Congratulations, 2025 CGC Cards Registry Award Winners!

CGC is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 CGC Cards Registry Awards, including sets for TCGs, sports cards and non-sports cards! Our panel of judges had a difficult time narrowing it down to just 20 Best Sets of the Year — there were so many options across all of the categories, and everyone did an amazing job. After much deliberation, our panel selected the following winners. Congratulations to all!

Sports Card Winners

1959 Topps Baseball - Hofsportscard

With Gold Glove awards for Hank Aaron and Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle’s career low of 126 strikeouts, a perfect game lost in the 13^th inning by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the second season for the Dodgers in Los Angeles after relocating from Brooklyn, 1959 marked an interesting year in baseball.

The mammoth, 572-card Topps 1959 baseball set was likewise marked by interesting design. Framed in bold colors, players are set against stadium backdrops in portrait and action shots, and facsimile autographs appear on each card.

Hofsportscard’s set is anchored by solid grades, scarce examples, and top-of-the-pop entries. Check out the #316 Ralph Lumenti No Option Statement (the only CGC-graded example of this rare card), the CGC 8.5 #44 Vito Valentinetti, and set star #50 Willie Mays graded CGC 5.

1961 Nu-Card Scoops – Don Rice

Getting into the game with goliaths like Topps and Bowman is no small feat, even if only for two seasons. Following up their 1960 Hi-Lites set, the 1961 Nu-Cards Scoops set centered on exciting baseball events stylized like newspaper headlines. But despite the outsized number of Hall of Famers for such a compact set, Nu-Cards struck out with kid collectors and called it a day that same year.

All was certainly not lost though! The 1961 Scoops set has attracted a loyal following in the decades since, and relative scarcity of these cards makes for a fun collecting challenge.

Don Rice’s No. 1-ranked CGC Registry set is complete and packed with high grades and top-of-the-pop examples. Check out some of baseball’s best records and amazing history in this unique set.

Pete Rose Player Set – Daniel R Brown

The Big Red Machine led National League baseball in the 1970s with the kind of talent that only comes together rarely in any sport, and Pete Rose remains the most legendary on the roster of one of the best teams in baseball history.

“Charlie HustleThe hard-playing style of “Charlie Hustle” channeled raw will over ability, earning a long list of accolades across his 24-year career. No player in MLB history has yet beaten the Hit King’s top records.

The No. 1-ranked DoubleB Pete Rose Player set is an impressive collection of more than 250 cards, with plenty of high-grade examples sitting at the top the pop. Check out the 1973 Kellogg’s #06 Pete Rose graded CGC Gem Mint 10 and the 1979 Topps #204 Pete Rose Record Breaker graded CGC 9.

Hank Aaron Player Set – THA Card Story

Walk through Hammerin’ Hank’s monumental career in this CGC Cards Registry set! Comprised of nearly 200 cards from Aaron’s rookie year in 1954 to the modern day, this collection is a tribute to one of the most incredible players in baseball history.

Check out the 1963 Topps Power Plus #242, a dominating year for the slugger who racked up 44 home runs, 130 RBIs, 31 stolen bases, becoming the third player in history to join the 30-30 club. Also worth a close look is the 1975 Topps ’74 Highlights #1, issued after Aaron hit his 715^th home run to surpass Babe Ruth’s record.

Michael Jordan Player Set – bharder14

This 155-card collection dedicated to “His Airness” touches all corners of MJ’s inimitable career under the throwback title “Like Mike...I Want To Be Like Mike”.

The 1992-93 Topps Archives #52 graded CGC 9 marks the final year of the first Bulls Three-Peat, while the 1994-95 Upper Deck MJ1 graded CGC 7 celebrates Jordan’s triumphant return after his baseball stint. The 1997-98 Topps 40 T40-5 Refractor graded CGC 8.5 celebrates the season that wrapped the Bulls second Three-Peat, crowned by one of the most dazzling performances in NBA history from Jordan in Game 6 of the Finals.

Kirill Kaprizov Player Set – The Reverend283

Recently signed to the most valuable contract extension in NHL history, “Kirill the Thrill” Kaprizov has brought unbridled excitement to the NHL and Minnesota Wild fans since his league debut in 2020-21. With 386 points, 62 power-play goals, 27 game-winning goals, and multiple franchise records, Kaprizov’s career seems poised for greatness.

This Kirill Kaprizov Player Set focuses on cards primarily from his first season, with high grades and autographs throughout. Check out the O-Pee-Chee Platinum Rookie Autographs R-KK graded CGC Gem Mint 10, and the Upper Deck #451 Young Guns graded CGC 9.5 with a straight sweep of 9.5 sub-grades.

1951-52 Parkhurst Hockey – TPC Trading

It might not get any tougher than 1951 Parkhurst Hockey cards. This set is well known for condition issues originating from unusually rough manufacturing and blank backs that enticed collectors to paste them into albums. Throw in cheap materials and low production numbers and you’ve got an epic collecting challenge.

But it doesn’t go unrewarded. The 105-card 1951 Parkhurst Hockey set is home to a wealth of rookies, and finding any of these in nice condition is a feat in and of itself.

TPC Trading’s 1951 Parkhurst Hockey set is nearly complete, and there are some great examples in this very challenging set. Check out #8 Paul Masnick graded CGC 5.5 and #18 Ross Robert Lowe graded CGC 6.

1987 Topps Football – Billman1000

With a classic, clean design, Hall of Famer rookie cards, and price point accessibility, the 1987 Topps Football set offers a lot of fun for football card collectors. This 396-card set was released with the Record Breakers and League Leaders subsets, 16 box bottom cards, three error cards, and 24 glossy 1000 Yard Club insert cards featuring running backs or receivers.

CGC Cards Registry member Billman1000 tops the ranks with more than 200,000 points in a collection that boasts solid grades and top-of-the-pop cards. Check out Hall of Famer Jim Kelly’s #362 rookie card graded CGC 8.5, the last regular season issue card for Hall of Famer Walter Payton #46 and Doug Flutie’s #45 rookie card graded CGC 8.5.

1971 Topps Football Game Inserts – Paul Ratz

Among the most notorious for condition issues, the 1971 Topps Football set in top grades might be one of the toughest challenges in sports card collecting, and of the two insert sets, the game cards are in a class of their own.

Designed to be played in a tabletop game, these cards were manufactured with rounded corners and white borders. Player head shots mimic Royal face cards, and the outcome of plays are printed at the top and bottom of each card. With the gaming intent, budget quality materials and miscuts galore, it’s safe to say only a fraction of these cards achieve top grades.

No. 1 ranked for this set type on the CGC Cards Registry, set owner Paul Ratz’s 1971 Topps Game Inserts set assembles all 53 of these tough cards in solid grades. Check out top picks Joe Namath and Terry Bradshaw both graded CGC 7.5, and Johnny Unitas in CGC 6.5.

2021 Topps Chrome F1 Purple Refractor - limitededitioncards

The release for the 2021 Topps Chrome F1 set was delayed, but well worth the wait. This set features a beautiful, high-quality design showcasing the roster of F1 and F2 drivers, Future Star cards, Autographs and rookies.

CGC Cards Registry member limitededitioncards has focused on the Purple Refractors in this stunning, top-ranked set of mostly Gem Mint 10’s and top-of-the-pop entries. Stop by this set gallery and check out the Future Stars F2 Prema Racing #59 Oscar Piastri, who made his debut with the F1 McLaren team in 2023 after an impressive climb up the junior single-seater ladder.

TCGs and Non-sports Card Winners

Pokémon

Pokémon Skyridge Master Set - Ashcatchyamom

The e-Cards Series was a transitional milestone for Pokémon. Along with introducing Supporters and division of Pokémon Powers into gameplay with the first e-Cards Series expansion, Skyridge marked the end of licensing to Wizards of the Coast. Skyridge was also the final expansion to include Kadabra until its return 20 years later.

Skyridge is a tough collecting challenge. Print runs were low due to Wizards of the Coast's loss of licensure, and condition issues are common with the connection of this set to the Game Boy Advance e-Reader that allowed players to swipe cards to unlock on-screen content.

The #1 ranked CGC Cards Registry Skyridge Master Set makes this challenge look easy though! With over 1.1 million points, this tough set impresses with very high grades throughout. Stop by the set gallery and check out top picks Gengar, Umbreon, and Charizard Holos, all graded CGC Gem Mint 10.

Pokémon Legendary Collection Master Set – 1stpika & 1stzard

The singular expansion of the Legendary Collection Series has hit its stride with collectors, growing in popularity each year since its release in 2002. This expansion reprinted the best of the best from Base, Jungle, Fossil and Team Rocket and built upon the Reverse Holos first seen in Southern Islands.

The Reverse Holos are the showstoppers of this expansion and among the most desired in the hobby, nicknamed the “Firework” Reverse for the design pattern in the foil. These cards command impressive premiums, and it's easy to see why.

Assembled in the highest grades and 100% complete, the No. 1-ranked CGC Cards Registry Legendary Collection Master Set is an inspiration to any Pokémon collector. Drop into the set gallery and check out all the gorgeous CGC Gem Mint and Pristine 10 “Fireworks.”

Pokémon EX FireRed & LeafGreen - alexyoung27

With the licensing transition to Pokémon Company International, improved gameplay was a major focus introduced in the EX-Series through new rules. The faster-paced gameplay style was an immediate hit and is considered among the strongest eras of the Pokémon TCG, with versatile decks and the powerful Pokémon-EX that made for great match-ups.

At the same time, there was a return to the well in FireRed & LeafGreen, the sixth expansion of the EX Series, which brought the original Pokémon back. This set was at once familiar and nostalgic for seasoned players, and with crossover promotion alongside the Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Pokémon video gamers new to the TCG could get their feet wet.

The No. 1-ranked CGC Cards Registry FireRed & LeafGreen set is nearing completion, and these handsome cards are all assembled in high grades. The stars of this set are certainly the EX Holos for their powerful HP, and the secret rare EX cards with the cracked ice foil pattern. Browse the set gallery and check out top picks Blastoise, Venusaur and Charizard EX, all graded CGC Gem Mint 10.

Pokémon Base Set II – Master Set – Oregon_Kevin

Just shy of the Original Series 1-year anniversary, Wizards of the Coast released the first Pokémon TCG reprint set in the Base Set 2. Containing 130 English-only cards from Base Set and Jungle, this expansion was likely meant to serve as a clean entry point for new players and a stopgap in between Fossil and Team Rocket. Despite a mixed reception upon release in 2000, Base Set 2 has much to offer today's collectors.

For those looking to complete a set from the Original Series, Base Set 2 offers a more accessible price point, although these have risen substantially over time. The holo pattern on Base Set 2 differs from its counterparts, which some prefer, and there is reasonable speculation among collectors that these cards also had a lower print run.

The No. 1 ranked CGC Cards Registry Base Set 2 Master Set clocks over 200,000 points and boasts beautiful cards with impressive high grades. The Electabuzz graded CGC Gem Mint 10 is a top pick, and Pikachu graded CGC Pristine 10 steals the show.

Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering Antiquities Master Set – Rhynokey C&C

The second expansion following Arabian Nights, Antiquities introduced the epic Brothers War between artificers Urza and Mishra, the first set with a cohesive story told through the art and game mechanics. The 100 cards in this set are centered around the brothers' abilities and their battle, and each non-land card in this set is either related to or is an artifact.

The story told in Antiquities played a major role in the development of Magic: The Gathering that carried on in later sets such as Ice Age and Urza’s Saga. With this historical context and relative scarcity, Antiquities holds its own as a favorite among collectors.

The No. 1-ranked CGC Cards Registry Antiquities set brings all of these cards together in high grades and top-of-the-pop entries, racking up over 350,000 points. Check out CGC Gem Mint 10 top picks Mishra’s Workshop and Atog, arguably the most iconic card in this set.

Magic: The Gathering Unlimited Edition Master Set - UnlimitedMTG

Unlimited Edition might be the most important printing of Magic: The Gathering. The higher print numbers increased entry to the game after the near-immediate sellout of Alpha and Beta. With Unlimited, there was a better shot for players to experience the game in its original format, building the lore that elevated the Power cards to their iconic status and solidifying Magic: The Gathering as one of the most beloved and played TCGs of all time.

From a collector's standpoint today, competition is formidable for high grades and the rarest among these classic, white-bordered cards. But with the higher print run and comparatively reasonable entry point, Unlimited adds the most seats at the table for collectors of this vintage set who, like the players of the day, want in.

The No. 1-ranked CGC Cards Registry MTG Unlimited Master Set is certainly inspiring with such high grades across its entirety. Check out top picks Chaos Orb graded CGC Gem Mint 10 (because there's nothing quite like Mark Tedin’s incredible art on this iconic card!) dual land classic Tropical Island, and Shivan Dragon, both graded CGC Pristine 10.

Other TCGs

VeeFriends Series 2 Main Set – Nathan Brumby

Anchored in philosophy, self-discovery and community building, the characters of the VeeFriends universe have expanded exponentially, telling their stories in a series of comics, cartoons, children’s book, live show and trading card game.

The VeeFriends Series 2 set allows actual game play experience and features a bold design and whimsical art across core and rare cards alike that appeals to all ages.

The entire gallery for this set is fun to see, but while you’re there, check out VeeFriends Mascot Very, Very, Very, Very Lucky Black Cat graded CGC 8.5, Sensitive Centipede graded CGC 9.5 and Humble Hedgehog graded CGC Gem Mint 10.

Sorcery: Contested Realm Alpha – Main Set – shibbie711

With gorgeous, hand-painted art and familiar gameplay that places players in the role of spell-casting Avatars going head-to-head, Sorcery: Contested Realm has been a hit since its launch in 2022.

Available only to original Kickstarter backers, the Alpha set includes 406 cards that feature beautiful art from TSR veteran Jeff Easley, fan-favorite Brian Smith and ethereal specialist Vasily Ermolaev, among many other talents.

Shibbie711’s top-ranked Alpha Main set racks up more than 1.4 million points and collects many of these cards in the highest possible grades. Check out Adept Illusionist graded CGC Gem Mint 10 and Deathspeaker graded CGC Pristine 10.

Non-sports Cards

1993 SkyBox Marvel Universe Series IV - Graeme Jones

Revisit Marvel’s storied past in the 1993 SkyBox Marvel Universe Series IV trading card set! This set was the fourth installment in the Marvel Universe line, and brought a gritty, dystopian future artistic style to many of these cards.

Clever design meant that these cards could stand alone, but when arranged according to the checklist in groups of nine, they form a framed image, which would have looked great in collector display binders at the time.

The top-ranked CGC Cards Registry Marvel Series IV SkyBox set brings Marvel’s heroes and villains together in solid grades, and this complete set racks up nearly 200,000 points across all 180 cards. Swing into the set gallery and check out Spider-Man Vs Juggernaut #165 with art from Alex Saviuk and Joe Rubenstein, and the Rigellians #126 who first appeared in Thor #129, both graded CGC Gem Mint 10.

1992 Impel X-Men Series I – Citi23nKayneeuh

One of the most collected X-Men trading card sets, the 1992 Impel X-Men Series I set pairs Marvel’s top comic characters with one of the finest X-Men artists of all time in Jim Lee.

Lee’s stunning art is framed in a clean-lined border with alternating colors across the 100 cards in this set. This classic, slick design is immediately recognizable more than 30 years since its release, and it’s not surprising to see why this set attracted comic collectors to cross over into trading cards.

The No. 1-ranked CGC Cards Registry set showcases these cards in high grades and top-of-the-pop entries that rack up more than 150,000 points. #41 Magneto may be one of Lee’s best renderings of the super-villain and stuns in CGC-graded 9, and #14 Storm and #27 Polaris are both top picks in the set graded CGC Gem Mint 10.

The CGC Cards Registry Awards are open to all CGC Cards Registry participants. To participate in the CGC Cards Registry, visit the Registry at CGCcards.com, register your CGC-graded cards and create a competitive set. It’s free and easy to join!