The world's largest fighting game tournament, "EVO 2024," was held from Saturday, July 20 to Monday, July 22, 2024, Japan time!
The winner of the division for one of the main tournament titles, "UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes" (hereafter UNI2), was Senaru!
The First EVO Champion for "UNI2" Has Been Decided
Note: The UNI2 division starts around 06:47:15
"UNI2" was released by Arc System Works in January 2024. GDG/Kyou won the championship at "EVO Japan 2024," but the champion for the Las Vegas, USA event has been decided.
【EVO Japan 2024】UNI2優勝はGDG/恭選手！負け無し9連勝でチャンピオンに
The Japanese commentator broadcasting from the venue was Uncle Akkey (@uncle_akkey), and the analyst was Kamone Serizawa (known as Kamone, @kamone1006). Kamone Serizawa is, surprisingly, the director of Soft Circle French-Bread, which handles UNI2, MELTY BLOOD, and more! Viewers were able to hear commentary directly from the development team.
The Japanese Contingent Fought Hard!
The six players who advanced to the Top 6 of the "UNI2" division were:
- Senaru
- Mo.Sin
- Notes
- BBB Defiant (Defiant)
- Mario
- Oushuu-Hittou
Three Japanese players—Senaru, Notes, and Oushuu-Hittou—advanced to the Top 6.
#EVO2024 メイントーナメント #UNI2 部門の一体感◯ pic.twitter.com/2YUqPFgMjZ
— Saiga NAK (@saiganak) July 21, 2024
The player who advanced to the Grand Finals from the Winners' bracket was Senaru! Mo.Sin, after a narrow loss, went on to face Notes in the Losers' Final.
An intense battle, which could be called the best bout up to that point, unfolded, and Mo.Sin won. The Grand Finals would once again be a showdown between Senaru and Mo.Sin!
Will the Japanese Contingent Win the Championship? The Fateful Grand Finals
Saiga NAKThe "UNI2" division Grand Finals, where the top player out of 785 entries was decided. Senaru and Mo.Sin were truly evenly matched, and both players appeared relaxed before the match.
Saiga NAKThey were seen smiling even during the button check.
Saiga NAKFrieren!?
The Grand Finals went the distance—a full set, full round—with the winner taking the championship or forcing a bracket reset! In the end, Senaru closed out the match with a high-damage combo to win!
Saiga NAKSenaru was crowned champion!!
The First Japanese Champion of "EVO 2024" Is Crowned!
Mario and Oushuu-Hittou tied for 5th place.
Defiant finished in 4th place and Notes in 3rd place.
Mo.Sin, the runner-up, and Senaru, the champion.
While Senaru's skill was recognized, major tournament results had previously eluded him, with finishes such as a tie for 7th place at "EVO 2019," a tie for 7th place at "EVO Japan 2020" in "UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Exe:Late[st]," and a tie for 9th place at "EVO Japan 2024" in "UNI2." He finally secured the long-awaited EVO title!
A commemorative arcade stick was also presented to him.
Exclusive Interview With Senaru!
Saiga NAK interviewed Senaru immediately after his victory!
(Translated from Japanese.)
Q. Please tell us your thoughts on your victory.
Senaru: It was great! I'm glad I won! This is the best!
Q. Your emotions were certainly evident the moment you won.
Senaru: I was so tired, and I couldn't sleep at all yesterday... All my fatigue just blew away! I'm afraid of the backlash after this though (laughs).
Q. There's a time difference from Japan. How is your physical condition?
Senaru: I prepared myself well in Japan, but I couldn't sleep at all here due to jet lag... I still wouldn't say I was in great shape. I was in bed for about 11 hours yesterday, but I only slept for about 2 hours (laughs).
Saiga NAKQ. Could you hear the crowd cheering "Reload!" during your combos?
Senaru: Of course! While it motivated me, it also put pressure on me not to drop the combo (laughs). I'm glad I didn't drop too many. It was a very fun experience.
Q. What kind of practice did you do between "EVO Japan 2024" and today?
Senaru: I did online matches almost every day, and I went to offline practice sessions once or twice a week. I was quite confident in the amount of practice I put in.
Q. Was there a particularly memorable opponent, including those in the pools?
Senaru: I faced a player named Rikir along the way. I was conscious of him because I had lost to him before in "EVO 2019." I'm glad I managed to win and advance through the tournament.
Q. Now, what is your next goal?
Senaru: Next is "ARC World Tour 2024." I'll go back to practicing hard!
Q. Once again, congratulations on your victory.
Senaru: Thank you!
