The Hobby Awards: All nominees in every category gathered in one place

By Mantel Mon, Nov 3, 2025 1 min read

Earlier this year, Mantel, in collaboration with Yahoo Sports, unveiled an innovative digital awards program designed to celebrate excellence in the collectibles industry. This first-of-its-kind initiative honors the standout individuals, products, and platforms that enhance the hobby experience for enthusiasts everywhere.

The Hobby Awards employ a unique voting system, combining 70% fan input with 30% expert judging. Fans can cast their votes online at TheHobbyAwards.com.

Here is the full schedule of nominees across 15 categories:

• Wednesday, 10/29
  • Best Marketplace
  • Best Hobby Shop
  • Collectibles Executive of the Year
• Thursday, 10/30
  • Best Livestream Seller
  • Influencer of the Year
  • Innovation of the Year
• Friday, 10/31
  • Best Breaking Platform
  • Best Custom Card Artist
  • Best Sold Memorabilia
• Monday, 11/3
  • Grading Company of the Year
  • Best Auction House
  • Best Sports Card Product
• Tuesday, 11/4
  • Best Collectible Show
  • Best Media Platform
  • Best Non-Sports Card Product

The collectibles world continues to thrive, with highlights including game-used items like Kobe Bryants first NBA championship ball, as well as sought-after trading cards for rising stars like Shedeur Sanders. Collaborations between major brands, such as Fanatics and Complex creating Bape-inspired WWE cards, further illustrate the hobbys growth and creativity.

Author’s Commentary: The Growing Influence of Digital Awards in Collectibles

The launch of The Hobby Awards earlier this year marks a significant step in recognizing excellence within the collectibles industry. By combining fan votes with expert judgment, the program creates a balanced and credible way to highlight achievements across a wide range of categories.

Notably, the schedule of nominees reflects both traditional and emerging aspects of the hobby, from marketplace operations and custom card artistry to livestream sellers and media platforms. This demonstrates that the industry is evolving beyond physical collectibles to embrace digital engagement and community participation.

High-profile items, such as Kobe Bryant’s first NBA championship ball and trading cards of rising stars like Shedeur Sanders, continue to attract fan attention, while brand collaborations, including Fanatics and Complex’s Bape-inspired WWE cards, highlight innovative approaches to collectibles. The Hobby Awards therefore serve not only as recognition but also as a mirror of the hobby’s ongoing growth and diversification.

Sources:

• The Hobby Awards: Every category, every nominee, all in one place