After a year of tournaments held around the world, CAPCOM CUP 12 kicked off on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
This time, we bring you an interview with the spectacular winner, Good 8 Squad Sahara (@sahara7h)!
Japan's Sahara Wins CAPCOM CUP 12!
The following interview has been translated from Japanese.
― Please tell us how you feel right now.
Sahara: I'm happy, of course, but I'm really wondering if this is a dream (laughs).
I still feel like I'm floating a bit.
― Your performance since the second half of the season has been particularly outstanding. Did you change your approach?
Sahara: I haven't changed the approach itself that much, but I started watching various players' gameplay after being inspired by skilled people.
It feels like I was just playing a lot as usual! (laughs).
― Is there anyone you want to express your gratitude to the most right now?
Sahara: It has to be Gachikun (@gachikun0423).
Gachikun really led by example—or rather, let his actions speak for him—and I am who I am today because he helped me in so many situations.
― How will you use the prize money?
Sahara: I never imagined I could actually win... what I'm thinking now is that I'd like to buy something for my family.
― What did you think when you looked at the Top 16 lineup?
Sahara: I thought there were many Ed players, but I'm actually not good at Ed mirror matches...
As it turned out, I think the way the bracket played out worked in my favor.
Since I had put effort into character-specific strategies against DualKevin (@Dual_Kevin) and Blaz (@DerekBlaz11), I was happier with those than an Ed mirror match.
Saiga NAK― Did you have a secret plan for when a mirror match seemed likely?
Sahara: I had none at all (laughs).
At most... I was thinking, maybe I'll pull out Akuma for a puncher's chance?
― There were many moments today where Ed was defeated.
Sahara: I think it worked in my favor that I was able to observe how opponents responded to Psycho Flicker, which is Ed's core move, in advance.
― It really was a succession of fierce battles.
Sahara: I honestly don't remember all the matches... I just thought, "Let's go with the momentum!" and it turned out well.
― Tell us again about the characteristics of your Ed.
Sahara: I suppose it's that I move forward more than other Eds.
I'm conscious of Fuudo (@TheFuudo), but I think I fight even more aggressively forward than Fuudo does.
― The fight against Blaz was memorable. Had you prepared any specific strategy?
Sahara: I had a lot of experience playing against Blaz in Ranked Matches, so I went into the match with that experience in mind.
Rather than playing against Sagat, I was focused on playing against Blaz.
― Which match was the most painful to actually play?
Sahara: Even so, playing against Blaz was the most painful.
During the match, combo drops and other mistakes were noticeable because of the nerves.
― In that Blaz match, there was a scene where you took off your headset to calm your nerves.
Sahara: It's no exaggeration to say that I could hear the cheers from the audience, and thanks to that, I was able to reset my mindset.
I'm truly grateful.
Saiga NAK― Kilzyou switched characters to Cammy midway through.
Sahara: I had seen that kind of move in other matches, so I was mentally prepared.
I was a bit anxious because I hadn't prepared much for Cammy specifically, but I managed to get through on momentum.
Saiga NAK― You have become the strongest in both name and reality, but do you have a next goal?
Sahara: I don't yet have the self-awareness of being the strongest in name and reality... (laughs).
There are so many truly strong people, so I want to keep working hard like this so I don't get left behind.
― With your victory, the performance of the GlimPearl has also been proven.
Sahara: It's the strongest leverless!
【緊急告知】
さはら選手の優勝を受けて、3/16(月)より急きょセールを実施します！
この快挙を記念して、期間限定でGlimPearlを特別価格にてご案内します。
“お八万コン”から“お七万コン”へ。 pic.twitter.com/3km8VUAM7S— Wizard Room (@WizardRoom_Bv) March 14, 2026
― Finally, a few words for all the fans once again.
Sahara: I received many comments at the venue and on social media, and it really gave me strength.
Thank you so much!
Saiga NAK
