SNKRDUNK Interviews ATP_Collector for the Inside Story on His Massive Collection—and More

15th November 2024 EDT FEATURES

SNKRDUNK Interviews ATP_Collector for the Inside Story on His Massive Collection—and More

SNKRDUNK's interview with one of Singapore's leading TCG collectors.

One of Singapore’s most prolific TCG collectors, Ritz—known on social media as ATP_Collector—is the proud owner of a collection about which the word “impressive” would be an understatement.

To find out more about his story in the world of TCG, SNKRDUNK recently interviewed him.

Could you introduce yourself?

Hi guys, this is ATP_Collector (Ritz). If you’ve been following me for some time on Instagram, you might have seen my pictures of my Pokémon cards and how I enjoy my collecting hobby in general.

How did you get into TCG collection?

As a kid growing up in the late ‘90s, I, like many others, was into Pokémon and when the TCG first came out, most of us went crazy for it. But back then, the cards were expensive so most of us could only afford one booster pack per week.

Years later, I returned to the hobby in 2016, shortly after Pokémon Go debuted. My wife and I were on vacation in Europe and playing Pokémon Go there. We were in Liverpool and passed by a card shop which was selling the Pokémon TCG expansion set Generations.

I walked in and bought a few booster boxes and packs. Then I opened them and got so excited when I saw all the cards. I stayed with it and have kept buying Pokémon TCG products since then, and ever since then I’ve never looked back.

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

For me, a lot of it is about the nostalgia of a simpler time when it was just opening packs with our friends. I think for most collectors, that’s the main hook—the nostalgia, especially for collectors from my era.

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

It’s been good—I’ve bought several cards from the SNKRDUNK app. The process is smooth, easy, and fast; the cards are in as good a condition as described; and I also really liked the fact that all the cards go through an authenticator. If any of the cards are damaged in ways not depicted on the online image, they’ll actually refund the purchase and explain what happened.

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

One advantage of buying them via an online store is not having to go to an actual physical store. The availability of the products is also more consistent and restocks are quick. When buying in-person, it takes time to go to the shop—and sometimes the item in question isn’t even in stock.

The prices of TCG products sold on online stores are often very competitive; some are even cheaper than those from physical stores. After all, this isn’t a cheap hobby, so we want to save as much money as we can.

That’s another big reason why many collectors I know prefer to turn to online stores more than they do physical shops—especially when they buy them in large volume; not just one or two packs, but multiple boxes or even cases.

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

My best experiences would be those related to the community—attending events, meeting new people especially the next generation of collectors as well as the parents who bring their kids to card shows and such. It’s always nice to see this intergenerational connection and it’s very heartwarming to see it because it’s more than just about cards; it’s a bonding experience.

Then of course, from a collector’s perspective there’s the experience of pulling the best cards from a set. That blast of euphoria is unbeatable. I’ve seen my friends pull big cards, and the pure joy in that moment is so special. You can’t buy that experience, and it gives that card a story as well.

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

I have a Giovanni’s Scheme card signed by the illustrator; it has a great backstory behind it. At the time, cards signed by artists weren’t yet that big of a thing. My wife and I were in Japan at the time, and I bought this card to commemorate my recent marriage proposal to her. So that gave the card a special meaning.

The process to get a card signed was not easy back then because most of the artists’ signing sessions at conventions were mainly overseas, usually in the US. So I had to send the card to the US and get a middleman (who’s now a good friend of mine) to help me with the signing at the event. Then after it was signed, it had to be graded with PSA and after that, it would be sent back.

These days, the process of getting a card signed is very quick. It’ll usually come back within three months but back then it wasn’t like that. It took almost two years for my card to come back. It was a very stressful time because I didn’t know what would happen to the card—but it came back just fine.

Do you have any suggestions about card grading?

I get this question a lot from newcomers. First, you have to know your reason for grading. First off, there’s the encapsulation of the card because you just love the card and want to protect it and keep it in its best condition. A second reason could be for investment; a lot of people want to grade a card because its value could be very high if it’s a high-grade card.

My advice to new collectors is this: always decide what’s the purpose, whether for safekeeping or for investment.

The main card graders are PSA and Beckett (BGS); if you’re looking to move your cards quickly, I’d recommend PSA because PSA-graded cards sell the fastest. Beckett-graded cards tend to be more premium, especially the Gold Label and Black Label 10s. These tend to be harder to grade and fetch higher prices.

I’d also throw in CGC because of its cheaper grading fees; however, in general CGC is not as popular as PSA or Beckett.

How much is your entire collection worth?

At least S$150,000.

Which Pokémon TCG sets do you rate most highly?

Among vintage sets, the Wizards of the Coast-era sets like Neo Destiny, Gym Heroes, Gym Challenge, and Base Set will always have a special place in my heart for nostalgic reasons.

As for modern sets, I quite enjoyed the seventh generation’s cards because of the artwork, especially the Tag Team GX Starter Sets [SMM]. That was one of the best sets from that era. Then, once again for nostalgic reasons there would be 151 [MEW]. Everyone has been going crazy over it for so long.

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

I’d have to start with Mew because I collect Mew-related items. Then of course, I love my Kanto starters, so Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Pikachu. Then the last one would be… Mewtwo, I guess.

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

My advice for new collectors has always been the same and something I firmly stand by – just collect what you love. It’s very easy to fall into the peer pressure caused by knowing what’s happening and who’s collecting what cards but ultimately, you’re the one with the collection and who chooses how to build it.

I’ll also say this: be kind, it’s a hobby in which everyone is just looking for their own happiness through it, so always be nice to the people around and enjoy the ride.