The National 2026 Preview — Football, Vending & First-Timer Tips | Grails By Gus 3rd Down Pulled #14

EP 14 (3rd Down Pulled) This week, Ben is joined by Gus / @Grails By Gus for a full preview of The National and a closer look at the growing presence of soccer cards in the US hobby scene. Gus talks about the International Pavilion, what makes The National so different from UK card shows, and why it has become such an important event for collectors, vendors, and creators from around the world. He also shares advice for anyone attending for the first time, from planning your way around the show floor to making the most of trade nights, finding deals, and knowing when to buy or sell. Ben and Gus also discuss the rise of soccer cards, World Cup hype, pricing rare cards, and why the US market can create big opportunities for collectors who know what they’re looking for. Later, GUS shares some of his favorite National memories, thoughts on Chicago, and the kind of random hobby moments that only happen at a show this big. Drop a like, subscribe if you’re new, and let us know if you’re heading to The National this year! ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00:00 — Introducing Angus White 00:03:00 — The International Pavilion 00:06:00 — Why The National Feels Different 00:09:00 — Meeting Collectors in Person 00:12:00 — First-Timer Tips 00:15:00 — The UK Hobby Presence 00:18:00 — Vending at The National 00:21:00 — Finding Soccer Card Deals 00:24:00 — Buying, Selling, and Negotiating 00:27:00 — Pricing Rare Cards 00:30:00 — Soccer at The National 00:33:00 — Why Soccer Needed Its Own Space 00:36:00 — Favorite National Stories 00:39:00 — Chicago, Food, and Trade Nights 00:42:00 — Random Hobby Moments 📱 Follow us on Instagram: @3rddownuk