Gaming Specialist

Midwest Cards•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Midwest Cards is more than a card shop — it's a destination. We host live breaks, power a thriving streaming presence, and serve a community of collectors and players who are deeply invested in the hobby. The Gaming Specialist is the person on the floor making that community happen. This role is responsible for assisting organized play events, tournaments, and casual gaming nights across our key TCG titles. You know the games, you know the players, and you know how to create an environment where people want to come back every week. You will report to the Gaming Manager and work closely with the broader Midwest Cards team to ensure our gaming program is one of the best in the region. This is an evening and weekend role. Most events run after the shop closes — typically until midnight. If you love the games and love the community, this schedule is the job. Core Responsibility: Run best-in-class organized play that builds a loyal, growing gaming community at Midwest Cards. You help to organize the events, know the rules, and make every player — from first-timer to seasoned competitor — feel like this is their place.

Requirements

Deeply passionate about trading card games and competitive play
Organized and reliable — events depend on you showing up prepared
A natural people person — you make players feel seen and valued
Calm under pressure — you can resolve a heated rules dispute without escalating it
Energetic and engaging, especially late in the evening when others would be fading
Comfortable taking ownership of an event from setup to teardown
Understand how organized play works — tournament structures, judging, pairings, and prize support
Understand the culture of competitive TCG — what players care about and what they can't stand
Understand how to balance competitive integrity with community warmth
Understand that the experience matters as much as the game itself

Nice To Haves

Prior experience judging or running tournaments (any TCG)
Hold a judge certification for Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, or similar
Active in the local or national TCG competitive scene
Experience growing a gaming community from the ground up
Follow the sports card and collectibles hobby beyond just TCG

Responsibilities

Plan, schedule, and run weekly and special event TCG tournaments and casual play nights
Serve as head judge or lead organizer for events — enforce rules fairly and consistently
Manage player registration, pairings, standings, and prize distribution
Coordinate with the Gaming Manager on event calendar, formats, and entry structures
Ensure events start on time, run smoothly, and finish on schedule
Handle on-the-floor logistics: table setup, game supplies, signage, and teardown
Serve as a knowledgeable resource for players across our core titles: Pokémon, One Piece Card Game, Magic: The Gathering, Riftbound, and more.
Stay current on rules updates, new set releases, tournament formats, and competitive metas
Answer player questions confidently and resolve disputes with fairness and composure
Help new players learn game mechanics and feel welcome in competitive environments
Identify which games are growing in the community and surface insights to the Gaming Manager
Build relationships with regular players and make them feel like a valued part of the Midwest Cards community
Create a welcoming, inclusive environment for players of all skill levels
Encourage repeat attendance through great experiences — not just prizes
Help grow event participation by engaging players on-site and in coordination with marketing
Be the face of the gaming program during events: energetic, approachable, and in control
Assist players in finding product relevant to their game and format
Be knowledgeable about our singles, sealed product, and accessories inventory
Identify opportunities to connect event attendees with in-store purchases
Communicate product requests and inventory gaps to the Gaming Manager and buying team
Track event attendance, results, and notable moments for each event
Communicate player feedback and community trends to the Gaming Manager
Flag any issues — rules disputes, player conduct, logistics problems — promptly and clearly
Contribute ideas for new formats, events, and ways to grow the program