What do penguins, Steve Bartman, and Michael Jordan have in common? Pudgy Penguins’ exclusive packs at The National.
Pudgy Penguins, the beloved web3 brand, has been making waves in the collectible space – both digitally and physically. Originally launched as an NFT series in 2021, the brand has steadily expanded into the physical world with toys, merchandise, and now trading cards.
In 2024, they introduced VIBES – the official Pudgy Penguins trading card game – with its debut set, “Enter the Huddle.”
Now, for the first time ever, Pudgy Penguins and VIBES are releasing exclusive packs at The National Sports Collectors Convention. In partnership with Mantel and CGC, they’re giving away two special edition packs: “Be a Lil Evil” and “Lil Who Hoops.” These sets build on their upcoming expansion, “Legend of the Lils,” slated for release in Q3.
The theme of the exclusive cards – Pudgy Metal Gems – pays homage to iconic moments in Chicago sports history and trading card culture. “Be a Lil Evil”, Mantel’s exclusive, is a nod to the infamous Steve Bartman play during the 2003 NLCS, while “Lil Who Hoops”, CGC’s exclusive, honors one of the most iconic visuals in sports: Michael Jordan’s soaring All-Star Weekend dunk.
Not only is this the brand’s first exclusive pack drop – it also comes with some high-value bounties. Select cards in the set are eligible for $1,000 rewards. You might just pull a winner.
Here’s what you need to know about each exclusive pack.
Vibes x Mantel “Be a Lil Evil”
Vibes x Mantel “Be a Lil Evil” Checklist:
- Unnumbered Base (1000)
- Foil (400)
- Emerald Foil (numbered 1/99 through 10/99)
- Ruby Foil (numbered 11/99 through 99/99)
How to Get Your Hands on the “Be a Lil Evil” Packs at the National:
- Find Mojo Sports and take a photo with him and tag and follow Mantel, and Vibes on Instagram Story – he will have limited packs/day.
- Find a Mantel employee (will be wearing a Mantel hat on the show floor) and show that you downloaded the Mantel app and you will receive a pack.
- Come to the Mantel table at trade night and trade the Mantel team any of the following cards for a pack:
- PSA, Beckett, or CGC slab (any grade)
- 2003 Topps/Topps Chrome Basketball card
- 1999 or earlier Pokemon card
- Baseball card from 1964
- Michael Jordan card
- Sammy Sosa Card
- 2003 Florida Marlins card
- Numbered card of a player in a Chicago team uniform.
- Any Mickey Mantle Card
- Bring and open a Vibes Enter the Huddle Series 1 Booster Box at the Mantel table at trade night and receive 5 packs.
Win Big with $1,000 Bounties
- $1,000 offer to purchase the “Be a Lil Evil” Card 6/99 – first person to post a selfie holding it on Mantel.
- $1,000 offer to purchase the “Be a Lil Evil” Card 23/99 – first person to post a selfie holding it on Mantel.
Vibes x CGC “Lil Who Hoops”
Vibes x CGC “Lil Who Hoops” Checklist:
- Unnumbered Base (1000)
- Foil (400)
- Emerald Foil (numbered 1/99 through 10/99)
- Ruby Foil (numbered 11/99 through 99/99)
How to Get Your Hands on the “Lil Who Hoops” Packs at the National
Submit any collectible item for grading at the CGC booth and receive one “Lil Who Hoops” pack – while supplies last.
Redeem $500 in Grading Credit with CGC
Pull the “Lil Who Hoops” card numbered 23/99 and receive $500 in CGC grading credit. To redeem, see a CGC representative at the show. Please note: grading credit cannot be used at the National Sports Collectors Convention.
Chasing one of the Pudgy Penguins bounty packs at The National? Let us know what you’re hunting for on Mantel.
