"SFL: Pro-JP 2025" Division S Interview with Victrix FAV gaming! "The Zangief match is a bit..." "I know G8S's tactics"

sako: I plan to use two characters: A.K.I. and Elena.
Fujimura and I have been using overlapping characters for a long time, and even though we weren't on the same team, I thought we had similar ways of thinking. I'm excited that we're on the same team this time.
Moke and I have often chatted at international tournaments for a long time, but this is our first time on the same team. We're from the same area and live close by, so I feel a lot of affinity with him, and I hope we can make the most of that to get along well.

Ryukichi: The characters I plan to use are... Ken, Marisa, Akuma, Terry, and JP (laughs).
Fujimura and Moke are new additions, but since I played "Street Fighter 6" with them every day for 365 days in the first year, it doesn't feel like the members have changed; rather, there's a strong sense of trust from having played together for so long.
I hope to continue learning from everyone and improve myself, and then repay them with victories.

Fujimura: The characters I plan to use are Chun-Li, Marisa, Akuma, and JP (laughs).
I haven't narrowed it down much at this point.
I've talked with the members of Victrix FAV gaming and practiced with them, so even though I just joined, I feel very comfortable.
My previous team, Shinobism Gaming, felt like a family, and FAV gaming is similar, so I feel very relaxed playing with them.

Moke: The characters I plan to use are Marisa and Chun-Li.
My impression of Victrix FAV gaming is that it's a place where I myself can really improve at the game.
This is because I can learn a lot from players like sako and Fujimura, who are very skilled at strategy, and grow myself.
I also think I can work with Ryukichi by sharing insights on mental aspects when approaching tournaments, so it feels like a place that really lifts me up, and on top of that, it's an enjoyable environment.

sako: That's right.
"SFL: Pro-US" has been using this rule for a while, so I thought, "Finally, Japan is doing it too."
I think it can be tough for players, but with that, the strategy to win changes.
You won't have situations where "this person isn't playing," so I think it's become a very enjoyable rule.
Victrix FAV gaming has a really good balance of characters, so I think it will be quite difficult for opposing teams to play against us.
Especially since we have the overall strength to avoid going into overtime, I feel like it's a tailwind for our team.

sako: Our team is made up of craftsman-like players, so I think it'll be hard to counter us.
The characters we use are also quite varied, and we all get along well, so I think that's our appeal.

sako: Good 8 Squad and Crazy Raccoon are still very strong teams, but with the changes to Saishunkan Sol Kumamoto's members this time, I'm a bit concerned about some of the players that are problematic for our team.
Especially Zangief... it's a headache having to strategize against him...

Ryukichi: Is that a personal grudge?

sako: It is personal (laughs).

Fujimura: For me, rather than how Division S is, it's a huge relief that my former teammates aren't in this Division.
Of course, they're strong, but I really didn't want to play against them, so it's good that we won't face them in the initial stage.

Moke: When I saw the Division breakdown, I felt like Victrix FAV gaming could aim for a top spot.
sako is a bit worried about the Zangief matchup, so...

sako: I'm not worried! (laughs)

Moke: I want to win somehow.

Ryukichi: Of course, Good 8 Squad, last year's world champions, are there.
Good 8 Squad are good friends and we practice together often, so I'm the only one who knows all four of their tactics, so seriously, everyone, leave it to me! (laughs)
I'm determined to win!