Welcome to a special episode of the Cards on the Table Podcast, because this week, we’re joined by our first ever guest: Ben, the founder of Manchester Card Con.

Kieran, Jack, Ryan and Pete sit down with Ben to explore his journey from childhood collector to show organiser, diving into nostalgia, community, market trends and what really goes on behind the scenes of running one of the UK’s most exciting card shows.

From team sets and player volatility to why collectors keep coming back year after year, this episode shines a light on the human side of the hobby, the passion, the risks, the memories and the relationships that keep the community growing.

We cover:

• Ben’s collecting journey and early nostalgia

• Why community is the heart of the hobby

• The rise of Manchester Card Con & what makes it special

• The real challenges and hidden costs of running card shows

• Team sets: value, quality and collector expectations

• Market swings, rookies vs legends and why prices fluctuate

• Favourite sets, first cards and personal collecting stories

• The future of sports cards & the growing UK collector base

• How community events keep the hobby thriving

Whether you’re a long-time collector, a show regular, or new to the scene, this episode gives a rare behind-the-curtain look at the UK card landscape from someone building it first-hand.

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👀 Find Ben & Manchester Card Con below;