Online qualifying entries are now open for popular arcade rhythm games maimai Deluxe, CHUNITHM, and O.N.G.E.K.I.'s official Japan national tournament, KING of Performai The 8th!
The Online Qualifiers will begin simultaneously for both the Japan edition and International edition starting Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Note: This article is based on information released in Japan.
Online Qualifying Entries Open for Official Sega Rhythm Game Japan National Tournament KING of Performai The 8th!
The online qualifying entry period for the Japan edition of KING of Performai The 8th runs from Friday, October 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM until Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Featuring three titles—maimai Deluxe, CHUNITHM, and O.N.G.E.K.I.—entry is completed by registering via the official website of the chosen title and playing designated qualifying tracks or courses at participating arcade locations in Japan.
Furthermore, distinct participation perks are prepared for online qualifying participants across each title.
maimai Deluxe
After registering via maimai Deluxe NET, playing the following qualifying tracks completes your entry:
PR TIMES
- ATLAS RUSH / kanone
- Hyometsu no 135 Shosetsu / Kanon Okuni
- Mahou Jikake no Fantasia / igel
Additionally, playing qualifying tracks ATLAS RUSH and Hyometsu no 135 Shosetsu during the online qualifying period unlocks early play of the track Mahou Jikake no Fantasia as a participation perk.
CHUNITHM
After entering via CHUNITHM-NET, playing at least one of qualifying courses KING of Performai The 8th Qualifier 1 MASTER or KING of Performai The 8th Qualifier 2 MASTER completes your entry.
KING of Performai The 8th Qualifier 1 MASTER
PR TIMES
- Kyomei / Capchii feat. ChumuNote
- Kimi to Boku e no Sousouka / ROKINA
- macrocosmos / LeaF
KING of Performai The 8th Qualifier 2 MASTER
PR TIMES
- Reimei ni Junzu / Koke
- Stardust:RAY / kanone vs. BlackY
- MegiddØ / BlackY VS Kanon Okuni
Additionally, the following participation perks can be earned during the online qualifying period:
- Clearing either reward course KING of Performai The 8th Qualifier 1 EXPERT or MASTER unlocks early play of the track Kyomei
- Playing the track Kyomei four times allows players to obtain the character Airy Kouga Stregia
Rankings will be determined based on the combined score of qualifying courses KING of Performai The 8th Qualifier 1 MASTER and KING of Performai The 8th Qualifier 2 MASTER.
O.N.G.E.K.I.
After entering via O.N.G.E.K.I.-NET, playing the four designated qualifying tracks consecutively completes your entry.
In the O.N.G.E.K.I. online qualifiers, scores will be tallied based on the Technical Challenge scores across the four designated tracks.
PR TIMES
- Demonia / Juggernaut.
- ω4 / Daisuke Anayama VS Takenobu Mitsuyoshi VS Kai
- Nýx / 7mai
- Viyella's Tears / Laur
Additionally, players who clear event chapter challenges during the online qualifying period will receive the title I Participated! KING of Performai The 8th as a participation perk.
For detailed rules regarding Technical Challenge, please check the Technical Challenge Renewal page.
KING of Performai The 8th Schedule
Online Qualifiers
- Period: Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 7:00 AM – Monday, November 23, 2026 (National Holiday) at 11:59 PM
LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier)
- Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Finals Tournament
- Date: Sunday, February 14, 2027
- Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall B7
This year's Japan national finals tournament will be held with a live in-person audience at Tokyo International Forum Hall B7, scaled up from last year.
Details on in-person attendance and ticket information will be announced at a later date.
International Edition of KING of Performai The 8th Online Qualifiers Announced!
Furthermore, online qualifiers for KING of Performai The 8th (International ver.) targeting overseas players have also been confirmed!
maimai DX International ver. Online Qualifying Round Special Site
PR TIMESCHUNITHM International ver. Online Qualifying Round Special Site
PR TIMESIf you are confident in your skills, be sure to take on the challenge!
For tournament details and the latest updates, please check the official KING of Performai The 8th website or official X (@kop_sega).
🏆『KING of Performai The 8th（KOP8th）』開催決定！🏆
今年も「オンゲキ」「CHUNITHM」「maimai でらっくす」3タイトルと
「CHUNITHM」「maimai DX」International ver.（海外版）部門で開催！10月エントリー開始！続報をお待ちください！！
⬇️『KOP8th』ティザーサイトhttps://t.co/XD71M30cXK pic.twitter.com/IXuZEyb8Ck
— KING of Performai 公式 (@kop_sega) September 17, 2026
