Dubai, UAE – The atmosphere at Times Square Center buzzed with excitement this weekend as hundreds of collectors gathered to witness a defining milestone for the Middle East’s trading card community. HIT Grading & Authentication, the result of a strategic partnership between Speedy Comics Group and MEGA Grading Services, unveiled the region’s first-ever live, same-day card grading experience at Pop-Up Con Vol. 1: Quest for the Crown.
For the first time, attendees could submit their treasured trading cards and watch the entire grading process unfold from authentication and evaluation, powered by a combination of expert graders and advanced AI technology, to final encapsulation in HIT’s premium slabs all completed within a single day.
The excitement extended far beyond the venue thanks to a live broadcast via the Trofee.live app, allowing thousands of collectors around the world to join in virtually and witness real-time card reveals as they happened.
Quest for the Crown Vol. 1 proved to be more than just a competitive event; it was a celebration of collecting culture. Combining high-stakes gameplay including a 70-player One Piece TCG tournament offering a rare Serial Ace card as the grand prize with onsite grading and community interaction, the event has redefined the standard for TCG gatherings in the Middle East.
“Hosting the largest One Piece TCG tournament ever held in the region was a privilege. Over 70 players battled for outstanding prizes including the coveted Ace Serial card creating an atmosphere unlike anything we’ve seen before. This was truly a first-of-its-kind experience in the Middle East, and we’re already planning for Vol. 2 in November to be even bigger,” said Abdulla Al Kitbi, Tournament Director of Pop Up Con.
“We are witnessing the dawn of a new chapter for collectibles in the Middle East,” said Dr. Rashed Al Farooq, Chairman of Speedy Comics Group and CEO of HIT Grading & Authentication. “Our mission is to provide collectors with the same trust, access, and transparency that define the world’s leading grading services. This is more than just grading cards it’s about nurturing a sustainable, thriving ecosystem for collectors in our region.”
“The confidence of collectors is our greatest asset,” added Alex, Partner at HIT Grading and Founder of MEGA Grading Services. “Our promise is to protect that trust with a grading process that’s not only quick and accessible but also consistently accurate and transparent. By combining AI-driven imaging with the expertise of our grading team, we deliver the precision and accountability today’s collectors expect. Seeing the community’s enthusiasm in person confirms we’re heading in the right direction.”
About HIT Grading & Authentication
HIT Grading & Authentication stands at the forefront of the Middle East’s collectibles market, offering trusted, transparent, and technology-driven grading and authentication solutions. Established through the merger of Speedy Comics Group and MEGA Grading Services, HIT’s mission is to elevate the regional collector experience through global standards of accuracy, consistency, and service excellence. By blending cutting-edge technology with deep industry expertise, HIT is paving the way for the future of collecting in the Middle East.
Contact:
Name: Judy Ann Miller
Email: EA@SpeedyComicsMe.com
+971 50 126 8922
www.hitgcc.com