The collectibles world thrives on passion—and in 2025, no one fueled that fire quite like the creators who turned their love of cards into community. The Creator / Influencer of the Year category recognizes the personalities who inspired, educated, and connected collectors through authentic storytelling, show-floor coverage, and a deep understanding of what makes this hobby special. From heartfelt father-son duos to industry veterans and cultural crossovers, these nominees embody the energy that keeps collecting alive.
Nominees
Card Collector 2
Card Collector 2 (Ryan Johnson) is a multi-platform creator producing content ranging from show vlogs and trade nights to box breaks and market commentary.
The brand’s goal is to mix entertainment with education, especially for the younger generation of collectors. By documenting trade nights, behind-the-scenes moments, and card show highlights, Johnson captures the spirit of the community and the excitement that defines modern collecting.
🔗 Instagram| Website
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Don Diego Trading
Known as the “Queen of Cards,” Don Diego Trading is one of the most visible and respected figures in Pokémon and TCG collecting. Based on the East Coast, she has built a national and international following through her show-floor storytelling, rare box showcases, and collector collaborations.
Featured in PSA Magazine, Don Diego combines passion, professionalism, and community engagement—documenting the art and excitement of the modern Pokémon market while amplifying female representation within the hobby.
🔗 Instagram | Website
Gucci Rips
Gucci Rips (Rhomel Joshue Gutierrez) merges streetwear, hype culture, and card collecting to bring a fresh voice to the hobby. His “Gucci Rips Trading Cards” brand fuses fashion-inspired design with creative storytelling, making hobby content feel as dynamic as sneaker drops or music culture.
Through live breaks, rare pulls, and creative visuals, Gucci Rips bridges generations of collectors and shows how hobby culture can live at the intersection of style, storytelling, and community.
🔗 Instagram
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King of the Kards
Kyle Kravitz, better known as King of the Kards, has become one of the hobby’s most recognizable creators—mixing high-energy storytelling with show-floor action. His content captures the biggest deals, rarest cards, and reactions that define the pulse of the modern hobby scene.
Kravitz’s work highlights the excitement of collecting at scale while staying connected to the human stories that power the marketplace. Through humor, hustle, and collaboration, he continues to expand the reach of hobby entertainment.
🔗 Instagram
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Like Father Like Son
Like Father Like Son (LFLS) brings family and fun to the forefront of collecting. The father-son duo creates uplifting content around breaks, repacks, and community moments, showing how the hobby can connect generations.
Their focus on community over flipping and shared excitement over competition has made LFLS a favorite among collectors who see the hobby as more than a transaction—it’s tradition and togetherness.
🔗 Instagram
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Mary Gamble Gamble
Mary Gamble Gamble presents collecting through a personal and lifestyle-driven lens, blending hobby enthusiasm with everyday storytelling. Her content highlights the joy of discovery and collecting as a creative, expressive pursuit.
By emphasizing authenticity over flash, she offers a refreshing counterpoint to the high-stakes side of the hobby—reminding viewers why collecting started as a passion, not a profit chase.
🔗 Instagram
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Mojo Sports
Jay Moslehi, known as Mojo Sports, is one of the most respected voices in the hobby. Through YouTube, Mantel, and social media, he documents card shows, major deals, and the people behind them—bringing humanity to high-end collecting.
From six-figure trades to late-night trade nights, Mojo’s content captures the authentic energy of the hobby and gives collectors everywhere a window into the culture. His storytelling and sincerity continue to set the standard for hobby coverage.
🔗 Instagram | X
Natureluvzyou
Based in San Francisco, Natureluvzyou has carved out a creative lane that celebrates TCGs, Disney cards, and community culture. His videos blend humor, insight, and show-floor storytelling, helping bridge niche collectibles with mainstream hobby excitement.
Through collaborations with Neighborhood Card Shop and consistent presence at card events, he continues to connect communities and highlight the people and stories that make collecting vibrant and inclusive.
🔗 Instagram | X
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She Breaks
She Breaks is a trailblazing voice in the sports card space, creating content that celebrates diversity and representation in a male-dominated hobby. Her videos feature live breaks, trades, and acquisitions—all infused with personality and energy.
By building a growing audience of women and new collectors, She Breaks continues to help redefine what hobby content looks like—and who it’s for.
🔗 Instagram
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Talon Sports Cards
Led by Bryan Friedman, Talon Sports Cards brings veteran expertise and steady insight to hobby content. Through partnerships with eBay, Ultra Pro, and Pristine, Friedman delivers high-quality videos on negotiation, market trends, and release strategy.
His experience and professionalism make Talon a trusted voice for collectors seeking education and perspective in an increasingly fast-moving marketplace.
🔗 Instagram | Website
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Each of these creators has helped push the hobby forward—through storytelling, inclusion, humor, and hustle. They’ve transformed collecting from a pastime into a shared language across generations, platforms, and communities.
Voting for Hobby Influencer of the Year is now open. Vote Here.
All registered Mantel users who vote will automatically be entered to win a limited /50 Ghostwrite Hobby Awards Trophy.
To see all categories and nominees, visit TheHobbyAwards.com.
