An Ipswich board game café is showing why the town is becoming a destination for "geeks and gamers" after being crowned in the top three of a European competition.

Geek Retreat owners, Sharon Lockhart and Rob Harden, said they are "thrilled" to be one of three winners at the Wizards Play Network Merchandising Competition.

The win they say helps put Ipswich on the trading card game map and at the same support other shops in the town. 

Ipswich Star: Rob Harden and Sharon Lockhart, the owners of Geek Retreat on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich, NewsquestRob Harden and Sharon Lockhart, the owners of Geek Retreat on Upper Brook Street in Ipswich, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Lockhart added: "This recognition is coming on the back of the highly successful Ipswich GamesCon, where everyone worked together for the town. 

"It is great to see Ipswich amongst amazing shops across Europe.

"With the number of shops around Ipswich closing, it is so important to have the support of the community.    

"Ipswich is becoming a destination for geeks and gamers, and we are seeing visitors to the shop from far and wide." 

READ MORE: Geek Retreat celebrates its 'incredible' first year in business

Ipswich Star: Lord of the Rings- Magic the Gathering event, Geek Retreat IpswichLord of the Rings- Magic the Gathering event, Geek Retreat Ipswich (Image: Geek Retreat Ipswich)

To win the competition, the team pulled together banners and products to make a Lord of the Rings display.

The café owner added: "It was such a fun evening with those in the shop blowing up balloons and taking turns wearing our Gandalf cosplay.  It is something they can feel proud to be a part of too." 

The organisers of the Wizards Play Network Merchandising Competition said: "The exceptional display showcasing the amazing line of products has earned Geek Retreat Ipswich a fantastic prize—an uncut foil sheet of rare and mythic cards from The Lord of the Rings: Tales from Middle-earth! 

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Ipswich Star: Lord of the Rings- Magic the Gathering event, Geek Retreat IpswichLord of the Rings- Magic the Gathering event, Geek Retreat Ipswich (Image: Geek Retreat Ipswich)

The café owners decide to display the prize in the shop to remind the customers that they are all part of the success. 

The other shops that won the competition are located in Rome, Italy, and Thionville, France. 

Ipswich Star: The display at Geek Retreat Ipswich that was chosen a winner of the Wizards Play Network Merchandising Competition, WPNThe display at Geek Retreat Ipswich that was chosen a winner of the Wizards Play Network Merchandising Competition, WPN (Image: WPN)