At EVO Japan 2024, one of Japan's largest fighting game festivals, the world's strongest players will be decided in the main tournaments of seven titles again this year.
While each tournament has been progressing since Day 1, the first winner has emerged in UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes (hereinafter referred to as UNI2)!
The End of Day 1 Is the UNI Grand Finals!
UNI2 is the latest title in the series, having just been released in January 2024.
Despite the short period of only three months since its launch, each player has steadily gained experience to face this grand stage.
The six players who advanced to the finals are as follows:
- GDG/Kyo (@GdgKyo)
- CROW (@RSKurou)
- hishigata (@hishigata0219)
- Crimson Crusader (@notoronaminc)
- Hoshito Isaac (@SanicBushpig)
- Oushuu-hittou (@ohittou)
The names above are based on start.gg.
The first match of the finals was GDG/Kyo's Gordeau versus CROW's Merkava.
The match went down to a 1-1 tie, but GDG/Kyo's resource management was one step ahead.
GDG/Kyo took the victory!
The Losers Quarterfinals was a match between hishigata's Nanase and Hoshito Isaac's Hyde.
The excitement of the crowd added to the intense offense and defense at the edge of the screen.
This match also went to a 1-1 full set, but Hoshito Isaac, who actively took the initiative while sealing his opponent's actions, won and advanced to the Losers Semifinals!
The Grand Finals featured GDG/Kyo versus Crimson Crusader.
It was the same matchup as the Winners Final!
The venue became one at the suggestion of commentator Akkey Ojisan, who said, "Let's start with the shout of 'DIVIDE!'"
Everyone practiced shouting "DIVIDE!" and "Divaaaaide!"
After finishing the shout practice, the venue was at a fever pitch! Now, let's go!
...or so we thought, but surprisingly, the match had already begun.
An unexpected mishap occurred in the Grand Finals!
YouTubeCrimson Crusader reached match point for the reset!
The pose was also perfect.
YouTubeDoes it become like this because it's the final? Or is it the final because it becomes like this?
The battle between the two was a full round, full set!
Being a Gordeau mirror match, it was a masterpiece where neither side gave an inch.
However, in the end, GDG/Kyo showed the pride of the Winners side and won!
GDG/Kyo brilliantly achieved the championship!
Interview with GDG/Kyo
After the match, Saiga NAK conducted an exclusive interview with the winner, GDG/Kyo!
Q. Please tell us your thoughts on today once again
GDG/Kyo: Since it's only been three months since the game's release, the play time was short, and it was tough because I have a home and a job.
I was doing it with a do-or-die attitude, cutting down on sleep, so I'm glad I could win. It was rewarding (laughs).
Q. You played many matches in one day; how was it physically?
GDG/Kyo: It was quite tough, but I think I have more physical stamina than most fighting gamers, so I was perfectly fine (laughs).
Q. Please tell us your fighting game history
GDG/Kyo: I've been playing at arcades since I was about a middle school student, so it's been about 15 or 16 years.
I've also been playing Under Night In-Birth since it first launched.
Q. There is also EVO in America this summer...
GDG/Kyo: I wonder if I have the skills that will translate.
I would like to challenge it if the conditions are met.
Q. By conditions, you mean...?
GDG/Kyo: As expected, work and family.
Especially since my child is still small, if I can overcome those hurdles!
Q. Finally, a word for everyone who supported you
GDG/Kyo: I've been playing this game for a long time, and it's truly interesting.
It becomes new every time the version is updated, and it's a game that gets more fun the more you sink your teeth into it, so I definitely want people to play it!
The First Champion Is Decided!
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celesの初代王者決定✨
EVO Japan 2024 #UNI2 部門優勝者はGDG/恭(@GdgKyo)選手👑優勝した瞬間の写真を収めたので、皆さんご査収ください🥳
GGでした！！#EVOJapan2024 #EVOJ24 #Inbirth pic.twitter.com/c6f7EI8dIl
— Saiga NAK (@saiganak) April 27, 2024
And so, the first to become an EVO Japan 2024 champion and be crowned the first king of UNI2 was GDG/Kyo!
Congratulations!
