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SEGA Announces Japanese Candidates for Puyo Puyo Champions

In an exciting development for the gaming community, SEGA Corporation has officially declared its plans to select candidates for the Japanese representative team for the international competition of Puyo Puyo Champions. This announcement follows the guidelines provided by the Japan eSports Union (JESU) as part of the selection process for candidates for the 20th Asian Games 2026, set to be held in Aichi and Nagoya.

The selection process aims to ensure smooth and fair evaluations of candidates, with SEGA recommending the top-performing players from their upcoming official tournament, the GigaCrysta Puyo Puyo Grand Prix Final, to JESU. Scheduled for February 8, 2026, this premier competition showcases the best in Puyo Puyo gaming and will serve as a stepping stone for the national team candidates.

Selection Criteria for Candidates

To be eligible for recommendation, players must meet the following requirements:
1. Hold Japanese nationality.
2. Be of any age group.
3. Achieve a top-four finish in the GigaCrysta Puyo Puyo Grand Prix Final.

GigaCrysta Puyo Puyo Grand Prix Final

The GigaCrysta Puyo Puyo Grand Prix Final is the pinnacle competition in the Puyo Puyo gaming scene, featuring top players from official international and domestic tournaments. This prestigious event is set to take place on:

• - Date: February 8, 2026
• - Location: SEGA Headquarters, 11F LIGHTHOUSE, 1-1-1 Nishi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 141-0033
• - Event Information URL: Official Tournament Details

ASIA esports EXPO 2026

Following the GigaCrysta finals, the selected candidates will proceed to the final selection tournament at ASIA esports EXPO 2026, an event aimed at establishing Aichi and Nagoya as a global hub for eSports. This expo will not only feature competitive gaming but will also have exhibition booths and experiential events designed for various stakeholders in the eSports industry.

• - Event Official Site: ASIA esports EXPO 2026
• - Organized by: Aichi-Nagoya eSports Promotion Committee, JESU, and others.
• - Supported by: Aichi Prefecture, Tokoname City, and Aichi International Exhibition Center.

SEGA's Commitment to eSports

SEGA has been actively involved in eSports since 2018 when its titles, including the Puyo Puyo series and Virtua Fighter series, were recognized by the Japan eSports Union. The company continues to host events utilizing its IPs within the domestic and international spheres. The Puyo Puyo series, in particular, has gained momentum in recent years, facilitating community tournaments both in Japan and worldwide, enhancing its status as an internationally recognized eSports title.

Additionally, SEGA supports educational initiatives through eSports, promoting the Puyo Puyo Programming learning materials that are integrated into curriculums across over 1,000 schools nationwide. This dual approach reinforces the potential of eSports in both competitive and educational landscapes.

About the Puyo Puyo Series

The Puyo Puyo series has captured the hearts of gamers for over 30 years since its debut in 1991. Known for its charming graphics, simple mechanics, and competitive gameplay, it continues to thrive across various gaming platforms. As eSports sees growing popularity, the Puyo Puyo franchise remains a fixture in the international gaming community, with its official titles now a part of the 2026 Asian Games.

For more information about Puyo Puyo, visit: Puyo Puyo Champions Official Site and Puyo Puyo eSports Official Site.

SEGA's Business Overview

In addition to developing games for home consoles, PCs, and smartphones, SEGA engages in various digital services and character goods involving game-related IPs. With a presence in markets worldwide, the company continuously delivers engaging gaming experiences to its audience.

All company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The information in this document reflects the status at the time of publication.

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