ARMS made its fighting game tournament debut at EVO Japan 2018, held January 26 to January 28 in Tokyo.
Nintendo’s fresh fighting IP replaced Super Smash Bros Melee at the event as announced last July. The tournament for ARMS was a one day event held on January 26.
Many Western players dreamed of competing at EVO Japan. After a flurry of sponsorships, team support, and GoFundMe campaigns, several players from the North American and European scenes journeyed to Japan to test their mettle in ARMS.
Nintendo hosted several ARMS Japan Grand Prix events in 2017.
Although this was EVO Japan’s first showing of ARMS, Japan is no stranger to organized tournaments. EVO’s ruleset drew from the precedent set by the ARMS Japan Grand Prix, a series of ARMS competitions held in 2017 and commentated by the ARMS producer Kosuke Yabuki himself.
ARMS boasted a large and enthusiastic audience at the event. Across the world, ARMS fans, fighting game communities, and newcomers to the game watched live streams of the event, with commentators in Japanese, English, and Chinese.
Over 320 participants tested against each other in a brutal best-of-one format until the competitors were narrowed down to the top 16. From that point forward, competitors had tense best-of-three rounds until only the best of the best remained. The Grand Finals would be best-of-five. The Top 8 featured players from Japan and some familiar names from the West including Cojora (Finland), Mileve (Canada), and GoreMagala (United States).
The Top 8 bracket at EVO Japan featured a variety of international talent.
The final match came down to Pega of Japan and GoreMagala of United States. Pega, a well-known and formidable player in the Japanese ARMS community, earned high placements at several ARMS Japan Grand Prix competitions. The American representative, GoreMagala, was one of the first Western players to receive an esports sponsorship, courtesy of SetToDestroyX.
Pega and GoreMagala’s fierce match-up carried them through five matches of back and forth rounds until Pega finally reigned triumphant. (Entire footage for the Top 8 can be found on YouTube here.)
STANDINGS
- 1. Pega (@p00p0p)
- 2. GoreMagala (@StDxGoreMagala)
- 3. Sukuran (@sclan0811)
- 4. Mileve (@MileveIt)
- 5. Cuvelia
- 5. KHU (@khkhgms)
- 7. Cojora (@Cojora1)
- 7. Chateau
NeedNintendo interviewed the top 4 players about their experiences at EVO Japan.*
All in all, the players were thrilled to have played ARMS at EVO Japan. “I’m as happy as I can be… It was between me and Pega, and we both normally go even. Anyone could’ve taken it, so I’m happy,” said second place finisher GoreMagala.
Sukuran, who took third place, and Mileve, who took fourth, were both pleased with their placement. Sukuran has plans to improve, and Mileve “did far better than [she]could have ever expected.”
Pega with his awards from EVO Japan.
“I’m very happy,” said Pega regarding his success.
Both Western and Japanese players had great respect for their international competition. Both GoreMagala and Pega felt that players from around the world were evenly matched. Mileve loved her new, Japanese fellows in ARMS, and GoreMagala described them as “awesome, and so kind.” Pega complimented the unique movements of the Western players. Sukuran was thankful to see enthusiastic, overseas players bring hype to the event.
“I think the future of ARMS is bright,” said GoreMagala. “I didn’t hear any noise from any of the other tournaments, yet ARMS was extremely loud, and… had the most spectators from what I saw.” Pega and Sukuran believe that the game will continue to grow and build excitement. Mileve doesn’t see ARMS replacing fighting game titans like Melee or Street Fighter, but expects a healthy life ahead for the game.
Although ARMS does not have any more major updates planned, Sukuran thinks the game will continue to grow thanks to the dedication of the ARMS development team. Future balance patches for characters and stages will continue to make things “even more exciting.”
ARMS received its most recent content update on January 31, including a Tournament Mode that paves the way for more successful competitive events.
Do you think ARMS has the potential to succeed competitively? Share your views in the comments.
*Japanese interviews can be found on Twitter here
Translated with the help of Paul Agyekum
