If you're into Japanese Shogi, you've definitely heard of the young legend, Sota Fujii. At just 23, he's already racked up a ridiculous number of titles in the Shogi world, proving that reality can be even wilder than anime!
Recently, in the 38th Ryuo Championship's best-of-seven series, Fujii absolutely dominated, sweeping challenger Yuki Sasaki 8-dan (31 years old) with a 4-0 victory. This epic win marks his fifth consecutive Ryuo title, officially earning him the "Eternal Ryuo" qualification. He's now only the third player in history to hold this prestigious "Eternal" title, and, of course, the youngest ever to do it!
The decisive match of the Ryuo Championship's best-of-seven took place on November 12th and 13th in Kyoto. Fujii, playing as the second player, delivered a stunning victory on the 138th move. With this five-peat, his "Ryuo" title is firmly secured, setting an unprecedented record.
Sota Fujii currently holds six major titles simultaneously: "Meijin," "Oi," "Kisei," "Kio," "Osho," and "Ryuo." He's now famously known as Fujii Rokukan (Fujii Six Crowns), the undisputed top player in the Japanese Shogi world. With this latest "Eternal Ryuo" achievement, he already holds "Eternal Kisei" and "Eternal Oi" qualifications, officially making him an "Eternal Triple Crown."
(As per tradition, "Eternal Ryuo" and similar titles are typically officially activated after the player retires.)
In the past, only a handful of players have held multiple "Eternal" titles, including the late Yasuharu Oyama 15th Meijin (Eternal Five Crowns), Makoto Nakahara 16th Meijin (Eternal Five Crowns), and Yoshiharu Habu 9-dan (Eternal Seven Crowns). Fujii now joins this elite group as the fourth player to achieve such a monumental feat.
What's even crazier? Fujii became an "Eternal Triple Crown" at just 23 years and 3 months old, smashing Yoshiharu Habu's previous record of 25 years and 11 months. That's a new youngest record after 29 years!
Fans are absolutely buzzing, marveling at how Fujii's achievements are even more incredible than anything you'd see in a manga. He's truly an unparalleled force, a character whose accomplishments in Shogi have practically transcended fiction itself.
And you know what? Fujii's record-breaking spree is far from over. This man, who's already surpassed the realm of make-believe, clearly has no limits! LOL.