Virgo Triumphs at the First Official Virtua Fighter World Championship in Japan

Virgo's Victory at the VIRTUA FIGHTER Open Championship

In an extraordinary showdown, the VIRTUA FIGHTER Open Championship (VFOC) made history by holding its first official world tournament with the Asia qualifier in Japan. Hosted by Sega at its headquarters in Shinagawa, Tokyo, on July 6, 2025, the event attracted 177 competitors eager to showcase their skills in Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.. The tournament concluded with Virgo emerging as the champion, securing his spot in the global finals.

The Championship Highlights

Virgo's success was the result of relentless dedication and strategic gameplay that set him apart in a highly competitive field. He stated, "Having the opportunity to participate in the first-ever official world tournament for Virtua Fighter was a dream come true for me." The final match saw Virgo pitted against strong rival Ton-chan, whom he prepared for extensively. Utilizing an unexpected character switch to Blood proved to be an effective tactic, ultimately leading to his triumph. Virgo expressed his excitement saying, "I’m thrilled to have defeated Ton-chan and earned a ticket to the global finals. I look forward to facing formidable players from around the world!"

Tournament Results

The results of the tournament were as follows:

- Champion: Virgo
- Runner-up: Ton-chan
- Third Place: HYDRIX | Akani Shiwapo

The thrilling moments of the competition were broadcast live, allowing fans to experience the high-stakes environment from the comfort of their homes. The event featured MC Hameko, alongside commentator Kumichou and special guest chinpanJ, the North American champion, who provided in-depth analysis of the matches.

Watch Party and Archive

Following the tournament, a watch party featuring popular players Yoshizawa Kasumi, Otonashi Erina, and the renowned Goki Oosu was conducted, allowing fans to engage with their favorite personalities in real-time. The exciting watch party and the tournament replay are both available on YouTube:

The Road to Global Finals

VFOC represents a significant milestone for the Virtua Fighter series, being the first official world championship. Competitors from North America, Europe, and Asia will vie for the title, with only ten players advancing to the grand finals. The ultimate prize is a whopping $100,000 (approximately 14 million yen). Updates regarding future regional qualifiers will be shared on the official VFOC website, and fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for more exciting announcements.