About Great Encounters

About Great Encounters

 

Hey, I’m Tyler, the founder of Great Encounters, and I’ve been where you are—exploring the world of trading cards, sometimes scoring big, and other times learning hard lessons. I didn’t always know I’d be here, running a business built around my love for the Pokémon TCG, but looking back, it all makes sense now.

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My Journey

 

My first dive into Pokémon, like so many others, started with Pokémon Blue on the Game Boy. I still remember the excitement of playing that game as a kid. But as far as the trading card game went, I wasn’t initially hooked. It wasn’t until 2008 that I found myself buying packs for the first time. I picked up a few sets, including the Diamond & Pearl: Great Encounters set, and while I didn’t stick with it at the time, those cards stayed with me—and they’re still a part of my collection today.

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Fast forward to 2024: after rediscovering card games through Disney’s Lorcana and diving headfirst into buying and opening booster boxes, I found my way back to Pokémon. A work friend convinced me to give it a shot, and before long, I was buying, opening, and grading cards, chasing the excitement of every hit.

That’s when I realized there was a huge opportunity to share this thrill with others, and that’s how Great Encounters All Hits! Mystery Slab was born. I wanted to create something that guarantees a hit in every slab—no bulk, no junk—just the excitement of pulling something awesome every time.

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Why Great Encounters?

Great Encounters isn’t just a shop, it’s a reflection of my journey as a collector. I’m not here as a faceless company; I’m one of you—a player, a collector, an enthusiast. When you buy from me, you’re getting something I believe in. Every card I sell, every mystery slab I pack, is curated with the same excitement and passion I had when I first got back into the hobby. And through my YouTube videos and pack openings, I’m committed to sharing that experience with you.

 

Let’s make every encounter great—together.