The Inaugural Match Between the Senior eSports Team and Students

A Unique Showdown: Senior eSports Team vs. Students

In a pioneering event set to take place on August 29, 2026, the senior eSports team known as the Matagi Snipers will face off against local students in an unprecedented match at the marumaru Higashi-Nihon East Japan Collaboration Center in Saitama. This thrilling encounter will occur as part of the KEIGO COLLECTION 2026 initiative themed "Growing Old with Hope."

The Stars of the Event: Matagi Snipers

The Matagi Snipers, Japan's first senior professional eSports team, consist of players with an average age of 67, the oldest being 75. These dedicated gamers will compete in a series of matches against young talented individuals from local high schools and elementary schools. It's an exciting setup where the older generation, generally seen as mentors, will take on their youthful adversaries in a serious match that goes beyond generational boundaries.

The competition will pit teams of five against each other in popular first-person shooter (FPS) games, building a bridge between experience and youthful enthusiasm. Students have been encouraged with the rallying cry, "Come to win!" It emphasizes camaraderie and mutual respect beyond their respective ages.

Event Schedule: A Fun-filled Day

The event is planned to run from 1 PM to 4 PM, including excitement-packed activities:

- 1:00 PM: Event kick-off
- 1:00 - 2:00 PM: Student and child lecture sessions
- 2:00 - 2:10 PM: Talk show featuring the Matagi Snipers
- 2:10 - 2:35 PM: First section lecture time
- 2:35 - 2:55 PM: Round One: Matagi Snipers vs. Students and Children (Live commentary and analysis)
- 2:55 - 3:00 PM: Break
- 3:00 - 3:10 PM: Talk show with special guests from Yoshimoto Kogyo
- 3:10 - 3:35 PM: Second section lecture time
- 3:35 - 4:00 PM: Round Two: Matagi Snipers vs. Students and Children (Live commentary and analysis)
- 4:00 PM: Event conclusion

Note: The schedule is subject to change.

A Historical First and Special Guests

This inaugural event promises heavyweight entertainment, featuring Manta Way, a renowned commentator with championship accolades in VALORANT, who will keep the audience engaged with live commentary. Additionally, well-known Yoshimoto Kogyo comedians will grace the stage, providing afternoon amusement and live gaming experiences.

Parallel Events: Fashion Show at KEIGO COLLECTION 2026

At the same time from 1 PM to 4 PM, another exciting attraction—the KEIGO COLLECTION 2026 fashion show—will take place at the Leybock Hall in Omiya. Celebrating seniors, this fashion showcase will feature senior models walking the runway under the theme, "Growing Old with Hope." It aims to inspire and showcase the vibrancy of senior members of the community.

About Matagi Snipers

Established in September 2021 by the IT firm S2 in Akita, the Matagi Snipers emerged with the goal of boosting local morale in an area known for its aging population. As they continue to shine in various competitions, including their recent international match against Malaysia's senior team, they reinforce the potential of seniors in eSports. With approximately 50,000 followers on their official social media platforms, Matagi Snipers exemplifies revolution in the gaming industry.

Event Details

- Event Name: KEIGO COLLECTION 2026 e-sports (1st Edition)
- Date: August 29, 2026, from 1 PM to 4 PM
- Venue: Marumaru Higashi-Nihon East Japan Collaboration Center
- Game Title: VALORANT
- Participants: Matagi Snipers, eSports Academy high school students, local children, and anyone keen on participating
- Live Commentary: Manta Way
- Special Guests: Yoshimoto Kogyo comedians
- Special Support: eSports Academy, Athrive LLC
- Hosted by: Rehab Prime Co., Ltd., organized by the KEIGO COLLECTION 2026 Executive Committee