{
  "id": 13650652,
  "title": "Sold-out CardzCon 2026 brings collectors, traders and vendors together in Doha",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/sold-out-cardzcon-2026-brings-collectors-traders-and-vendors-together",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T05:30:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Peninsula Qatar",
    "slug": "the-peninsula-qatar",
    "url": "https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/11/10/2026/sold-out-cardzcon-2026-brings-collectors-traders-and-vendors-together-in-doha"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Doha, Qatar: The inaugural large-scale trading card and collectibles convention, CardzCon 2026, concluded its two-day run at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel on October 10. Organized by Art of Cardz, the event drew a sold-out crowd of collectors, traders, vendors and enthusiasts from Qatar, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and beyond.\n\nAnticipating over 3,000 visitors, organizers were pleased that ticket sales filled up well in advance of the event. The show floor hosted more than 70 vendors specializing in popular TCG titles like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic: The Gathering, as well as sports cards, memorabilia and rare collectibles.\n\nAttendees marveled at the extensive array of products on offer, ranging from graded cards and sealed sets to limited edition releases and accessories. Live pack openings, interactive experiences, trading sessions and community activities kept the convention lively throughout the weekend.\n\nOne local collector described the experience: \"I got so many cards today at CardzCon, even from that Bubble Mew guy. I got a Sylveon from him and met so many cool vendors and people to trade with.\" Another attendee emphasized the sense of community: \"This is exactly what the scene in Doha needed. Being able to meet fellow collectors face-to-face, open packs together and find rare pieces in one place has been fantastic. I hope it becomes an annual event.\"\n\nVendors echoed the sentiment, praising the strong turnout and the enthusiasm of the local collectors. The event, supported by Qatar Calendar powered by Visit Qatar as its Official Signature Partner, built on Art of Cardz's established presence in Doha, where the retailer operates a specialised store and regularly hosts trade nights.\n\nCardzCon 2026 successfully introduced a new dimension to Qatar's entertainment and lifestyle calendar, celebrating the growing trading card community. Organizers are expected to leverage the positive response to plan future gatherings, further establishing Qatar as a hub for niche cultural and hobby events.",
  "summary": "<p>Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s first large-scale trading card and collectibles convention, CardzCon 2026, concluded yesterday at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, drawing strong crowds of collectors, traders, vendors and enthusiasts from across the country, the GCC and beyond.</p> <p>Organised by Art of Cardz, the two-day event ran from October 9 to 10 and marked a significant milestone…",
  "key_points": [
    "CardzCon 2026 sold out tickets, attracting 3,000+ attendees",
    "Show featured 70+ vendors selling TCGs, sports cards, memorabilia",
    "Attendees praised community, rare finds, and annual potential"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The success of CardzCon 2026 cements Qatar's position as a hub for niche cultural and hobby events, while also validating the local trading card community's appetite for large-scale conventions.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}