From “Just a Collector” to TCG Vendor: SNKRDUNK Interviews Chad “Fever Rips” Elliott

21st March 2025 EDT FEATURES

From “Just a Collector” to TCG Vendor: SNKRDUNK Interviews Chad “Fever Rips” Elliott

Having first met him at LACS, we spoke to Chad "Fever Rips" Elliott to get his perspective on his time as a TCG collector and vendor—as well as several other general Pokémon TCG topics.

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SNKRDUNK first met TCG collector-turned-vendor Chad “Fever Rips” Elliott at the LA Card Show (LACS). Following this, we decided to interview him to learn more about his story within the TCG sphere and hear more about his experiences at LACS including those related to SNKRDUNK.

Could you introduce yourself?

Hello, I’m Chad Elliott aka Fever Rips! I am a Pokémon TCG vendor based in Los Angeles, California.

How did you get into TCG collection?

I got into collecting Pokémon cards as a kid growing up in the 90s. Pokémon was everywhere—from the Game Boy games (Blue and Red versions) to trading cards at my brother’s baseball games.

What is it about TCG collection that keeps you coming back for more?

I love the modern artwork that The Pokémon Company is putting out during the Scarlet & Violet era—it’s the detail in the special illustration rares and illustration rares that does it for me. Also, the community aspect of collecting will always keep me coming back—the relationships you make in this hobby are priceless.

Can you speak about your experiences with TCG products on the SNKRDUNK app, if any?

I usually see SNKRDUNK set up at LACS, and purchasing products from them couldn’t be easier on the app because they usually have the new Pokémon sets available on release day.

What would you regard as the primary advantages of purchasing TCG products via an online store such as that of the SNKRDUNK app?

Purchasing TCG products through the SNRKDUNK app is a safe way for American customers to purchase Japanese boxes from a trusted source.

In your time as a TCG collector, what has been your greatest experience?

It’s tough to say what my greatest experience has been in the Pokémon TCG space, but I’ll share one experience that I’ll never forget—and that would be my first time vending a local card show. It was at the bullpen card shop in El Segundo, California, and it was for LACS. The show was full of passionate collectors, food trucks—and SNKRDUNK was there too! Adam Derry and the LACS team create a great environment for collectors and vendors to enjoy the hobby. I’ve been hooked on vending ever since.

Do you have any favorite cards that you either own or are pursuing? If yes, which ones?

Currently my favorite card in my collection is my PSA 10 Gastly illustration rare from Temporal Forces [TEF] that I pulled and had graded myself.

Which Pokémon TCG sets do you rate most highly?

Base Set, Team Rocket Returns, Evolving Skies, and Team Up.

Well after its initial release, the hype for Terastal Festival ex [SV8a] as well as its English counterpart Prismatic Evolutions [PRE] continues to be sky-high. Almost all Pokémon TCG collectors have their own story regarding this set by now—what’s yours?

I’ve opened a few boxes of Terastal Festival ex [SV8a] and saved one for my sealed collection, and the same goes for Prismatic Evolutions [PRE]. Very expensive and very hard set to get at a fair price—but even though it’s expensive, at least it brings value to the hobby; I don’t think anyone wants to collect things that aren’t worth anything, right?

What are your thoughts on the return of Mega Evolution to the Pokémon TCG?

I enjoy the art from the XY era and I’m excited to see what Pokemon releases for the new era of Mega Evolution cards.

Finally, just for fun: if you were an Elite Four member in the Pokémon universe, what would your team of six be?

Blastoise, Rayquaza, Kyogre, Giratina, Lugia, Gyarados.

Can we have a final message for your social media followers?

Don’t let anyone’s opinion of what you collect get in your head! Collect what you like aside from the monetary value and you can’t lose. There’s a lot of attention and hype involved in the hobby right now but do your best not to have FOMO on new sets! Spend what you can afford to spend and keep collecting fun! Much love to everyone in the community and leave some product for the kids!