Hiroshima TEAM iXA Finalizes 2026 SFL Roster with Akira Transfer and Takepi

Jun 08, 2026
esports street fighter league team ixa akira acqua hibiki takepi

Akira is staying with Hiroshima TEAM iXA as a permanent transfer to anchor a specialized 2026 Street Fighter League roster. The organization revealed their finalized four-man squad in a promotional video branded as the "Class of 2026." This move transitions Akira from his previous loan status with REJECT into a core franchise player while introducing elite JP specialist Takepi to complete the lineup.

Key Takeaways:

  • Permanent Anchor: Akira joins the organization full-time after competing on loan, bringing his top-tier Cammy gameplay to the frontline.
  • Core Continuity: The team retains veterans ACQUA and Hibiki to maintain established synergy and matchup knowledge.
  • Tactical Depth: Takepi rounds out the squad to add a second layer of elite JP control to the team's strategic arsenal.

2026 Starting Lineup Breakdown

The finalized roster keeps the core identity of the team intact while adding specific character specialists to handle the evolving Street Fighter 6 meta. Retaining players who already have experience competing together offers an immediate strategic advantage.

  • Akira (Cammy): Transitioning from his loan period with REJECT, Akira anchors the team with his signature rushdown Cammy. He brings explosive offensive pressure and a well-documented commitment to pushing the character to her limits in high-stakes sets.
  • ACQUA (JP / Blanka): The veteran presence of the team provides critical tactical stability. Known for his methodical JP play and unpredictable Blanka, ACQUA brings extensive tournament experience from deep runs at EVO and Capcom Pro Tour offline events.
  • Hibiki (Lily): Returning to the core lineup, Hibiki is widely recognized as one of the premier Lily specialists in the world. He has a history of dominating the ranked ladder to reach the number one spot for his character, and his mastery of command grab spacing creates complex matchup problems for opponents.
  • Takepi (JP): Also competing under the name taketake-piano, Takepi rounds out the squad. Known for his calculated setups and elite screen control, he proved his high-level tactical mastery through strong performances in the World Warrior circuit.

Roster Stability and League Regulations

Securing Akira on a permanent contract aligns directly with the new Capcom eligibility changes. Teams must now navigate stricter rules regarding loan players and signed free agents. By bringing Akira aboard full-time, Hiroshima TEAM iXA stabilizes their frontline and avoids potential roster conflicts. The squad can now focus entirely on training and optimizing their character coverage ahead of the regular season matches.

Source: Hiroshima TEAM iXA