Gaming Specialist Job Columbus area,Ohio USA,Entertainment & Gaming

Gaming Specialist
Midwest Cards | Columbus, Ohio

Role Overview

Midwest Cards is more than a card shop — it's a destination. We host live breaks, power a thriving streaming presence, and serve a community of collectors and players who are deeply invested in the hobby.

The Gaming Specialist is the person on the floor making that community happen.

This role is responsible for assisting organized play events, tournaments, and casual gaming nights across our key TCG titles. You know the games, you know the players, and you know how to create an environment where people want to come back every week. You will report to the Gaming Manager and work closely with the broader Midwest Cards team to ensure our gaming program is one of the best in the region.

This is an evening and weekend role. Most events run after the shop closes — typically until midnight. If you love the games and love the community, this schedule is the job.

Core Responsibility

Run best‑in‑class organized play that builds a loyal, growing gaming community at Midwest Cards.

You help to organize the events, know the rules, and make every player — from first‑timer to seasoned competitor — feel like this is their place.

Key Accountabilities

Organized Play & Tournament Operations

Plan, schedule, and run weekly and special event TCG tournaments and casual play nights
Serve as head judge or lead organizer for events — enforce rules fairly and consistently
Manage player registration, pairings, standings, and prize distribution
Coordinate with the Gaming Manager on event calendar, formats, and entry structures
Ensure events start on time, run smoothly, and finish on schedule
Handle on‑floor logistics: table setup, game supplies, signage, and teardown

Game Knowledge & Rules Expertise

Serve as a knowledgeable resource for players across our core titles:
Pokémon, One Piece Card Game, Magic:
The Gathering, Riftbound, and more.
Stay current on rules updates, new set releases, tournament formats, and competitive metas
Answer player questions confidently and resolve disputes with fairness and composure
Help new players learn game mechanics and feel welcome in competitive environments
Identify which games are growing in the community and surface insights to the Gaming Manager

Community Building

Build relationships with regular players and make them feel like a valued part of the Midwest Cards community
Create a welcoming, inclusive environment for players of all skill levels
Encourage repeat attendance through great experiences — not just prizes
Help grow event participation by engaging players on‑site and in coordination with marketing
Be the face of the gaming program during events: energetic, approachable, and in control

Product & Sales Support

Assist players in finding product relevant to their game and format
Be knowledgeable about our singles, sealed product, and accessories inventory
Identify opportunities to connect event attendees with in‑store purchases
Communicate product requests and inventory gaps to the Gaming Manager and buying team

Reporting & Communication

Track event attendance, results, and notable moments for each event
Communicate player feedback and community trends to the Gaming Manager
Flag any issues — rules disputes, player conduct, logistics problems — promptly and clearly
Contribute ideas for new formats, events, and ways to grow the program

What Success Looks Like

Event attendance grows consistently week over week.
Players return because the experience is well‑run, fair, and fun.
Midwest Cards becomes known as the premier organized play destination in Columbus.
New players feel welcome and come back.
Events run on time, every time.
The gaming program contributes meaningfully to in‑store traffic and product sales.

Schedule Expectations

This role is built around evenings and weekends. A typical week may include:

Weeknight events running from shop close until midnight
Weekend tournaments with extended hours
Occasional special events, prereleases, and community nights

This schedule is a core part of the role — not an exception. If you're a night owl who lives for game night, you'll fit right in.

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are: Deeply passionate about trading card games and…