Collector Nation — Human Card Grading Is Ending: Here’s What Comes Next With Tech Advancements

Podcast: Collector Nation
Host: Ryan Alford (The Radcast Network)
Guest: Brian Ludden (CEO, Ludex)
Date: December 26, 2025
Episode Focus: The future of trading card grading, increasing use of AI and tech in the hobby, key updates on Ludex and Collector Nation, and predictions for the collectibles industry in 2026.

Episode Overview

This lively episode dives into the evolving landscape of trading cards and collectibles, with an emphasis on the end of traditional human card grading and the rise of AI-powered solutions. Ryan Alford and guest Brian Ludden discuss the state of the hobby, new integrations and products at Ludex (including eBay connect), the importance of data, community-building, and where technology is taking collectors next. They also reflect on holiday traditions, offer collector tips, and share predictions for 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Collector Nation–Ludex Partnership and Vision

• Collector Nation is positioned as the media arm of Ludex, aiming to provide top-tier, community-driven content for collectors and brands.
• There's a focus on bringing “the best, the brightest" in the hobby into a unified platform that offers both authoritative news and honest opinions.
• Ryan says:
  “We want to aggregate the best media in the collector space... we want to bring that to life and give it a home... as a source of trusted authority.” [03:00]

2. Expansion of Ludex and Industry Innovations

• 2025 has been a year for Ludex building out four subsidiary brands; all set to launch in Q1 2026.
• New Ludex HQ is opening in a historic loft building — “the built-in kegerator is a big hit.” [09:20]
• Collector Nation card store at the Rangers Stadium is breaking ground soon.
• The culture of startups and the importance of energetic, positive office environments were highlighted.

3. Tech Updates: AI Grading & Marketplace Integrations

• “Human card grading is ending”— AI grading tools are rapidly growing, enabling collectors to pre-grade cards and estimate their likelihood of getting a ‘10’ before submitting to major graders.
  • Ryan asks:
    “Have you used ChatGPT for grading?”
  • Brian describes using AI to detect flaws in cards, achieving “consistency” in quick, cheap pre-grades.
    “Honestly, I think it’s pretty good. You just take your card, throw it out there, put a crease in it…it’s the pre-grade. That should be the pre-grade.” [14:46]
• Enterprise & B2B Solutions: Ludex’s technology enables mass scanning and streamlined sales on eBay, Shopify, etc.
  • Brian: “There’s a dude…putting on 10 to 12,000 cards a day at scale with the Ricoh scanner, the 8170—super efficient.” [11:53]
• Plans to further train AI/LLMs (Large Language Models) as grading agents (humorously dubbed “Larry the Grader”):
  “At some point… I want to have something like that in our app…just train it as a grader… Larry the grading agent.” [17:52]
• Recognition that “there is no tech moat anymore”— speed of innovation is key; execution matters more than ideas.

4. Data, Integration, and Ludex’s Strategic Advantage

• Ludex is positioned fundamentally as a data company, leveraging first-party data for both consumer and B2B opportunities: “Whoever controls the masses of people’s collections will win this race of technology in this industry.” [21:03]
• Eye-popping stat:
  “158 million cards were scanned on Ludex in 2025.” [19:10]
• eBay integration and digital collection management are now “the magic” in the app.

5. Collecting Advice and Holiday Traditions

• Advice for new/existing collectors:
  • Lean into the hobby for enjoyment, nostalgia, and connection—not just for financial ROI.
  • Start with the “veteran, the vintage athletes, the goats,” or choose players/teams you enjoy personally.
  • AI grading: use AI tools as a quick, cheap pre-grading step to optimize submissions and reduce risk.
  • “The $2 card that’s super rare might have more value to me than a $200 card that means nothing to me.” [24:51]
• Holiday traditions:
  • Ryan is giving each son a collectible this year and is planning on “ripping some packs after you rip some gifts.” [26:09]
  • Brian’s family is forgoing presents for a Costa Rica vacation, reducing holiday stress.

6. Predictions & Industry Hot Takes for 2026

• The hobby will go more mainstream, with more brands entering collectibles.
• Expect proliferation of large entertainment/card events (e.g., Fanatics Fest).
• Anticipation for Topps’ moves next year, especially with football licensing.
  • Brian predicts companies failing due to rapid tech changes; Topps must simplify and rebuild product lines.
  • “Technology is also going to drive a lot of businesses out of business… That’s not industry specific, that’s macroly.” [30:11]
  • Praise for Topps leadership’s humility and commitment to listening to collectors.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On ideas & execution:
  • Brian: “Everyone has an idea to make a million bucks. Everyone…ideas are cheap. It’s execution.” [18:42]
• On the AI future:
  • Ryan (joking): “Larry the greater—his only job…he shows up every day, no talking back, no sick days.” [18:09]
• On Ludex’s data play:
  • Brian: “Cards are our data, our first party data. My job is to get as many on our platform as humanly possible.” [22:07]
• On collecting for love, not just profits:
  • Ryan: “There’s a $2 card that probably has more value to me than a $200 card that means nothing to me.” [24:51]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:52 - Collector Nation & Ludex partnership vision.
• 04:34 - New Ludex HQ and Rangers Stadium store announcement.
• 10:23 - Tech updates, holiday deployment slowdowns, and the evolution to an inventory system.
• 11:53 - Enterprise integration: scanning, eBay, and high-volume case study.
• 13:01 - The boom in AI card grading, ChatGPT use, and grading tips.
• 17:52 - The vision for a specialized grading AI (“Larry the Grader”).
• 19:10 - 2025 wrap: “158 million cards scanned” on Ludex.
• 21:03 - Ludex as a data company and first-party data potential.
• 24:08 - Collecting advice for new and veteran hobbyists.
• 26:09 - Holiday gift/card traditions for families.
• 28:15 - Host and guest predictions for the industry in 2026.
• 30:11 - Risks and opportunities as tech transforms the industry.
• 31:22 - Reflection on Topps’ product strategy and what’s next.

Final Thoughts & Episode Tone

This episode is energetic, optimistic, and filled with industry insight and practical tips for both new and seasoned collectors. The tone is friendly, transparent, and candid, with plenty of banter and natural conversation. The theme consistently returns to the accelerating pace of innovation—especially AI grading—and what it means for anyone passionate about the hobby.

Find more:

• [Ludex in the App Store]
• [thecollectornation.com]

(End of Summary)