EVO Japan 2024, one of the largest fighting game festivals in Japan, will again this year decide the world's strongest players in the main tournaments of seven different titles. The tournaments have been underway since the first day of the event, and the " Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes " (UNI2) was the first to be crowned the winner!
The last event of Day 1 was the Grand Final of "UNI"!
UNI2", the latest title in the series, was just released in January 2024. Although it has been only 3 months since the game went on sale, each player had gained a lot of experience in the game and was ready to compete on this grand stage.
The finalists were...
- GDG/Kyo (@GdgKyo )
- CROW (@RSKurou )
- hishigata (@hishigata0219 )
- Crimson Crusader (@notoronaminc )
- Isaac Hoshigashi (@SanicBushpig )
- Ooushuu-hittou (@ohittou )
The six players (names are based on start.gg )
The first game of the finals was GDG/Kyo's Goldor vs CROW's Merkava.
The game was tied at 1-1, but GDG/Kyo managed his resources one better. GDG/Kyo won first!
The quarterfinals of the Routers tournament pitted hishigata's Nanase against Hoshidashi Isaac's Hyde. The excitement of the audience added to the fierce battle at the edge of the screen.
This match also went to a full set of 1-on-1, but Hoshihigashi Isaac, who was able to block his opponent's actions while aggressively setting up the game, won and advanced to the Loosers semifinals!
The Grand Final was GDG/Kyo vs. Crimson Crusader. This is the same matchup as the Winner's Final!
The audience was united by Akkey's suggestion to start the game with a shout of "DEVIDE! Each player shouts "DEVIDE!" and "DIVIDE! " in a voice.
The audience is excited after practicing the shouts! Let's go! ...but then, to my surprise, the game had already started. But then, the game was already underway!
The Crimson Crusader has reached the reset! The poses are so cool.
Is this what happens in the finals? Is this what happens in the final? The two players face off in a full-round, full-set match!
The two players were playing against the same character, and the game was a great match with neither taking a single step back. In the end, however, GDG/Kyo showed his winners' pride and won the match! The winner of the tournament was GDG/Kyo!
Interview with GDG/Kyo
After the match, Saiga NAK had an exclusive interview with the winner, GDG/Kyo!
Q. How did you feel today?
GDG/Kyo: It's been three months since the game was released, so I haven't had much time to play, and I have a family and a job, so it's been tough. I was glad to have won because I had been working myself to death, cutting down on my sleeping hours. It was rewarding (laughs).
Q. How was it physically for you, playing so many games in one day?
GDG/Kyo: It was pretty tough, but I think I am one of the more physically fit fighting gamers, so I was fine.
Q. How long have you been playing fighting games?
GDG/Kyo: I've been playing in arcades since I was in junior high school, so I've been playing for 15 or 6 years now. I have been playing "Under Night In-Birth" since it was launched.
Q. The EVO in the U.S. is coming up in the summer.
GDG/Kyo: I think I have the ability to compete. If the conditions are right, I would like to try.
Q. What are the conditions?
GDG/Kyo: I would have to say work and family. Especially since my child is still young, if I can overcome those hurdles!
Q. Any last words to your supporters?
GDG/Kyo: I have been playing this game for a long time and I really enjoy it. Every time the version is updated, it gets newer and newer, and the more you bite into it, the more fun it is, so I hope you will play it!
The first champion has been chosen!
And so, the first EVO Japan 2024 champion to be crowned the first UNI2 champion was GDG/Kyo! Congratulations!