Takara Tomy's modern spinning top game 'Beyblade' celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations, the "Asia Championship 2024" was held on December 1 at the Sunshine City Fountain Plaza in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

First launched in 1999, 'Beyblade' marks its 25th anniversary in 2024. The latest series, 'BEYBLADE X,' which has been on the market since July 2023, has exceeded five million units shipped in Japan alone, showcasing its global popularity.

For this event, champions from tournaments held in ten regions across Asia gathered, competing to determine the top "Blader" in the game. The Regular Class (ages 6 to 12) had a total of 3,299 participants, while the Open Class (ages 6 and above) saw 4,449 challengers.

In Beyblade battles, each Beyblade is characterized by attributes like Attack, Stamina, and Defense, and the outcome of matches often depends on the order of their deployment. The competition also emphasizes strategic mind games between opponents. At the event, enthusiastic spectators chanted, "3 2 1 Go Shoot!" as Beyblades collided, filling the venue with cheers. The crowd also shouted encouraging phrases like the Chinese "Jiayou" (meaning "Go for it") and the Korean "Fighting," highlighting the global popularity of Beyblade.

In the Regular Class tournament, SOUSUKE(age 12), who qualified through the Tokyo tournament, emerged as the champion. Though he struggled in the initial round, SOUSUKE won the final without conceding a single point, achieving straight victories with all "Spin Finishes." Other participants were seen encouraging and congratulating their defeated peers. The runner-up was EMMANUEL from the Manila tournament, and third place went to MIN SEO JO from the Seoul tournament.

Note: A "Spin Finish" occurs when the opponent's Beyblade ceases spinning in its normal direction before your Beyblade.

In the Open Class finals, ZANE (age 30), who triumphed in the Singapore tournament, faced MI HEE YOUN, the winner of the Seoul tournament. The match, where four points were needed to secure victory, saw ZANE pull off a stunning comeback against Yoon, who initially held the advantage. As ZANE won, the fountain unique to this venue rose high, accompanied by gasps and applause from the audience.

ZANE, crowned the Asia Champion, said, "I was under pressure, but I had strong confidence. I'm really happy to have this valuable opportunity to come to Japan." Runner-up MI HEE YOUN commented, "I have no regrets. I gave it my all and am satisfied. I want to honor the champion." JERRY, the winner of the Taipei tournament, who finished in third place, said, "I'm too excited to even know what to say. But I want to thank my supporters."

The event drew over 1,600 spectators, filling the venue from the B1 level to the third floor. Cheers of support and thrilling matches between Bladers from across Asia made for an exciting showcase of international exchange.

Source : ORICON NEWS