[wickedcustomzcards]

Sadly all i got to do was see videos and such of those who went. im not at the caliber level i want to be to attend something like that. Lately anxiety and self doubt have seeped in and i been dealing with that. Im normally the extrovert but lately been more introverted

[kyberforged]

I appreciate you sharing that. First, don’t sell yourself short—the National isn’t just for people at a certain “level.” Every year there are collectors who save up just to attend, people who only buy a few cards, and others who go just to soak in the experience and meet fellow hobbyists.

I’m sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with anxiety and self-doubt lately. I hope things start turning around for you soon. The hobby is at its best when it brings people together, whether you’re on the show floor or watching from home.

Hopefully next year is the year you get to experience it in person. Until then, you’re just as much a part of this community as anyone who walked through the doors. 🤜🤛🔥

[wickedcustomzcards]

Thanks for the kind words and motivation.. Ill get there. This hobby has been good to me at the level i feel i am.. just like life some days can be blah.. Again thank you

[tallica1981]

Honestly, Kyber said it beautifully, but I’ll just add a little info about my trip to nationals. I would consider myself obsessed with the hobby. It consumes all of my free time. The content I absorb, where my discretionary money goes, how I engage with my kids, etc all revolves around it in some way. However, I went to nationals with 2 of my friends. One is a Marine Veteran who has a lot of social anxiety, especially in large groups. When we first arrived, he nearly had a panic attack. He loves collecting one or two specific players, so once he calmed down and got focused, he settled in and had a great time. He is uncomfortable engaging with others at times, so when he finds something he likes, he lets me know and I will engage with the dealer and negotiate on his behalf. He has started to work on the process of negotiating at local shops and smaller shows, where he doesn’t feel as intimidated. Going with someone who also likes the hobby is something I would recommend, just to help you feel more at ease. If you don’t have anyone, hit us up next year and maybe we can meet up.

My other friend is brand new to the hobby. I mean, less than a couple months in by the time nationals rolled around. He has very limited knowledge and experience at shows and with talking with dealers, so I did all of his negotiating for him also, lol. However, at no point did anyone make him feel like he didn’t have enough experience or cred in the hobby to be there. There are no gatekeepers in the hobby, and if anyone tries to tell you different, please feel free to ignore them.

[wickedcustomzcards]

yeah untill the last couple years i would have said im good with big groups.. heck i go to disney all the time but card shows seem to intimidate me. Only went to one so far and i just get so wound up saying im gonna go to others and then just back out.. I got one in october that i already bought vip ticket for and im doing all i can to not back out last minute.

Heck im no where like this in my normal daily job..

[kyberforged]

I really appreciate you sharing that. And honestly, that’s exactly why I think having someone with you can make a huge difference at a show like National.

The part about your friend being brand new to the hobby really stands out too. You don’t need to know every set, player, parallel, or comp to belong at a card show. You can literally just be excited about cards and learn as you go.

And I appreciate the invite. I may have to take you up on that next year. Having a few familiar faces to wander around with would definitely make the whole experience more fun.

[tallica1981]

Absolutely loved the National this year! I posted my score a couple weeks ago when I got back, but picking up a beautiful 1953 Jackie was the highlight for me personally. Taking myself out of it, I loved seeing the excitement and growth on display for the hobby. It went from almost all middle aged dudes to a large increase in younger kids, families and women in attendance. All good signs for the hobby. I watch all the content I can absorb on youtube from many of the content creators out there. Always fun to see what shows up at nationals. I also thought it was really cool that they had a large Star Wars display with some amazing pieces. My friends and I were looking at the Darth Vader light saber hilt that was screen used and the lady came to us and told us the Luke Skywalker one just sold a few moments earlier for 3.1 Million! Crazy! I was so buzzed after returning home, I couldn’t sleep the entire night.

[wickedcustomzcards]

Someday i will get to the national and fanatics fest.. for me the issue is really just there never local or the really good shows arent and traveling isnt always in the budget heck its hardly ever in the budget. Plus if i went to something like that id have to get a room and such and id kinda rather partner up with someone else going. a friend or new connections made. And there are the good and bad in the hobby i know that.. No one is perfect and where all humans..

[kyberforged]

Yeah, the travel cost is a whole different part of the hobby that people don’t always think about. Tickets are one thing, but once you add gas or flights, a hotel, food, and everything else, it gets expensive fast.

I really like the idea of going with someone, though. A big show seems like it would be a lot more fun when you have a friend to wander around with, split a room, and have someone to geek out with when you find something crazy. Hopefully you get the chance to make it to one eventually!

[wickedcustomzcards]

Right? i know of others who went and they meet up with others there and share a airbnb and such. but yeah i think it would also relieve some of the anxiety and stress

[kyberforged]

That sounds like an incredible National experience. A 1953 Jackie would be enough to make the trip memorable on its own, but seeing that kind of growth in the hobby has to be pretty exciting too. Younger collectors and families getting involved is a really good sign.

And $3.1 million for the screen-used Luke saber hilt?!(I actually know the guy that designed that very lightsaber) That’s one of those numbers where you almost need to hear it twice. I can totally understand coming home that hyped and not being able to sleep. 😂

Nationals seems like one of those places where you could walk around for hours and still feel like you’ve only seen a fraction of what’s there.

[tallica1981]

You are definitely right with that last point. This year and last year, we only were able to make it for 1 day. Even moving quickly and missing a lot along the way, we werent able to see everything. We were there from the moment the doors opened until the last hour of the day and still didn’t get to stop by every table. Not even close. Next year, we are booking an air bnb and trying to go for at least 2 days

[kyberforged]

Yeah, that pretty much confirms that one day at National is nowhere near enough. 😂 If you can spend the entire day there and still not even get close to every table, you almost have to treat it like a multi-day vacation.

Two days sounds like the sweet spot. One day for the “I need to find these specific cards” mission and another day to slow down, browse, talk to dealers, and actually take in all the crazy stuff you otherwise blow past.

And getting an Airbnb with friends would make the whole thing even better. National weekend is officially becoming a multi-day operation! 😂