Blog - TCR Arena

TCG Con Arabia 2026: Middle East’s Biggest Trading Card Game Convention Comes to Riyadh

January 5, 2025 | Entertainment

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Trading card fans and collectors across the Middle East are gearing up for an unprecedented celebration of card culture at TCG Con Arabia, scheduled for 6–7 February 2026 at the Holiday Inn Riyadh, Izdihar. This two-day event promises to be the region’s largest dedicated trading card game (TCG) convention, bringing together hobbyists, competitive players, vendors, and collectors from across the GCC and beyond. Event Overview TCG Con Arabia isn’t just a typical expo—it’s being positioned as a true hub for passion, trade, and connection among enthusiasts of all things TCG. Whether fans are into Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Magic: The Gathering, or retro gaming, the convention aims to bring the entire trading card ecosystem together under one roof. Dates: 6–7 February 2026 Venue: Holiday Inn Riyadh, Izdihar, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Tickets: Options include one-day and two-day passes, plus VIP access for premium experiences. What to Expect at TCG Con Arabia Vendor Hall The heart of the event is its massive vendor hall, designed to be a collector’s paradise. Exhibitors will showcase: Sealed booster boxes and product Rare single cards and graded slabs Accessories like sleeves, binders, and display cases Exclusive merchandise and limited-edition collectibles This space is perfect for hunters of rare cards or anyone looking to expand their collection. Trade Arena & Community Areas Attendees can take part in open trading sessions, with dedicated tables for fans to negotiate trades, swap binders, and discover cards that may not be easily found online. The Trade Arena is where collectors can build connections and share stories about their favorite finds. Collector’s Lounge (VIP) A highlight for serious collectors, the VIP Collector’s Lounge elevates the experience with: Exclusive space for high-value trades Professional evaluation and grading consultations Curated displays of rare and high-end cards Comfortable lounge seating and refreshed networking opportunities VIP pass holders also receive early access to the event, priority at trading tables, and exclusive TCG Con Arabia merchandise. Tickets & Access TCG Con Arabia offers a range of ticket types to suit different levels of engagement: Collector Pass: Full access to Vendor Hall, Trade Arena, community zones, live demos, and giveaways Gold (2-Day) Pass: Extended entry for both event days VIP Pass: Early entry, VIP Lounge access, exclusive merch, and priority trading privileges Passes are available online, and VIP tickets are expected to sell out quickly due to limited availability. A New Era for TCG in the Middle East Organizers of TCG Con Arabia emphasize that the event isn’t just a one-off show—it’s the beginning of a movement aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as the regional home for trading card culture. From local hobbyists to international visitors, the convention is designed to foster community, creativity, and competition across all levels of the hobby. According to the official event site, the vision is to create a world-class experience where the love of trading cards transforms into lasting connections and shared passion among fans.

Linkin Park Abu Dhabi Concert 2026: From Zero World Tour at Etihad Arena

January 5, 2025 | Entertainment

Abu Dhabi is gearing up for one of the biggest music events of the year as multi-platinum rock band Linkin Park returns to the United Arab Emirates for the first time in over 15 years. The band’s From Zero World Tour is scheduled to hit the iconic Etihad Arena on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, promising an electrifying night for fans across the region. 🗓 Event Details Venue: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Time: Doors open in the evening, with the show starting at 8:00 PM (local time). Tour: From Zero World Tour, supporting their eighth studio album, From Zero. A Long-Awaited Return Linkin Park’s visit marks their return to Abu Dhabi’s stage after a long hiatus—their last UAE appearance was back in 2010. The From Zero tour celebrates the band’s resurgence and the release of their latest album, which has achieved international chart success, reintroducing Linkin Park to a new generation of fans. What to Expect Fans attending the concert can look forward to a mix of classic anthems and fresh material. Expect to hear beloved hits such as In the End, Numb, Somewhere I Belong, and New Divide, alongside newer tracks from From Zero like The Emptiness Machine and Heavy Is The Crown. This blend of nostalgia and evolution embodies Linkin Park’s signature sound—fusing rock, electronic, and hip-hop influences. Tickets & Experience Tickets for the Abu Dhabi show are available in a range of categories, from general admission to VIP packages. Options include: General Admission Golden Circle Premium Reserved Seating Exclusive VIP Experience Packages—featuring early entry, exclusive merchandise, and collectible items. With demand already high and some sections reportedly selling out, fans are advised to secure their tickets in advance through official channels to guarantee entry. A Global Tour The From Zero World Tour spans multiple continents—from Asia and the Middle East to Europe, Australia, and the Americas. The Abu Dhabi show is one of the tour’s standout Middle East dates, giving regional fans a rare chance to see Linkin Park live. Band Line-Up The tour features core members, including Mike Shinoda David “Phoenix” Farrell Joe Hahn Colin Brittain Emily Armstrong (taking on lead vocals for the revitalised lineup) This refreshed ensemble brings both the band’s classic energy and new creative dynamics to the stage. Don’t Miss It With decades of hits, a chart-topping new album, and an unforgettable live experience, Linkin Park’s From Zero concert in Abu Dhabi promises to be a highlight of the 2026 music calendar. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering their sound for the first time, this is set to be one of the year’s most memorable live rock performances.

Australian Electrician Wakes Up to Life-Changing Lamine Yamal Card Win

January 4, 2025 | Entertainment

An Australian electrician’s ordinary night turned into a collector’s dream come true after he unknowingly pulled an ultra-rare Lamine Yamal trading card during a late-night card break—only to wake up hours later to find his phone flooded with messages. The collector, identified on social media as Aaron Morgan from Melbourne, had joined a live box break (a shared online event where hobbyists open packs of trading cards together) late at night. However, he fell asleep before the break finished. While he was asleep, the breaker pulled an extremely rare Lamine Yamal card—a currently highly sought-after rookie of the Barcelona star. When Aaron woke up the next day, he was stunned to see dozens of notifications and messages from friends in the card hobby telling him what he’d hit. The card was sent off to Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) for grading—the industry standard for certifying trading card condition—and came back as a PSA 10, the highest possible grade. After grading, the card was consigned to auction, where bidding quickly escalated, ultimately selling for $103,000 USD (approximately £80,000). When asked how he plans to spend the windfall, Aaron said with a laugh that he’ll “probably be buying more cards”—proving that for many collectors, passion and investment go hand in hand. This story is a striking example of how the sports card hobby—especially soccer rookies like Lamine Yamal—has become a serious collectible market, with some rare items drawing huge sums at auction. Even everyday hobbyists can unexpectedly strike gold, as this Melbourne electrician’s story clearly shows

WWE Royal Rumble 2026 to Make History in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

January 4, 2025 | Entertainment

WWE is set to make history as Royal Rumble 2026 will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 31, marking the first time the iconic event is held outside North America. The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most prestigious premium live events, traditionally kicking off the Road to WrestleMania. Hosting it in Riyadh represents a major milestone in WWE’s ongoing global expansion and its long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia. Over the past several years, Saudi Arabia has hosted multiple high-profile WWE events, but bringing the Royal Rumble to the region elevates the country’s status on the WWE calendar. Fans can expect the signature 30-man and 30-woman Rumble matches, with winners earning championship opportunities at WrestleMania. The move has generated strong buzz across the wrestling world, with many viewing it as a sign of WWE’s confidence in the Middle East market and its growing international fan base. It also reinforces WWE’s strategy of taking its biggest events beyond traditional boundaries. With Royal Rumble 2026 set against the backdrop of Riyadh, anticipation is already building for surprise entrants, major returns, and storyline-defining moments that could shape WWE’s entire year.

Chris Jericho WWE Return Rumors Heat Up Ahead of January RAW

January 4, 2025 | Entertainment

Speculation around a potential Chris Jericho return to WWE has intensified following comments from Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. According to Meltzer, there has been “a lot of talk” within wrestling circles that Jericho could be headed back to WWE—possibly as soon as the January 5 episode of Monday Night RAW. While the rumors are gaining momentum, Meltzer was careful to clarify that no official confirmation has been made by either WWE or Jericho’s representatives. Despite this, the situation is reportedly being discussed backstage as if a deal is already in place. Meltzer described the buzz more as an expectation rather than a confirmed return, noting that nobody involved has outright denied the rumors. At the same time, some WWE sources have cautioned him “not to believe anything said about it,” adding another layer of uncertainty. Jericho’s long history of surprise WWE returns has only fueled speculation. Meltzer pointed out during a previous comeback, Jericho deliberately changed his return date after news leaked, delaying his appearance to catch fans off guard. This has led many to believe a similar strategy could be unfolding now, making it risky to lock in any specific return date. Adding further fuel to the rumors is the fact that Chris Jericho’s AEW contract expired at the end of 2025. Jericho has also been open about his desire to continue wrestling into 2026, leading many observers to believe that a final WWE run could be on the horizon—potentially as a major storyline player, special attraction, or Hall of Fame–caliber farewell run. For now, however, everything remains unconfirmed. Outside the ring, Jericho continues to stay active as the lead singer of the heavy metal band Fozzy, while maintaining one of the most diverse résumés in professional wrestling history. His career spans major runs in WWE, AEW, WCW, and ECW, and promotions in Mexico, cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile performers of all time. Whether Jericho’s name hits RAW this week or later down the Road to WrestleMania, one thing is certain: the wrestling world is watching closely.

Anthony Joshua Stable After Serious Car Crash in Nigeria

December 30, 2025 | Entertainment

British boxing icon Anthony Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, was involved in a serious road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, according to multiple reports. The collision occurred when the SUV Joshua was traveling in struck a stationary truck while attempting an overtaking maneuver. Tragically, the accident resulted in the deaths of two passengers, identified as Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele, both described as longtime friends and members of Joshua’s close camp. Joshua, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle at the time of the crash, sustained minor injuries and was immediately taken to the hospital for medical observation. Authorities later confirmed that the 35-year-old boxer is in stable condition and continues to receive care as a precaution. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with early reports indicating that road conditions and the stationary vehicle played a role in the crash. The news has sent shockwaves through the global boxing community, with fans, fellow fighters, and public figures expressing their support for Joshua while offering condolences and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives. Anthony Joshua remains one of the most prominent figures in modern boxing, and the focus now turns to his recovery and the well-being of those affected by this tragic incident.