ExCeL London has reported a 330% increase in its trading card game (TCG) market since 2023, driven by rising visitor numbers, larger tournaments and the growing popularity of major titles including Pokémon, Flesh and Blood (FAB), Grand Archive and Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
The London exhibition and conference venue has increasingly become a key destination for trading card game tournaments, fan gatherings and consumer events. Major events hosted at ExCeL London include the Pokémon European International Championships, FAB World Premiere, Grand Archive, MTG Spotlight and London Card Show.
Trading Card Game Events Drive Growth at ExCeL London
According to ExCeL London, the venue’s trading card game market has expanded significantly over the past three years. The growth has been supported by larger events, increasing participation and a stronger international audience.
Ian Senior, head of consumer exhibitions at ExCeL London, said the venue’s TCG market alone has increased by a staggering 330% since 2023.
Senior also noted that when other events with strong trading card and gaming audiences, including MCM Comic Con, are taken into consideration, the overall growth figure approaches 600%.
The trend highlights the increasing importance of trading card games within the international exhibitions and live events industry, with tournaments and consumer shows generating demand for larger venues and expanded event spaces.
Pokémon European International Championships Expand
The Pokémon European International Championships have played an important role in the growth of ExCeL London’s TCG business.
ExCeL London first hosted the major Pokémon event in 2023. Since then, the event has grown by around 150%, with the latest edition occupying more than half of the venue’s 125,000-square-metre capacity.
The Pokémon Center associated with the event has also expanded considerably, growing by approximately 200%. The latest event recorded its highest attendance to date and attracted more than 1,400 players from Japan, the United States and Europe.
The international participation demonstrates the ability of large-scale trading card tournaments to attract overseas visitors and contribute to London’s business events economy.
London Card Show Attracts 24,000 Visitors
Another major development for ExCeL London’s TCG calendar was the arrival of the London Card Show, which was hosted at the venue for the first time this year.
The event attracted a record 24,000 visitors from 70 countries, strengthening ExCeL London’s position as a destination for international trading card collectors, players, retailers and enthusiasts.
The growing scale and international reach of the London Card Show reflect the broader expansion of the collectibles and trading card market. Events are increasingly combining tournaments, retail opportunities, collecting, entertainment and community engagement to create large-scale consumer experiences.
Major TCG Brands Choose ExCeL London
ExCeL London has hosted a growing portfolio of major trading card events covering some of the industry’s most popular games and communities.
Recent events have included the UK’s first major premiere of Grand Archive, the largest FAB World Premiere held to date and the debut of MTG Spotlight.
These events have helped diversify ExCeL London’s consumer exhibition portfolio while attracting specialist audiences from the UK and overseas.
For event organisers, the venue’s large exhibition halls and flexible event spaces provide the capacity required for tournaments that combine playing areas, spectator zones, retail stands, food and beverage facilities, merchandise and fan experiences.
TCG Market Reflects Wider Events Industry Trend
The rapid growth of trading card events at ExCeL London reflects a wider shift in the live events sector. Trading card games have developed beyond traditional hobby communities and now support major international tournaments, consumer exhibitions and fan experiences.
Large-scale TCG events can attract players, collectors, families, retailers and international visitors, creating opportunities for venues, hotels, transport providers and local businesses.
The combination of competitive gaming, collecting and entertainment is also helping organisers create repeat attendance and build strong communities around individual events and brands.
ExCeL London’s Expansion Supports Larger Events
The growth in trading card events comes as ExCeL London continues to increase its capacity and strengthen its position within the international exhibition market.
The venue recently completed a 25,000-square-metre expansion, providing additional space for large exhibitions, conferences, entertainment events and consumer shows.
With its expanded footprint and established international connectivity, ExCeL London says 2026 is shaping up to be a record year for new business.
The venue currently hosts around 400 events each year and welcomes approximately four million visitors, making it one of London’s major destinations for exhibitions, conferences and large-scale consumer events.
International Visitors Boost London’s Event Economy
The continued expansion of TCG events is also creating opportunities beyond the exhibition venue itself.
International players travelling to London for tournaments can generate additional demand for accommodation, restaurants, transport, retail and tourism services. Events attracting participants from markets such as Japan, the United States and Europe demonstrate the global reach of the trading card sector.
For London, the development of major TCG tournaments provides another route for attracting international visitors while strengthening the city’s reputation as a destination for global exhibitions and consumer events.
ExCeL London Strengthens Position as TCG Event Venue
With the trading card game market at ExCeL London growing 330% since 2023, the venue is becoming an increasingly important location for major TCG tournaments, card shows and fan experiences.
The continued expansion of Pokémon events, the arrival of the London Card Show and new events featuring Grand Archive, FAB and MTG demonstrate the growing commercial potential of the sector.
As trading card games continue to attract larger audiences and international participation, demand for spacious exhibition venues capable of hosting thousands of attendees is expected to remain strong.
ExCeL London’s expanding event calendar and recently increased capacity position the venue to benefit from this growth, while helping bring major international trading card events and their audiences to London.
About ExCeL London
ExCeL London is a major conference and exhibition venue located in London’s Royal Docks. The venue hosts hundreds of events every year, ranging from international exhibitions and conferences to consumer shows, entertainment events and major tournaments.
