurzen & toernooien

If you collect Pokémon cards, you know how much fun it is to share your passion. But if you really want to experience what this world has to offer, you need to visit a Pokémon event or fair . I have been to dozens of them by now – in the Netherlands and abroad – and believe me: there is nothing like it.

What is a Pokémon event?

A Pokémon event is not your average market. It is a gathering place for everything Pokémon TCG related: cards, players, vendors, fans, artists, and organizers. You can trade, buy, play, view graded cards, and even watch live artwork being created.

As you know, collecting online is convenient, but you miss the feeling. At a trade fair, you have direct contact. You can hold cards, scrutinize them and negotiate. That experience is unique.

What can you find there?

However, a Pokémon fair is about more than trading. For example, you can find:

  • Large exchange zones where everything happens
  • Sellers with sealed products and rare singles
  • Tournament or casual match tables
  • Options to have cards graded (sometimes on the spot)
  • Exhibitions of artists, cosplay and vintage products
  • Sometimes even panels or workshops for those who want to learn more

What do I personally like best? The moment you get a card in your hands that you have been looking for for months. You rarely succeed in that online.

Different types of events

Not every Pokémon event is the same. You have small-scale trading days, but also massive fairs. A few examples:

  • Swap Days and Poké Fairs – Focused on collecting and connecting
  • League Cups and Tournaments – For Official TCG Players
  • Large expos – Full of stands, cards, merchandise and sometimes famous artists
  • International Championships – Such as the Pokémon TCG World Championship

Even if you're not a player, it's worth it. There's something for everyone to enjoy.

Who do you meet there?

What always strikes me is the enormous diversity. You see young children with their first cards, parents collecting together, hardcore players and adults who have started again after 20 years.

And you know what's great? Everyone talks to each other. There's no hierarchy. Whether you're a first-timer or already have a folder full of graded cards, you're part of it.

Where do Pokémon events take place?

In the Netherlands you have more and more Pokémon fairs. Think of places like Utrecht, Zwolle or Eindhoven. Sometimes they are independent events, sometimes part of larger fairs like Dutch Comic Con .

The supply is also growing in Belgium, with fairs in Brussels and Ghent, among others. Germany has taken it up professionally with major events in Cologne and Frankfurt.

But the biggest exchanges? They are in the United States . Think of:

  • Pokémon World Championships
  • Collect-A-Con
  • Major shows in Las Vegas, Dallas, Orlando and more

There you can see everything from PSA 10 Base Set Charizards to artwork by official illustrators. It's overwhelming - but also inspiring.

Are you serious about Pokémon cards? Then go to a fair. You will learn more, meet like-minded people and find cards that you are missing online. And believe me, the enthusiasm is contagious. 🚀