Tokyo International News Agency

Olympic medalist Shoma Uno, who announced his retirement from competitive figure skating in 2024, has caused a sensation by joining the professional e-sports team "VARREL." The announcement came as part of VARREL's new roster reveal. The team features top-tier players, including Tokido, the famous University of Tokyo graduate and pro gamer. Alongside his activities as a professional skater, Uno is set to make a serious entry into the world of e-sports. On social media, this unprecedented news sparked a wave of surprised comments, with fans posting things like, "Shoma Uno became a pro gamer?!" and "He's truly the freest man in the world." Some fans, who had anticipated this move based on his past streaming activities and social media posts, celebrated the news, saying, "He finally joined a pro team!" and "Seeing him lined up with Tokido is incredible." Uno’s poise and expressive power in the announcement video, qualities honed as...

Shockwaves are running through the fighting game community regarding CAPCOM CUP 12, the premier fighting game tournament where top players from around the world gather. It has been announced that PUNK, a scheduled participant, has suddenly withdrawn from the competition due to personal reasons making travel to Japan impossible. Following this development, Tokido has secured a spot in CAPCOM CUP 12 as a replacement. According to an official announcement from CAPCOM eSports, PUNK withdrew from the tournament as he was unable to travel to Japan. PUNK himself commented on social media, stating that he "had a passport issue and couldn't get a new passport in time." Fans have expressed their disappointment, with comments like "I really wanted to see him play," "This is sad," and "It's truly too bad." Messages also appeared, wishing him well for next year: "Please come back to CC next year!" Amidst the unexpected withdrawal of PUNK, th...