Since its 1999 debut, Beyblade has shipped over 560 million units across 80 countries. The franchise’s first-ever BEYBLADE X World Championship took place at Tokyo Tower on October 11–12, 2025, featuring 33 finalists from 21 regions. Why does this modern Japanese spinning-top game captivate so many worldwide? Players from Istanbul, Los Angeles, and Japan share their perspectives.

Quick Summary

- The BEYBLADE X World Championship 2025 was held at Tokyo Tower on October 11–12.
- Over 15,000 players from 21 regions competed in qualifiers; 33 advanced to the finals.
- Fahreddin from Istanbul and Leobardo from Mexico City won in the Open and Regular classes.
- Players highlight friendship, inclusivity, and creativity as Beyblade’s appeal.
- TOMY’s Yuto Takaoka discusses Beyblade’s evolution into a cross-generational global sport.

World Champions Reflect on Beyblade’s Global Appeal

The BEYBLADE X World Championship 2025 featured two categories: the Regular Class (ages 6–12) and the Open Class (ages 6 and above). Leobardo from Mexico City claimed victory in the Regular Class, while Fahreddin from Istanbul won the Open Class. Fahreddin first discovered Beyblade at age six after watching the anime Beyblade: Metal Fusion. Gifted his first Beyblade by his grandmother, he found it to be more than a toy—it inspired his creativity and became part of his life. Calling himself a “Beyblade engineer,” he recalls organizing small family tournaments and experimenting with part combinations in his spare time.

“Beyblade Is Our Common Language”: Fahreddin’s Experience

Fahreddin belongs to an Istanbul community of about 130 to 150 players, many of whom have played together since childhood. He values Beyblade for the friendships it fosters: “Beyblade is our common language,” he says. “Standing on the same stage with players from different cultures is a special experience. Even when words can’t fully connect us, exciting battles bring us together. For me, Beyblade is a way to build friendships, not just a game.”

Inclusivity and Diversity: From Young Fans to Adults

The championship showcased how Beyblade transcends gender and age. Los Angeles representative Elena Bay, who began playing seriously only ten months earlier, advanced to the world finals after winning the local Anime Expo qualifier. “I never thought I could win,” she said. “Beyblade is easy to start, and anyone can win. The unpredictability makes it exciting.”
In Japan, elementary school teacher Kazuhide Murofushi—known as Omanju King—placed third in the Open Class. Introduced to Beyblade through his child two years ago, he found himself drawn in: “I thought it was just a children’s toy, but it’s an exciting sport even for adults. In fact, adults often show more passion at tournaments,” he said. For him, the game also connects people across communities, including facilities that support people with disabilities. He hopes to help expand Beyblade as “a fun, adult-friendly hobby.”

A Sport That Bridges Borders, Ages, and Genders

Yuto Takaoka, head of TOMY’s Global Beyblade Division, expressed pride in the success of the BEYBLADE X World Championship. “Seeing players encourage one another and honor both winners and losers was moving,” he said. “Beyblade is more than play—it’s becoming a sport that excites both players and spectators.”
Takaoka recalled how Beyblade’s overseas growth began two years after its 1999 launch, fueled by the anime adaptation in 2001. In Japan today, adults and university students who grew up with the first generation have returned to the game, with women now accounting for 10–20% of competitors. “At the Tokyo qualifier, women often won against stronger male shooters through technique and customization,” he noted.

From Physical Sensation to Shared Experience

Takaoka emphasized the importance of Beyblade’s tactile and sensory appeal in a digital age. “Players feel the weight as they launch, hear the spinning sound, and react emotionally to victory or defeat. These physical experiences create real excitement,” he explained. Beyond world tournaments, TOMY plans to expand Beyblade into school clubs, adult leagues, and senior community events—an activity that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When and where was the BEYBLADE X World Championship 2025 held?
A1: The event took place on October 11–12, 2025, at Tokyo Tower, featuring top players from 21 regions.

Q2: Who won the BEYBLADE X World Championship 2025?
A2: Fahreddin from Istanbul won the Open Class, and Leobardo from Mexico City won the Regular Class.

Q3: What makes Beyblade appealing across generations?
A3: Players say Beyblade fosters friendship, creativity, and inclusivity—values that connect people beyond age, gender, and culture.

Q4: How is Beyblade evolving as a sport?
A4: TOMY aims to expand it beyond world tournaments into schools, workplaces, and senior communities as a physical, social activity.

Q5: Where can I watch the championship battles?
A5: The BEYBLADE X World Championship 2025 was streamed live on YouTube and is available for archive viewing worldwide.

Source : ORICON NEWS