Sports

Sports collectibles boom, Topps prepares new surprises

Published

2 months ago

September 30, 2024

Topps prepares new surprises

It is no wonder that the sports trading card market has been experiencing exponential growth in recent years, reaching staggering numbers: in 2022 alone it was valued at as much as $9.69 billion, but by 2030 it will reach a record figure of at least $20.48 billion (Kigs Researc).

The most expensive card ever, a 1953 Mickey Mantle produced by Topps and graded SGC 9, è was sold a few years ago for the incredible sum of $12.5 million. A considerable turnover that involves more and more enthusiasts willing to spend exorbitant amounts of money in order to add to their collection the card that is as rare as it is desired.

Collecting è a cultural phenomenon that for generations has united people with common interests, creating a deep sense of community and going beyond mere passion. Topps, an industry leader with more than 80 years of history, continues to innovate and expand the range of products in its catalog, renewing its historic commitment to keeping collecting an extremely successful phenomenon. The collecting experience is now enhanced by events, fairs and shows that bring together enthusiasts of all ages, offering the opportunity to exchange cards, search for rare memorabilia and meet the very champions featured in the not-to-be-missed collections.

In the last few months alone, for example, Topps presented its first two collections of cards and figurines dedicated to the’coveted Uefa Euro 2024™ tournament both at Napoli Comicon – the 2°biggest pop culture festival in the Belpaese – and at Play Modena – the’only Italian event dedicated to board, card and role-playing games. And not only that, in addition to being main sponsor of Collect IT – the first card show dedicated to collectors in our country – at the recent Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix in Monza it launched in style the new edition of Turbo Attax, the TCG (trading card game, i.e., collectible card game) now in its fifth edition that features the 60 drivers that make up the Formula 1, 2 and 3 circuits. A few weeks ago, finally, è it was the turn of the first Topps Hobby RIP Night: an event of international relevance dedicated to lovers of sports collectibles and organized directly by the American giant, which finally presented the long-awaited format also in Italy (in Milan) after the huge success obtained in the United States. Veterans and newbies alike had the opportunity to participate in exciting unboxing sessions and card exchanges, then challenging each other in gripping Pack Battles: whoever finds the most valuable card wins the entire contents of the box!

Throughout 2024, there are also no shortage of prominent personalities actively involved in all these occasions by Topps: from former soccer players Lele Adani, Giorgio Chiellini and Massimo Ambrosini to creators with millions and millions of young followers such as MikeShowSha or the comedy duo Ufozero2.

Ahead of the highly anticipated events of international relevance Lucca Comics & Games and Milan Games Week & Cartoomics, Topps has in store a series of surprises for all its devoted Italian fans worthy of the leader in the world of collectibles.

Author

Sarah Sebestian

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Sports

Davis Cup, not just Jannik Sinner: Lorenzo Musetti is ready

Published

7 hours ago

November 21, 2024

James Crowley

The bronze medal at the Olympics and the semifinals at Wimbledon have charged her up

This is it. Italy è is ready to start on the road to another possible dream, which is to win the Davis Cup again. The first obstacle è represented by the hostile Argentina (absolutely not to be underestimated). The Azzurri are betting, of course, on world No. 1 Sinner but there’è great confidence also in Musetti who arrived in Malaga in great form.

The blue number 2 è has been the protagonist of a heavenly season. The bronze at the Olympics and the semifinals at Wimbledon have charged him up. Now he è ready to be an absolute protagonist in the Davis Cup: “I arrive with a different maturity at all levels”, his clear words to Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I’m ready to take more responsibility and have a more central, more important part than 12 months ago. There will be a lot of excitement, a lot of adrenaline, and I have a lot of desire to experience the competition”, the commentary of Musetti himself, who arrived in Malaga in excellent physical condition, having had some time to rest after Paris-Bercy.

Clearly, with such a motivated Musetti, è much can be expected from Italy. Sinner è an absolute guarantee but, to make it all the way, the help of all the members of the blue team led by captain Volandri is needed. There’s a strong desire to accomplish another feat and return to celebrate, all together.

Author

James Crowley

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Sports

NBA, Milwaukee snaps up Giannis Antetokounmpo

Published

7 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Jessica Acosta

Well Golden State, black crisis for Philadelphia

So many contests in the NBA night. With its back against the wall, Milwaukee finds the strength to fight back and take home a crucial victory in the match with Chicago (122-106 the final). Race dominated by Antetokounmpo who finished with an impressive 41 points on the scoreboard, including 25 in a surreal third period, with also eight assists and nine rebounds.

Thanks to this success, the Bucks record rises to six wins and nine losses. After losing the unbeaten streak to Boston, Cleveland returned to success: 128-100 over New Orleans. Excellent performance by Jerome (29 points). The record of the Cavs è the best in the NBA with 16 wins and only one loss (suffered, precisely, against the Celtics).

Most delicate moment for Philadelphia, which continues to sink. The 76ers also surrendered in Memphis (117-111 the final), collecting their 12th defeat of the season (only two wins). A strong showing by Embiid (35 points and 11 rebounds) wasn’t enough to bring a smile back to the interior of a team in total crisis.

As for the other games, OKC folds Portland (109-99) while Houston gets rid of Indiana (130-113) rather easily. New York wins the challenge with Phoenix (138-122) while Golden State prevails against Atlanta: 120-97 the final for the Warriors with 23 points by Curry. Nice success, finally, of the LA Clippers against Orlando (104-93).

Author

Jessica Acosta

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Sports

GP Las Vegas, Carlos Sainz has hope for constructors’ title

Published

7 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Audrey Rock

Ferrari è currently second at -36 from McLaren

The Las Vegas GP takes the stage. A new opportunity, for Ferrari, to try to get even closer to McLaren, currently leader in the constructors’ standings with 593 points, 36 more than the Cavallino. The circuit would seem to favor the Rossa, although Sainz points out an important detail.

“Ferrari competitive? Looking at the track I would say sì, Ferrari should be competitive or at least should be able to fight but when we see that tire temperatures rise, then I would say no”, the clear words of Sainz reported by Marca.

The Cavallino driver knows that in order to take home the Constructors’ World Championship title, he needs “help” from McLaren: “I think we are close. But at the same time, we also need McLaren to make some mistakes, becauseé, if they don’t make any mistakes from here to the end, in case we have to win all the time and we and they come second in every race, I think McLaren will probably still be able to keep the title”.

Sainz, in addition to trying to win another GP before ending his adventure with the Cavallino, wants to try to help the team win the constructors world championship: “I would like to win the championship for Ferrari this year. And sì, I think it would be a great way to end the season”.