What is Tenkaichi Budokai?

Tenkaichi Budokai is an 8-man, league style Guilty Gear event brought to you by Mikado Game Center in Tokyo, Japan. Hosted by Jonio and the Mikado Game Center in Tokyo, this event offers viewers a chance to see league style, first to 10 sets from the top competitors in eastern Japan. This year’s Tenkaichi Budokai features an interesting mix of classic Guilty Gear players, masters of new characters, and fan favorites fighting for the title of “Best Under Heaven.”

Why should I care?

Unlike some leagues which are hidden behind kanji paywalls or require ticket purchases on Niconico, you can tune in to all the action for free on twitch.tv/joniosan. Another major difference is that Tenkaichi Budokai is in person, live from an arcade. While most modern leagues are netplay based, Tenkaichi Budokai offers an offline league that seeks to capture the essence of the arcade experience. This year’s event will be broadcasted in HD through twitch.tv, and with live English (by Jazz aka Majinobama) and Japanese commentary (by Jonio). Whether you are a Guilty Gear veteran or a casual fan, Tenkaichi Budokai will give spectators a riveting example of what makes fighting games special, and why the arcade scene is so irreplaceable.

What do you mean by “league style?”

The 8 players of Tenkaichi Budokai are split into 2 groups: The Spade League & The Heart League. With 4 players in each group, the players fight one another in round robin, first to 10 sets. One player will emerge from each group based on win/loss differentials. These winners will then advance to the final championship group. The second and third place finishers from each group will then fight each other for a chance at redemption and the third spot in the championship group.

Who are the Players? What are the groupings?

♠ The Spade League ♠

♠Roi ロイ (Character: Sol)

One of the classic Sol players, Roi has been training to bring his Xrd performance to the level fans of his GGXX series play would expect. With 3 top 8 placings at SBO Tougeki tournaments from 2006 to 2010, Roi’s history is quite decorated. Although we haven’t seen much from him in Xrd series tournaments (he often does commentary for events), he wants to make his mark on this league with a strong performance against the best in eastern Japan.

Roi Matches from Mikado

♠Nage ナゲ (Faust)

Top 4 finalist from SBO Tougeki 2010, KSB 2015 and 2016; Evolution 2015 Runner up. Faust sage and one of the top players of the game, he faltered in the A league during last year’s event (losing to Mike [Jack-O] and Karinchu [Johnny]), and no doubt looks to improve on those results this year. Nage recently clinched a spot in the Arc System Works Fighting Game Awards over his demon, Ogawa. This victory was surely indicative of his hard work, efforts, and ambitions to become the strongest.

Nage vs Machabo- and Omito at KSB 2016

Nage vs Woshige Losers Finals EVO 2015

♠FAB (Potemkin)

No introduction necessary. A fan favorite and legend of the game, if you don’t know who this is, you don’t know fighting games. His accolades include top 8 finishes in SBO Tougeki 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, Arc Revo 2013, 2015 and 2016. He came in 3rd in his group last year, and will no doubt look to add a win here to his list of achievements.

Danger Time

He almost killed Jonio

♠Summit サミット (Chipp)

One of the top Chipp players in Japan, Samitto is looking to make a statement, and add another accomplishment to complement his SBO Tougeki 2007, 2009, 2010 Top 8 finishes, as well as his GODSGARDEN 2015 championship. Samitto finally clinched his spot through combat, in overtime, over fierce rival Nakamura. He is looking to challenge Karinchu, and add the title “Best Under Heaven” to his name.

Slash Series: Top Garen vs Samitto

♥ The Heart League ♥

♥Kazuki 押田撲滅委員会会長 “Oshida Extermination Committee Chairman” (Dizzy)

Kazuki is one of the classic Dizzy players from eastern Japan. With Dizzy’s recent addition to Xrd this year, you can see he has been hard at work in the arcade, quickly ascending the ranks as one of the top Dizzy players in Japan. It is his wish to destroy FAB in front of a live studio audience at Tenkaichi Budokai.

Kazuki Matches from Mikado

♥Zadi ザディ (Raven)

With Raven’s release, Zadi has exploded with awesome performances using this character. This year, he qualified for toushinsai, had a 3rd place finish at Godsgarden 11, and has made a lasting impact in Mikado tournament play with this character. His terrifying, dynamic style of play that incorporates Raven’s tools in unique ways is sure to be fun to watch!

Zadi Matches from Mikado

♥Haaken ハーケン (Sol)

A former Potemkin player who changed to Sol since the first version of Sign, Haaken has been having a great year. He achieved the highest rank in the arcade rankings, won the Mikado ticket to Toushinsai, got top 8 at Toushinsai, and qualified for Tenkaichi Budokai in the qualification tournament in exciting fashion. Known for being a scary player in tournament, his footsies heavy style, coupled with his awesome defense and acute decision-making are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Tenkaichi Budokai Qualification Tournament: Haaken vs Nakamura

♥Karinchu かりんちゅ (Johnny)

This is the hidden boss of Guilty Gear in Japan. As the 2016 Tenkaichi Budokai champion, and one of the most terrifying players in east Japan, Karinchu aims to once again claim the throne. Who will rise this year to challenge his title as the best?

The best under heaven

When is it?

The schedule has mostly been decided and can be seen here:

(All times are JST)

Note that some of these match dates and times are subject to change. In order to keep up with schedule changes, please follow Jonio and Jazz on twitter.

♥January 8, 2017 4:00 PM Karinchu vs Kazuki

♠January 21, 2017 6:00 PM FAB vs Summit

♥January 22, 2017 Haaken vs Zadi (subject to change*)

♠January 28, 2017 6:00 PM Nage vs Roi

♥January 28, 2017 9:00 PM OR January 29, 2017 7:00 PM Kazuki vs Haaken

♠February 4, 2017 6:00 PM Roi vs Summit

♠February 5, 2017 6:00 PM Nage vs FAB

♥February 11, 2017 6:00 PM Haaken vs Karinchu

♥February 12, 2017 3:00 PM Zadi vs Kazuki

♠February 19, 2017 6:00 PM Summit vs Nage

♥TBA Zadi vs Karinchu

♠TBA FAB vs Roi

Which matches are you looking forward to the most? Who do you think will win? Feel free to leave feedback either here or on my twitter account.

Thanks for reading!

Jazz aka Majinobama