Bandai Card Fest, held on 13th–14th December 2025 at IOI City Mall Putrajaya, was overwhelming in the best way for first-time attendee Louise. From the energy of the event hall to competing in both the Gundam main stage and side events, it offered a firsthand look at the excitement and scale of a major Bandai TCG tournament.

(To Louise) What made you decide to attend Bandai Card Fest for the first time?

Louise:  At the time it seems a nice time to use it as a holiday retreat with my lil brother but who knew it was fun. Well for me anyways. I guess the driving factor was the merch as well and the prize.

(To Louise) How did it feel playing Gundam on the main stage compared to the side event?

Louise:  Well, I have to wake up super early to get in queue to secure a slot on the first day and getting the merch as well since is very limited. Playing on that hall was nerve wreaking since everyone was super serious. I'm just glad I didn't meet any rule sharks there. everyone was super friendly as well.

(To Louise) Was there a moment during either event that really stood out to you?

Louise:  The prizes between other tcgs. like gun slinger events and others. If I had brought my UA decks I would've redeem that special AP. Damn a missed opportunity. 

(To Louise) As a first-timer, what was the most exciting part of competing at Bandai Card Fest?

Louise:  Well of course trying to get top 8 to win it all. The prize for the top is really eye catching, Wing is really a series that took the gundam world to spread all around and I don't mind it. the players there really inspire me to try out different builds that you don't normally do and how well it synergies with their decks. It’s truly an insight to take part off.

(To Louise) Did the atmosphere of the crowd or stage affect how you played?

Louise:  No, Sadly everyone there was pretty stoic during the matches before and during. once the match is over then they slowly let themselves out and finally interact. it was great to say the least. I kinda wish that gundam had more interactions like how Digimon with their product and card reveals, Their Co-Director, I think that was the guy, I know he is pretty important, signing sessions there and Battle Spirits with an Actual VA(Voice Actor) that played with them and interact with their player base.

(To Louise) What was the biggest challenge you faced during the tournaments?

Louise:  the other players are the biggest challenge. I couldn't win them all and I was pretty bottom rank to even reach the consolations prizes. Stinking OYW and Wing Decks, The most overused decks.

(To Louise) After this experience, has your interest in Gundam TCG changed?

Louise: No, The Gundam TCG didn't change much, more like makes me more committed to the TCG more than ever. Though balancing needs to be quick to settle through but so far I'm not that worried.

(To Louise) Would you recommend Bandai Card Fest to other Gundam players, especially first-timers? Why?

Louise: If you don't mind the early 4AM queue and super long Queue Line. Go for it. but make sure you register first in the Bandai TCG app first. It's fun and the players there are pretty chill and great.

The excitement and challenges Louise experienced showed not only what makes Bandai Card Fest unique, but also hinted that, in time, more Sabahans will be stepping up to join the event.