FAV gaming Names Ryukichi Captain for Street Fighter League 2026
Ryukichi will lead FAV gaming into Street Fighter League Pro-JP 2026, taking over the captaincy from legendary veteran sako as part of a team overhaul.
Key Takeaways:
- Generational Leadership Shift: Ryukichi replaces sako as the team leader to guide the squad through the 2026 season.
- Inaugural Coaching Position: Long-time team supporter Toyoman steps into a newly created head coach role to streamline strategy.
- Roster Continuity: The active competitive lineup remains unchanged, retaining sako, Ryukichi, Fujimura, and moke.
Generational Torch Passing: Ryukichi Steps Up
KADOKAWA Game Linkage detailed the organizational shifts for the upcoming competitive season. While the core four-player FAV gaming roster remains completely intact, the structural adjustments signal a clear generational transition for the legacy fighting games division.
The decision to appoint Ryukichi as captain highlights his rapid ascent in the Street Fighter 6 competitive landscape. After bursting onto the scene with a victory at Umehara's "Ore wo Tore" invitational, Ryukichi secured a second-place finish at EVO Japan 2025 and earned consecutive appearances at the Esports World Cup. The management intends to leverage his competitive momentum and fresh tournament insights to upgrade the team's overall execution.
Meanwhile, sako relinquishes his leadership duties but continues to serve as a foundational player. As a former Capcom Cup champion and multi-time Street Fighter League victor, his mechanical expertise stays inside the active lineup. The veteran presence will support Ryukichi as the new captain navigates the pressures of leading a premier organization.
Strategic Coaching Addition and Full Roster Lineup
To further modernize their approach, FAV gaming introduced a dedicated head coach position filled by Toyoman. Having supported the team since its inception in 2018, Toyoman brings deep industry knowledge from his time as an esports media writer and fighting game VTuber producer. He will manage player preparation and team communication throughout the tournament cycle.
The team retains its full corporate backing for the 2026 season. Corporate sponsors include KADOKAWA, JBL, Sofmap, and Victrix. This structural stability provides the foundation for the roster as they chase their first league championship title since 2023.
| Name/ID | Role | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Ryukichi | Team Leader / Player | EVO Japan 2025 Runner-up, Ore wo Tore Champion |
| sako | Player | Capcom Cup 2013 Champion, SFL Pro-JP 2023 Champion |
| Fujimura | Player | Two-time Red Bull Kumite Champion (2018, 2019) |
| moke | Player | EVO Japan 2024 5th Place, Asian Champions League 2025 3rd Place |
| Toyoman | Head Coach | FAV gaming veteran supporter, VTuber producer |
Chasing the World Championship Stage
FAV gaming enters the Street Fighter League Pro-JP 2026 season with a clear objective. The organization wants to reclaim the top domestic spot and secure qualification for the Street Fighter League World Championship. By balancing the veteran stability of Fujimura and sako with the high-energy leadership of Ryukichi, the squad aims to establish a more dynamic competitive baseline. Toyoman's addition behind the scenes will serve to refine their analytical preparation against a fierce Japanese field.
Source: FAV gaming