Help send Geek Peek to the top of the pile: Old Brooklyn hobby shop up for major TCGPlayer award

The Geek Peek, located in Old Brooklyn, was just nominated for its first regional award: TCG Hobby Shop of the Year. Since 2023, Geek Peek has cultivated an inclusive gaming space for beginners interested in learning how to play games such as Pokemon and Magic the Gathering. Voting is open now through the end of the year.

The award recognizes and rewards local game stores that have “gone above and beyond to support both their local community and the TCG industry,” according to their website. “These hobby shops are more than just places to buy and sell: they play a pivotal role in creating a community of collectors, players and enthusiasts.”

Geek Peek is the first shop from Cleveland to be nominated for the award. If they win, the shop would be the first store from Ohio and the second Midwest store to receive the recognition. Last year, two out of the three winners were from California.

“It’s pretty freaking huge,” said Jill Bresnahan, one of the co-owners, about receiving a nomination. Bresnahan runs the shop with her partner, Mikey Pierce, alongside their small staff and shop cat named Zora.

TCGPlayer is an online sales platform for selling collectible card games such as Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic the Gathering. The award also comes with sponsorship opportunities and mentorship, plus added benefits such as beta testing and waived fees.

"This is a huge opportunity for us to bring new players and collectors to Cleveland,” Bresnahan told Upbeat Nonsense. “This year alone we've fulfilled over 15,000 orders online and in-store."

Two other OH-based shops were also nominated: Card Father Games in Grove City and Top Table in Avon. You can vote once per email address.

Geek Peek also hosts regular events, such as open play nights or monthly Pokemon League challenges. They have multiple events scheduled through the end of the year, including: