Wellington Trading Card Game Events

Card Merchant at Wellington Armageddon 2026

Learn to Play • Starter Deck Challenges • Casual Play

At Card Merchant, our goal is simple, to share the joy of trading card games with as many people as possible. Whether you’re opening your very first pack, learning your first game, or returning to the hobby after years away, we believe TCGs should be welcoming, social, and fun.

Expos like Armageddon are the perfect place to introduce new players to the hobby while giving existing players a space to play, connect, and be part of a growing community. Our team is passionate about creating friendly, well-run environments where anyone can sit down, shuffle up, and enjoy the experience.

So join us at the show, where we’ll be sharing our passion for trading card games with anyone who wants to pull up a chair, shuffle up, and get involved. Whether you’re brand new or already part of the community, there’s a seat at the table for you.

Grand Archive

Grand Archive is an anime-inspired trading card game packed with stunning artwork, memorable characters, and exciting back-and-forth gameplay. It has grown rapidly in New Zealand, already hosting $20,000+ prize pool events, and continues to attract players who love both collecting and playing.
Across both Saturday and Sunday, we will be running FREE Learn-to-Play sessions all day. Sit down with one of our coaches and learn how to play in a welcoming, relaxed environment. No experience is required, demo decks are provided, and you can jump in at any time throughout the day.

For players ready to take the next step, we’ll also be running the Grand Archive Starter Deck Challenge. This structured play activity is designed to bridge Learn-to-Play and competitive events. Players can purchase a Starter Deck for $15 (normally $25) and play games throughout the day against other attendees, or against learn-to-play coaches if available. After playing 3 games on site, players will receive 1 Booster Pack. After playing 5 games, players will go into the draw to win a full Booster Box. The Booster Box draw will be spun at the next weekly Card Merchant Grand Archive event. Winners do not need to be present, and prizes will be held for six weeks.

Friday:
10am until 4pm FREE - Learn to play
Come along and learn to play and receive a FREE deck just for learning!

10am until 4pm Started Deck Challenge - $15 - Enter with any structure deck as it comes out of the box and play games against other players or coaches on site, play multiple games and earn prizes.

Saturday:
10am until 5pm FREE - Learn to play
Come along and learn to play and receive a FREE deck just for learning!

10am until 5pm Started Deck Challenge - $15 - Enter with any structure deck as it comes out of the box and play games against other players or coaches on site, play multiple games and earn prizes.

Sunday:
10am until 4pm FREE - Learn to play
Come along and learn to play and receive a FREE deck just for learning!

10am until 4pm Started Deck Challenge - $15 - Enter with any structure deck as it comes out of the box and play games against other players or coaches on site, play multiple games and earn prizes.

Riftbound

Riftbound is the official League of Legends Trading Card Game, bringing iconic Champions, tactical decision-making, and fast-paced gameplay to the tabletop. With strong community growth across New Zealand, it offers an accessible entry point for new players while still rewarding strategic depth for competitive ones.

Across both Saturday and Sunday, we will be running FREE Learn-to-Play sessions all day. Sit down with one of our coaches, learn the fundamentals, and jump straight into your first games. No experience is required, and demo decks are provided throughout the weekend.

For players ready to step beyond Learn-to-Play, the Riftbound Starter Deck Challenge offers structured gameplay in a relaxed expo environment. Starter Decks will be available at a discounted price of $25 (normally $35), and players can compete against other attendees or play against learn-to-play coaches if available. After playing 3 games on site, players will receive 1 Booster Pack. After playing 5 games, players will go into the draw to win a full Booster Box. The Booster Box draw will be spun at the next weekly Card Merchant Riftbound event. Winners do not need to be present, and prizes will be held for six weeks.

Friday:
10am until 4pm FREE - Learn to play
Come along and learn to play for FREE!

10am until 4pm Started Deck Challenge - $25 - Enter with any structure deck as it comes out of the box and play games against other players or coaches on site, play multiple games and earn prizes.

Saturday:
10am until 5pm FREE - Learn to play
Come along and learn to play for FREE!

10am until 5pm Started Deck Challenge - $25 - Enter with any structure deck as it comes out of the box and play games against other players or coaches on site, play multiple games and earn prizes.

Sunday:
10am until 4pm FREE - Learn to play
Come along and learn to play for FREE!

10am until 4pm Started Deck Challenge - $25 - Enter with any structure deck as it comes out of the box and play games against other players or coaches on site, play multiple games and earn prizes.

Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering is one of the world’s most popular trading card games, known for its creativity, strategy, and huge range of cards. Commander is Magic at its most social, big plays, big creatures, and memorable moments around the table. It’s relaxed, interactive, and all about enjoying the game with others. Draft offers a faster, more focused experience. Open fresh packs, build a deck on the spot, and see what you can create. Every draft is different, making it a great way to challenge yourself and try something new.
Across Saturday and Sunday, we will be running Free Entry Commander Pods at 1pm. Players sign up and select a power level (Casual, Advanced, or Competitive) and pods are formed accordingly to keep games balanced and enjoyable. All participants will receive older Magic promotional cards for taking part.

We will also be running On-Demand Drafts throughout the weekend for players who want structured, drop-in competitive play. Drafts fire every hour on the hour using the TMNT set, with pods of 4–8 players (minimum 4 to fire). Entry is $30, and the winner of each draft receives a promo pack. It’s simple, fast, and ideal for players who want a competitive experience without committing to a full-day tournament.

Friday:
Every hour on the hour On-Demand Drafts - $30 - come along throughout the day and join in one of many drafts starting throughout the day!

1pm Commander - FREE - Join us at 1pm with any commander deck and get paired against other players of a comparable power level.

Saturday:
Every hour on the hour On-Demand Drafts - $30 - come along throughout the day and join in one of many drafts starting throughout the day!

1pm Commander - FREE - Join us at 1pm with any commander deck and get paired against other players of a comparable power level.

Sunday:
Every hour on the hour On-Demand Drafts - $30 - come along throughout the day and join in one of many drafts starting throughout the day!

1pm Commander - FREE - Join us at 1pm with any commander deck and get paired against other players of a comparable power level.