Over the previous few weeks I’ve been making (each actual and foolish ones) in the place I feel the pastime will go in 2026. That was enjoyable.
This week, although, I’m going to place the crystal ball away and as a substitute look inward. These are my private resolutions for 2026. Much less predictions however issues I’m going to perform and obtain. Or no less than do till – which is often the second Friday of January; which quantities to 9 days.
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Sick.
In 2026 I’m going to get tremendous into One Piece. What’s ? Buddy, I’ve actually no concept. However I would like in! And so too does Mr. Beast, .
After (and, actually, even earlier than…) his tweet, the One Piece TCG market boomed. Simply over the past 7 days, based on ALT, the 5 hottest “gamers” on the cardboard market have been Cooper Flagg, Caleb Williams after which three characters from One Piece.
I do know you’re studying this pondering “dude, you’re late to the sport.” What, the man who buys is desirous to get right into a factor that’s booming that he doesn’t perceive something about? Bizarre.
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I’m certain it’s horrible “recommendation” to begin shopping for the growth however that is me being susceptible and wanting much less to speculate and extra to grasp. The artwork appears actually cool! I need to know every part about it.
In 2026 I’m going to purchase completely zero packs of Topps NBA playing cards. I gained’t decide to not shopping for singles however I’m not paying $80 for a mega field on a product that’s going to surpass the Bible in complete variety of printings. They’re over-pricing and over-producing and I’m over it – and being a child about it.
In 2026 I’m going to cease shopping for Leaf x SI Youngsters playing cards. Sorry, Leaf. I used to be an enormous advocate for these however over the past couple of weeks they’ve gotten so lazy with their releases. What a disgrace.
Credit score: Topps.com
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In 2026 I’m going to additionally quit on Topps Now playing cards – no less than when it comes to chasing autos and hits. It’s a misplaced trigger. I’ve been vital of Topps Now up to now – after they launch a card as a result of random participant had two steals or after they launch a card actually each time Cooper Flagg dribbles the ball. It’s an excessive amount of. And with dangling these “hits” which can be inconceivable to hit, it’s getting tiresome with all these ridiculous releases.
Shout out to . I really like how dedicated to it he’s.
In 2026 I’m going to try to deal with all grading corporations equally. I do know you’ve seen me tip my cap to SGC and different random locations like TAG and even Area Membership who use know-how to really grade their playing cards – a method higher course of, in my view, than what the “normal conventional” course of has been.
Area Membership: Hey, we’ll grade your playing cards with our innovative, absolutely clear know-how inside 15 enterprise days and each single card we grade will solely value you $10.
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PSA: Oh, hey, we’ll grade your playing cards someday within the subsequent 6 months, at a value we’ll decide later, and we gained’t be clear about a lot of something.
Us: The primary one sounds good, buuut, some man on Instagram mentioned it’s not and I ought to do the second…“simply because.”
I get the market is being the market and we’re being cussed about it however I’m going to do what I can to assist change hearts and minds. PSA is just the usual bearer as a result of we settle for it as such. That’s wild to me.
Credit score: Parkside Collectibles
In 2026 I’m going to double down on persevering with to put money into girls’s sports activities buying and selling playing cards. The WNBA, the PWHL, the NWSL, and so on. These leagues have made leaps and bounds, and truthfully in case you’re seeking to accumulate then take into account this as properly. The markets are much less risky (Caitlin Clark, apart) so you may really give attention to gathering.
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What an idea!
In 2026 I’m going to purchase classic magazines and higher perceive that market. I’ve mentioned this earlier than and I’ll say it once more; print is lifeless. Nice! Keep in mind after we killed the penny and everybody went bonkers making an attempt to purchase Topps Now (blech!) playing cards hoping to get a penny insert? Carry that power to print.
Classic pictures, too.
In 2026 I’m going to speak much less about quick meals collectibles. Not absolutely take away them from my e-newsletter, however simply step again a bit of. Hey, it’s higher for my ldl cholesterol.
In 2026 I’m going to go to extra card reveals and give attention to persevering with to construct neighborhood inside the pastime. I imply, isn’t that what it’s all about?
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Hey, we’ve (principally) made it by way of 2025 and what a wild journey it’s been. A significant shout out to the readers who’ve caught with me, those that have written in and shared their tales, and the crew who has constructed one unbelievable neighborhood. See you all subsequent yr!