In a world where internet fame is spun into every conceivable form of consumerism, Topps has embraced the call of the digital wilds with a move as clever as it is inevitable. The card manufacturer is launching a limited-run card drop for the Sidemen Charity Match 2025, featuring the grand debut of trading cards for YouTube luminaries MrBeast and KSI. This delightful mélange of influencer culture and nostalgic collectible card games is proof that in today’s age, a cardboard rectangle with an influencer’s face can hold as much allure—and possibly more monetary value—as a childhood baseball card.
Topps has not only tapped into the current zeitgeist with celebrities who dominate both screens and social feeds, but they have coupled this with philanthropy. By directing a portion of the profits toward charities such as Brightside and M7 Education, they ensure that this exercise in mass consumerism carries a veneer of goodwill. Because let’s face it, nothing quite says “charitable giving” like mass-producing limited-edition collectibles beloved by the fanatical fandoms of YouTube idols.
Indeed, the true crown jewel of this endeavor is none other than the very first official trading card of MrBeast himself. MrBeast, also known as the viral YouTube sensation, renowned for his ability to generate millions of views with the drop of a gold-plated Lamborghini into the hands of a lucky fan, takes center stage in this contemporary collector’s dream. The mere thought of owning such a card is likely to make even the most composed collectors salivate while trying to convince themselves—and others—that they are really in it for the charitable cause.
Now, what exactly can one expect from this confluence of cardboard and clout? For starters, every order made prior to April 4th, 2025, comes with a base card. Standard, no frills – the type of card that’s tossed into boxes long forgotten under beds. However, the real allure lies with the rare “chase” cards, which are designed to tantalize and tempt collectors into the depths of their wallets. These rare finds are peppered with everything from autograph redemptions to foil parallels, each more elusive than the last. Here’s the rundown:
– Gold Foil, limited to 50
– Orange Foil, capped at 25
– Black Foil, a mere 10 to be found
– Red Foil, just 5
– The awe-inspiring FoilFractor, a unique 1/1 piece of art
For those whose tastes lean toward the avant-garde—those who find delight in a dazzling array of variations—they’ve added Chrome and Opal Chrome chase cards to the mix. The nature of these cards is to escalate in rarity as print runs expand, ensuring that the serpent of scarcity continues to bite its own tail. Critical to their design, these shiny tokens come with Python-esque pedigree:
– Chrome cards numbered /99 if demand hits 50k+ prints
– Chrome /25 with shorter runs
– Opal Chrome cards rolling out at 250k+, turning brilliance into breathtaking array
– White OpalFractor 1/1, a solitary masterpiece—the endgame of collector madness
But there is a catch, hidden amidst the fireworks. These ultra-rare treasures only grace collectors if the print run swells sufficiently, creating a delightful game of temptation vs. completion. Purchase blindly, and with luck, land a bonafide bragging piece or, far more likely, another base card consigned to the oblivion of shoebox assembly.
For those capturing a glimpse of serendipity by securing a one-off MrBeast or KSI card, do not merely applaud yourself—be prepared to bask in the “extra drip.” This is a phenomenon of social echelons reserved for those who hold a piece of internet history in their palms, laced with art, persona, and a dash of that elusory commodity known only as “cool.”
These trading card maneuvers coincide with the ongoing tradition of the Sidemen’s Charity football match—a spectacle combining the kinetic energy of sport with the digital charisma of internet personas. Since 2016, the Sidemen have pioneered this annual spectacle, corralling fellow content creators onto the pitch to raise funds for UK charities, blending exercise, entertainment, and altruism into one vibrant event.
Whether you’re charting the trajectory of YouTube’s empire builders, adjusting your collection with an influencer’s touch, or playing the market in the hopes of striking gold amidst foil, this venture promises more than mere collectible allure. It offers a slice of internet-savvy history itself, presenting a moment where clicks, cardboard, and community converge for a greater cause. Step right up, collector—your newest thrill awaits.