Narikun, a Kimberly player recently signed to an Indonesian organization, ONIC, has become the latest player to qualify for the Esports World Cup for Street Fighter 6.

He did so after defeating fellow Japanese player, Sahara in the Grand Final of Battle Arena Melbourne to seal his place at the showpiece, which will take place in the summer.

There was a large contingent of Japanese players at BAM 2025 as it was seen as a good chance for one of them to get a spot in the EWC, and they were right as no less than 4 Japanese players made it to top 8 at the competition with Narikun, Hikaru, Ryusei, and Sahara all making it.

Narikun started top 8 with a bad defeat to Ryusei, but somehow he picked himself up and managed to defeat Hikaru, HotDog29, Ryusei, and finally Sahara, to book his place. When he landed the game-winning combo, the player popped off in the most incredible fashion

For Narikun, it represents an incredible achievement as he is perhaps the best Kimberly in Japan, but isn't as well-known as many of his contemporaries and of the Japanese players in tow, was seen as having less of a chance compared to some of the others.

The faith ONIC placed in him by sponsoring him has now been repaid, and the Narikun will be at EWC 2025.

This material was created with the support of our Patrons. You can support us!

Become a Patron