Gaming Specialist & Associate

Midwest Cards•Columbus, OH

2h•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Gaming Specialist and Associate hosts, judges, and supports trading card game (TCG) tournaments and events at Midwest Cards, combining TCG knowledge, event coordination, and customer service to create an engaging experience for players and collectors. The role helps bring the TCG community together by hosting and judging tournaments, coordinating gaming events, and assisting customers with collecting and gaming interests. Candidates must be proficient in the Pokemon TCG, Magic: The Gathering, and One Piece TCG, and willing to learn other games, including Riftbound and the Cyberpunk TCG. The position is full-time and in-person at Midwest Cards’ Arena District store in Columbus, Ohio. It is scheduled for 40 hours per week, primarily Monday through Friday, with nights and evenings required. Weekend availability is preferred, and schedules vary according to tournament and event needs. Compensation is $20–$23 per hour. Benefits include paid time off, health, vision, and dental insurance, and an employee discount.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of the trading card game hobby.
Proficiency in the Pokemon TCG, Magic: The Gathering, and One Piece TCG.
Willingness to learn other games, including Riftbound and the Cyberpunk TCG.
Experience judging, hosting, or participating in TCG tournaments.
Confident in-person customer service and communication skills.
Ability to interact professionally with staff, players, and customers of varying experience levels.

Nice To Haves

A Judge Certificate or equivalent in one or more TCGs.
Weekend availability.

Responsibilities

Host, organize, and judge TCG tournaments and other gaming events.
Ensure tournaments run smoothly and provide a positive participant experience.
Apply tournament rules and guidelines fairly and consistently.
Answer player questions and assist with game rulings and tournament-related concerns.
Create an engaging and welcoming environment for players of all experience levels.
Work with the events and marketing teams to plan and coordinate TCG events.
Help develop ideas to grow tournament participation and strengthen the local gaming community.
Support event setup, execution, and breakdown as needed.
Communicate event needs, feedback, and opportunities to appropriate team members.
Assist customers with questions about TCG products, collectibles, and gaming.
Share knowledge of trading cards, collecting, playing, and the broader hobby.
Help identify cards of value that Midwest Cards may be interested in purchasing or trading for.
Provide general shop support and assist with store operations as needed.
Represent Midwest Cards professionally and contribute to a welcoming customer experience.