Innovation drives the future of collecting — reshaping how we grade, value, trade, and experience cards. The Innovation of the Year category celebrates the technologies, tools, and ideas that changed the game in 2025. From AI grading assistants and collector credit cards to imaging hardware and stadium activations, these nominees represent the next frontier of the hobby — where technology meets tradition and collecting becomes more accessible, efficient, and exciting than ever.
Nominees
CHCK.AI
CHCK.AI is an emerging platform using artificial intelligence to assist collectors with card grading and valuation checks. By leveraging image analysis and machine learning, CHCK.AI helps users validate condition, detect surface or edge anomalies, and receive predictive estimates before sending cards for grading.
Focused on transparency and accessibility, CHCK.AI’s goal is to reduce uncertainty in the grading process and empower hobbyists with smarter, faster decision-making tools. It represents the growing influence of AI in ensuring trust and consistency across the hobby.
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CollX
CollX has become one of the hobby’s most widely used apps, processing over 1 billion card scans for 4 million collectors. Combining AI-powered recognition with real-time pricing and marketplace functionality, the app lets collectors instantly identify, value, and sell cards—all within a single ecosystem.
In 2025, CollX introduced advanced marketplace tools that allow collectors to complete end-to-end transactions after scanning, including offers and sales for both raw and graded cards. By merging identification, valuation, and commerce, CollX has positioned itself as the central mobile hub for collectors worldwide.
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Collectors Card
The Collectors Card is the first-ever rewards credit card designed exclusively for collectors. Members earn points and cashback on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for collectibles, grading and vaulting services, auction credits, pack rips, subscriptions, and exclusive hobby experiences.
The program even offers credit opportunities based on a user’s collection rather than traditional credit scores, redefining how collectors access capital and rewards. By blending finance with passion, Collectors Card is transforming how people engage with their collections — turning everyday spending into hobby growth.
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Heystack
Heystack has revolutionized the hobby’s imaging and listing workflow with the Heystack One, the first hardware device built specifically for photographing trading cards. The system captures high-quality, commerce-ready images instantly, integrating with recognition software that provides automated cropping, titling, and even Release Day Matching.
Developed by hobbyists and technologists, Heystack streamlines how sellers bring cards to market — reducing manual work and ensuring visual consistency across platforms. Its innovation lies not just in technology, but in professionalizing the process that underpins every great listing.
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LUDEX
LUDEX is an AI-powered mobile app that lets collectors scan, identify, value, and list cards directly from their phones — supporting both sports cards and TCGs like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and VeeFriends.
Backed by $8 million in seed funding (including investment from former NFL linebacker Brian Urlacher), LUDEX combines cutting-edge recognition with real-world engagement. Its “List-It” feature integrates with eBay for instant selling, and its partnership with REV Entertainment has brought live activations like LUDEX Card Day at Globe Life Field — turning the digital hobby into an in-person experience.
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From AI-assisted grading to hardware innovation and collector credit, these nominees show that the hobby’s future isn’t just about cards — it’s about the technology that connects them. Each has redefined what’s possible, helping collectors everywhere engage with their passion in smarter, faster, and more rewarding ways.
Voting for Hobby Innovation 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.
