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Interview With Tyurara, the EVO Japan 2026 GGST Champion: "Finally in My Fifth Year" and "The Secret to Winning Is Tuning In to Your Opponent's Feelings"

Interview With Tyurara, the EVO Japan 2026 GGST Champion:
Interview

We interviewed Tyurara (@makotyurarin), the champion of the GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- (hereafter GGST) main tournament at EVO Japan 2026, a fighting game festival held at Tokyo Big Sight from Friday, May 1, to Sunday, May 3, 2026!
In this article, we will bring you the interview translated into English.

Interview With GGST Champion Tyurara!

Tyurara
Tyurara
Saiga NAK
― Please tell us about your feelings toward the stage of EVO.

Tyurara: I used to think of EVO as a dream stage that was far out of my reach.
In this game, GGST, I had been making it to the stage for four consecutive years, but I kept experiencing moments where I could aim for the championship and get within reach, but just couldn't quite grab it. This time, in my fifth year, being able to win made me truly happy.

― Who is the person you want to share this victory with the most?

Tyurara: More than anyone, I want to share it with my wife who came to the venue.
Right alongside her, I also want to say thank you to the staff of ZETA DIVISION who supported me, as well as their representative.

TyuraraSaiga NAK
― Please tell us the secret to keeping on winning.

Tyurara: I believe tuning in to your opponent's feelings is important.
I analyze their tendencies during the match—like whether they are aggressive or defensive—and then adjust by thinking about what I should try next. I think that is the secret to keeping on winning.
Also, especially starting from the Top 8, as a privilege of winning, you get to watch the other players' matches.
I noticed someone was using a lot of projectiles, so I came up with a strategy to run in more often to apply pressure, and plans like that worked out great.

― What kind of practice did you do leading up to today's EVO Japan?

Tyurara: Since there wasn't much time after the latest update came out, instead of focusing on counterstrategies for opponents, I focused heavily on refining my own movements to eliminate mistakes.

TyuraraSaiga NAK
― From a champion's perspective, please tell us about your love for the GUILTY GEAR series.

Tyurara: Thanks to the GUILTY GEAR series, I have made so many friends, and I have even been provided with precious opportunities like this.
I feel that the GUILTY GEAR series has brought me happiness, so I want to express my gratitude.

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Nintendo Switch Edition
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