48 fierce competitors who won qualifiers all over the world gathered at Ryogoku Kokugikan for CAPCOM CUP 12.
The battle to determine the absolute strongest concluded on Saturday, March 14, 2026, and Sahara (@sahara7h) emerged as the champion.
About a month has passed, but let's look back once again with 38 on-site photos!
Looking Back at CAPCOM CUP 12
A 48-player tournament was held, and the following players remained in the Top 16 on the final day:
- Blaz (@DerekBlaz11)
- Chris Tatarian (@Chris_Tatarian)
- Fuudo (@TheFuudo)
- Big Bird (@Bigbird_fgc)
- Sahara (@sahara7h)
- Xerna (@Xernamos3)
- DualKevin (@Dual_Kevin)
- Momochi (@momochi212)
- Vxbao (@Vxbao_tomie)
- Kincho (@kincho0211)
- Leshar (@leshar15)
- Higuchi (@higuchi010914)
- micky (@Micky4101)
- MenaRD (@_MenaRD__)
- Kilzyou (@Kilzyou)
- Itabashi Zangief (@Itazan_Kuma)
Quarterfinals Match 1: Fuudo vs. Blaz
The Quarterfinals featured Fuudo versus Blaz.
A hug with his wife, Yuka Kuramochi (@yukakuramoti), who was cheering from the front row of the venue.
Unfortunately, Fuudo was eliminated here.
Quarterfinals Match 2: Sahara vs. DualKevin
The second Quarterfinals match was Sahara versus DualKevin.
Sahara, whose movements gradually began to sync up, claimed victory!
Quarterfinals Match 3: Vxbao vs. Higuchi
The third Quarterfinals match was Vxbao versus Higuchi.
Higuchi won with a performance that could be described as an overwhelming victory!
Quarterfinals Match 4: micky vs. Kilzyou
The fourth Quarterfinals match was micky versus Kilzyou.
Kilzyou won and moved on to the Semifinals.
Semifinals Match 1: Sahara vs. Blaz
"I had been thinking since watching from the spectator seats that Blaz is super strong. I'll just do my best to win."
(Translated from Japanese)
"I am very happy to be able to advance to the Semifinals. I have nothing but confidence in myself!"
(Translated from Japanese)
Both were evenly matched until the middle, but it was Sahara who prevailed in the intense mind games!
Semifinals Match 2: Kilzyou vs. Higuchi
"To be honest, I'm very relieved to have earned the qualification for EWC. Today is my birthday, so please cheer for me!"
(Translated from Japanese)
"First of all, happy birthday to Kilzyou! Having defeated strong players like Leshar and Vxbao to reach the Final 4, I feel like I'm on a roll right now. There are two matches left, so I want to win properly and take the championship."
(Translated from Japanese)
It was a close battle that went to a full set, but Kilzyou won!
Third-Place Match: Blaz vs. Higuchi
A confrontation between Blaz and Higuchi also took place as a third-place match.
Higuchi, playing consecutive matches from the Semifinals, fell just short and finished in 4th place.
The victorious Blaz took 3rd place.
Final Match: Sahara vs. Kilzyou
And finally, the CAPCOM CUP 12 Grand Final!
Both players make their entrance.
"I just want to do my best aiming for the championship."
(Translated from Japanese)
"Just one word: let's win!"
(Translated from Japanese)
The CAPCOM CUP 12 Grand Final to determine the absolute strongest of this year.
Maintaining the momentum he had throughout the tournament, Sahara won the championship! It is thanks to GlimPearl, the leverless controller supervised by Sahara.
Kilzyou had continued to fight close matches until this point, but Sahara's momentum could not be stopped.
The winner of CAPCOM CUP 12, Sahara, was awarded a prize of 1 million dollars.
Once again, congratulations!