Esports Memorabilia: The Lost Market

Late last year, a Babe Ruth baseball card sold for $7.2 million dollars, becoming the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia of all time. The card was originally printed in 1914, and was a rookie card (one printed before his legendary career) for the player affectionately known as The Bambino’s to fans.The item was a relic, an artifact, a piece of sporting history, and it's price reflected this pedigree. Sports memorabilia and collectables like this represent a billion dollar industry, with signatures, cards, game balls, and other items selling for millions to fanatical collectors.

In esports, there is virtually no market for these physical items. While esports has ever attempted to distance itself from sports, one thing it likely wouldn’t shy away from is the collectibles and memorabilia trade. But the majority of esports merchandise doesn't accrue value. You can pick up player shirts, defunct team shirts, signed player cards, for almost nothing. Less than what they were sold for. With a few notable exceptions: Signed pictures of Faker, championship trophies, and the elusive Dota 2 Mini Aegis.