Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando.
Hi Armando, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Started collecting Pokemon as a kid. Got into Yugioh into middle school. Played Yugioh competitively in high school. Joined the military forgot about my cards after a few years, my uncle reminds me with my old binder full of cards. Started playing a again, won tournaments and good prizes, sold a lot on eBay, was getting out of the military, decided to open up my own card shop, been doing it ever since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No business experience, no start up capital. Only grit, grind, and a willingness to succeed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Underground Games ?
Underground Games is a veteran-owned and operated hobby and game store that has been serving the Central Texas community for over a decade. We specialize in trading card games like Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, and Disney Lorcana, along with board games, collectibles, and a full calendar of organized play and community events.
What sets us apart is our focus on professionalism, fairness, and experience. We’re not just a place to buy cards—we’re a place to belong. We’ve built a reputation for hosting high-quality events, including some of the largest tournaments in our region, while still maintaining a welcoming environment for new players, families, collectors, and competitive players alike. Our team is trained to be knowledgeable, transparent, and attentive, helping customers understand what they’re buying and why it matters.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust we’ve earned. Customers know that when they walk into Underground Games, they’ll be treated with respect, get honest pricing, and have access to a space designed for connection and fun. We’ve grown through community support, word of mouth, and consistent delivery—not hype.
We want readers to know that Underground Games is built on long-term relationships, not quick transactions. Whether you’re discovering a new hobby, competing at a high level, or just looking for a place to unwind and play, our goal is to create memorable experiences that keep people coming back and help the local gaming community thrive.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality behind our success is consistency paired with relentless determination. Building something meaningful, especially in a competitive industry, requires showing up every day, even when conditions aren’t ideal and progress feels slow. There’s an unwillingness to quit, a stubborn belief in the vision, and a commitment to keep pushing forward regardless of obstacles.
Success isn’t about one big win; it’s about doing the small things right over and over again. Staying driven when the odds are stacked against you, adapting when needed, and refusing to lose focus has been essential to our growth and longevity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.undergroundgames.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugcards/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/undergroundgamestexas
