Excel London is riding a surge in trading card games (TCGs), reporting a 330 per cent increase in its TCG market since 2023 as Pokémon and other titles bring thousands of international visitors to the capital.
The Royal Docks venue has become a regular destination for major TCG events, including the Pokémon European International Championships (EUIC), FAB World Premiere, Grand Archive, MTG Spotlight and the London Card Show.
Excel first hosted Pokémon EUIC in 2023. Since then, the event has grown by 150 per cent and now occupies more than half of the venue’s 125,000 sqm capacity, according to Excel. The Pokémon Center at the event has also grown by around 200 per cent.
This year’s EUIC attracted more than 1,400 players from Japan, the US and across Europe, alongside a record overall attendance.
“What we’re seeing is explosive growth in the TCG market complemented by London’s global appeal as a meeting destination,” said Ian Senior, head of consumer exhibitions at Excel London.
“This is only the beginning too, with many more major events coming to Excel over the coming years, attracted by Excel’s world-class facilities, transport connectivity and ability to scale with their own growth.”
Excel has also hosted the UK premiere of Grand Archive, the largest attended World Premiere of FAB and the debut of MTG Spotlight.
Earlier this year, the venue hosted the London Card Show for the first time. It attracted a record 24,000 visitors from 70 countries, with collectors offered rare cards including the first-ever 2019 Gold Kaboom of NFL star Tom Brady.
Senior said the growth of the TCG market was particularly significant when combined with other fan-focused events. Including events such as MCM Comic Con, Excel’s market in this sector has grown by almost 600 per cent since 2023.
The venue said the wider trading card market was valued at £6.3bn in 2025 and is forecast to reach £12.8bn by 2035.
The announcement comes as Excel reports a record year for new business in 2026. The venue is also hosting 10 major international associations this year and is investing millions more following the completion of its 25,000 sqm expansion.
