#Japan #Nagoya #esports #IdentityV #ExCROSS

The Launch of ExCROSS BLUE LEAGUE 2025

The highly anticipated ExCROSS BLUE LEAGUE 2025, organized by Chubu Telecommunications Company (ctc), will officially kick off on October 11, 2025. This eSports league provides a dynamic platform for students across Japan to engage seriously in eSports competitions while fostering camaraderie among diverse players, breaking the barriers often imposed by schools and grades.

Following the success of last year's inaugural ExCROSS BLUE LEAGUE 2024, the 2025 league aims to build upon that foundation, further supporting student players and enhancing the eSports culture in Japan. The previously established regulations allowed participants to form teams without constraints related to their academic affiliations, thus enabling students from various educational backgrounds—high school through graduate school—to compete together. This led to significant developments, including the creation of professional eSports positions and strengthened ties between sponsor companies and students.

New Game Titles and Expanded Opportunities

For this year's event, a new game title, IdentityV, has been added to the roster of competitive games. This title is included in the lineup for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, aiming to attract an even wider player demographic and increase participation.

ctc emphasizes its commitment to enriching the eSports landscape and facilitating meaningful engagements between students and businesses. The league not only provides competition opportunities but also enables networking, essential for students’ future career development.

League Objectives

The ExCROSS BLUE LEAGUE is poised to connect students' passions with their futures. It serves as a grand stage for aspiring champions in eSports, allowing students to go beyond school boundaries and engage in fierce competition. This year, participants will not only have the chance to play and compete but will also interact with various figures in the eSports industry, including professional players and commentators, gaining insights into different career paths within eSports.

Key Features of ExCROSS BLUE LEAGUE 2025

1. Inclusion of New Game Title: IdentityV is introduced this year, broadening the range of participants and promoting diverse gameplay.
2. Borderless Team Formation: Students from all educational levels, including high schoolers, vocational school students, and graduate students, can participate, defining the league’s inclusive spirit.
3. Building Connections: Beyond online interaction, the event will foster real-world connections through offline venues, enhancing the relationship between students and sponsor companies. Past surveys indicated that 72% of participants expressed increased interest in engaging with potential employers.
4. Gaming Internships: Participants will be introduced to gaming internships aimed at enhancing compliance and fostering sportsmanship similar to traditional sports, ensuring that players approach the league with responsibility and commitment.

Event Structure

Participants: Open to high school students, vocational school students, university students, and graduate students residing in Japan.
Game Titles: Pokémon UNITE, Street Fighter 6, IdentityV.
Number of Teams: Expected 128 teams for Pokémon UNITE and Street Fighter 6; 100 teams for IdentityV.
Prize Money: A total of ¥3 million is set for distribution among the winners.

Tournament Schedule:

• - Pokémon UNITE: Stages from October 11 to December 20, 2025.
• - Street Fighter 6: Stages from October 13 to December 20, 2025.
• - IdentityV: Stages from October 12 to December 14, 2025.

Locations: The league will take place both online and offline, utilizing venues like esports Style UENO in Tokyo and the Communefa eSports Stadium in Nagoya for offline stages.

How to Register

Registration began on August 7 via the official website. Students are encouraged to seize this valuable opportunity to connect and compete.

The Commitment of ctc

ctc, with its advanced communication infrastructure committed to nurturing young talent in eSports, has established Japan’s first dedicated eSports stadium in the Chubu region. By continuing to create spaces for connection and competition, ctc aspires to support a future where everyone can thrive through eSports culture.

For more detailed information, visit the official website: ExCROSS BLUE LEAGUE 2025.

This year marks another significant chapter in the evolution of student eSports in Japan, and the ExCROSS BLUE LEAGUE 2025 promises to be an extraordinary event for all participants.