Tokido and Olympic Skater Shoma Uno Join VARREL in Team Rebrand
FGC legend Tokido and two-time Olympic figure skating medalist Shoma Uno have signed with Japanese esports organization VARREL.
Key Takeaways:
- Tokido joins the Street Fighter division while continuing his role as a board member for VARREL's parent company, CELLORB.
- Former world champion figure skater Shoma Uno enters the organization's GAMER department to focus on streaming and content creation.
- VARREL secured a hardware sponsorship with ASUS Republic of Gamers alongside a fan campaign with American Express.
Tokido's Next Competitive Chapter
The Japanese organization launched its "VARREL REBORN" initiative alongside this roster expansion. This restructuring introduces a new logo featuring an owl to symbolize wisdom and shifts focus toward building long-term esports culture. Tokido enters the Street Fighter roster as a competitive anchor. He maintains his corporate position as a director for CELLORB. The parent company formed when VARREL and Topanga merged their operations.
"I consider joining VARREL to be the culmination of my fighting game life. I will show all the experience I've gained around the world and the results of the efforts I've accumulated so far here." — Tokido, Professional Gamer
Shoma Uno brings a different type of championship pedigree to the roster. The retired figure skater previously won two Olympic medals and consecutive world championships. He steps into the GAMER department to balance competitive gaming content with his ongoing ice show productions.
"Until now, gaming was my biggest hobby. By joining VARREL, I want to go beyond the realm of a hobby and show everyone my attitude of tackling games seriously." — Shoma Uno, Former Olympic Figure Skater
New Corporate Backing
The roster expansion coincides with corporate partnerships designed to support international competition. ASUS Republic of Gamers signed on as a hardware sponsor. The tech brand will provide monitors and peripherals for the players. American Express also launched a promotional campaign offering exclusive merchandise and event invitations for cardholders who back the team.
Management wants to move away from isolated results and focus on sustainable community engagement. The organization established the "ALL VARREL" slogan to emphasize sharing the entire competitive process with fans. Tokido will test this infrastructure as he continues his run through the current Street Fighter 6 season.
Source: PR Times