Sports collectibles boom, Topps prepares new surprises
Topps prepares new surprises
It is no wonder that the sports trading card market has been experiencing exponential growth in recent years, reaching staggering numbers: in 2022 alone it was valued at as much as $9.69 billion, but by 2030 it will reach a record figure of at least $20.48 billion (Kigs Researc).
The most expensive card ever, a 1953 Mickey Mantle produced by Topps and graded SGC 9, è was sold a few years ago for the incredible sum of $12.5 million. A considerable turnover that involves more and more enthusiasts willing to spend exorbitant amounts of money in order to add to their collection the card that is as rare as it is desired.
Collecting è a cultural phenomenon that for generations has united people with common interests, creating a deep sense of community and going beyond mere passion. Topps, an industry leader with more than 80 years of history, continues to innovate and expand the range of products in its catalog, renewing its historic commitment to keeping collecting an extremely successful phenomenon. The collecting experience is now enhanced by events, fairs and shows that bring together enthusiasts of all ages, offering the opportunity to exchange cards, search for rare memorabilia and meet the very champions featured in the not-to-be-missed collections.
In the last few months alone, for example, Topps presented its first two collections of cards and figurines dedicated to the’coveted Uefa Euro 2024™ tournament both at Napoli Comicon – the 2°biggest pop culture festival in the Belpaese – and at Play Modena – the’only Italian event dedicated to board, card and role-playing games. And not only that, in addition to being main sponsor of Collect IT – the first card show dedicated to collectors in our country – at the recent Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix in Monza it launched in style the new edition of Turbo Attax, the TCG (trading card game, i.e., collectible card game) now in its fifth edition that features the 60 drivers that make up the Formula 1, 2 and 3 circuits. A few weeks ago, finally, è it was the turn of the first Topps Hobby RIP Night: an event of international relevance dedicated to lovers of sports collectibles and organized directly by the American giant, which finally presented the long-awaited format also in Italy (in Milan) after the huge success obtained in the United States. Veterans and newbies alike had the opportunity to participate in exciting unboxing sessions and card exchanges, then challenging each other in gripping Pack Battles: whoever finds the most valuable card wins the entire contents of the box!
Throughout 2024, there are also no shortage of prominent personalities actively involved in all these occasions by Topps: from former soccer players Lele Adani, Giorgio Chiellini and Massimo Ambrosini to creators with millions and millions of young followers such as MikeShowSha or the comedy duo Ufozero2.
Ahead of the highly anticipated events of international relevance Lucca Comics & Games and Milan Games Week & Cartoomics, Topps has in store a series of surprises for all its devoted Italian fans worthy of the leader in the world of collectibles.