Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. held the second official real-world event for the mobile game "eFootball™ Wecole CHAMPION SQUADS" (hereinafter referred to as "Wecole"), the "Wecole FAN TOURNAMENT," on Saturday, March 28th, at Konami Creative Front Tokyo Bay.
Approximately 200 "Wecole" players gathered, including comedian Teppei Arita, Chief Wecole Officer, and Hiroya Yamazaki of Untouchable, who participated from the first round alongside general attendees. The event featured the finals, a surprise video message from Japanese national team player Takefusa Kubo, and a talk session discussing their journey as Chief Wecole Officers and their future plans. The venue was filled with excitement throughout, and players unable to attend in person joined the fun through the live stream.
<See the event highlights here>
Arita and Yamazaki Reappear Before Approx. 200 Fans After Part 1 Tournament
Recapping the Intense Matches!
The event was divided into two parts. Part 1 consisted of the first to sixth rounds of a single-elimination tournament, with Arita and Yamazaki participating from the first round under the same conditions as general attendees.
Part 2's stage event kicked off with MC Sugaya from the comedy duo Kakarot. The venue erupted when Chief Wecole Officers Arita and Yamazaki took the stage. Arita was eliminated in the third round, while Yamazaki advanced to the final tournament by winning the sixth round. Arita playfully lamented, "I didn't make it in time to participate in the qualifiers," while also commenting on the high level of play. Yamazaki shared, "The pressure after Arita lost... I'm relieved I managed to reach the final tournament! (lol)" reflecting on the fierce competition.
"Wecole Common Experiences" & "Wecole True/False Quiz" Gathered from Venue and Social Media Unite the Audience!
The "Wecole Common Experiences" segment introduced relatable situations for "Wecole" players. Sugaya from Kakarot selected nine "common experiences" from those submitted via official X and at the venue. Attendees voted on their agreement using true/false panels. A "common experience" stating, "Zakiyama-san, you're bold and hilarious in variety shows, but in Wecole, you tend to build overly cautious, risk-averse formations," drew laughter and agreement from the audience. Yamazaki responded, "I'm free in my work, so I'm strict in my private life!" leading to a chorus of "That's usually the opposite!" The lively banter kept the stage and audience engaged.
Furthermore, the all-participant "Wecole True/False Quiz" featured 10 questions related to "Wecole." The 11 participants who remained until the end, after incorrect answers led to elimination, received event-exclusive stickers. By the third question, a relatively large number of participants remained, prompting Yamazaki to comment, "Reliable!" However, by the fifth question, only one participant was correct. Arita even booed a question, saying, "If I were watching the live stream, I'd stir up the comments!" This led to a sudden re-challenge for everyone, making the quiz a lively event that participants enjoyed to the very end.
Talk Session Recapping the Chief Wecole Officers' Journey and a Surprise Video Message from Takefusa Kubo!
A segment reviewing the activities of the two Chief Wecole Officers over the past year and a half included anecdotes from their tenure, such as the reception after the first tournament and the spread of "Wecole" among their comedian colleagues. Additionally, a surprise video message from Japanese national team player Takefusa Kubo was shown. "If new cards of us are released, please use them!" said Kubo. Yamazaki exclaimed, "What! Kubo-san!" and stood up in surprise. Arita, touched, commented, "He really sent a message for this event!" adding, "We're starting to want stronger cards of Japanese players, aren't we?"
Following this, when asked about changes in their personal lives since becoming Chief Wecole Officers, Arita said, "Even after recording sessions, I want to play Wecole as soon as I get back to the dressing room (lol)." Yamazaki added, "People started talking to me about playing Wecole. Next, we want to hold events in other regions too!"
Regarding future activities, Arita expressed his enthusiasm, "If players who aren't yet in the game cards appear, we want to go and sign them directly!" Yamazaki nodded in agreement, saying, "There are people we've been dreaming of," indicating his anticipation for future endeavors.
Chief Wecole Officers Arita and Yamazaki Presented with Renewed Business Cards
Yamazaki Demonstrates "How to Present a Chief Wecole Officer Business Card"?!
Midway through the event, a surprise unfolded for the two Chief Wecole Officers! Sugaya from Kakarot presented them with oversized business cards, stating, "Konami has entrusted us with these renewed business cards so you can continue to actively spread the Wecole community." Arita remarked, "Vertical! Was the last one horizontal?" and Yamazaki added, "They're big!" Both looked surprised. Upon receiving the regular-sized cards, Yamazaki enthusiastically said, "I'll hand them out, hand them out!" The oversized cards featured player card designs of the two on the back, eliciting an "I'm so happy!" from them.
Furthermore, when the MC prompted, "There are many working adults here today, so let's have Yamazaki demonstrate an impressive way to present a business card for the first time as Chief Wecole Officer!" Yamazaki took the oversized card and presented it to Arita, saying, "It's a bit large, but please make my acquaintance!" Arita responded, "Is this it!? I'll definitely never forget it (lol)." Yamazaki's insistence, "Carry your business cards in this size!" sent the venue into laughter. Amidst the laughter and applause, it was a moment that hinted at the continued success of the two Chief Wecole Officers.
Four Players Who Advanced Through All Six Tournament Rounds Clash in the Finals!
The tournament climax, the final tournament, began. Four players, including Yamazaki, who had advanced through all six rounds with approximately 200 participants, battled in the semi-finals and finals on stage, creating immense excitement. Yamazaki, who advanced in the second match of the tournament, commented, "Maybe I've got the Wecole gods on my side!" as he entered the final match. After conceding points in the first half, the match went to a penalty shootout, where Yamazaki ultimately secured victory, achieving his second consecutive win at the 2nd "Wecole FAN TOURNAMENT." During the awards ceremony, Arita presented the trophy to the champion Yamazaki, congratulating him with, "It's most rewarding to see a member I always play with become the champion! Congratulations!"
To conclude the tournament, Arita commented, "I hope we can all gather again and grow stronger through friendly competition!" Yamazaki added, "Please hold a third tournament and try to defeat me!" expressing his hopes for the continued growth of "Wecole." The second "Wecole FAN TOURNAMENT," held on a larger scale than the first, concluded successfully amidst continued excitement and laughter.
Archived video of the event is now available on the official YouTube channel "eFootball Channel"!
Viewing Site: Official YouTube Channel "eFootball Channel"
Viewing URL: https://www.youtube.com/live/838P5VImuQc
<Event Overview>
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2025, 16:40 - 19:00
Venue: Konami Creative Front Tokyo Bay (3-4-8 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Guests: Teppei Arita, Hiroya Yamazaki, Kakarot (Kuriya, Sugaya)
Content: Part 1: "Wecole FAN TOURNAMENT" Rounds 1-6
Part 2: "Wecole" Common Experiences, "Wecole" True/False Quiz, Talk Session,
"Wecole FAN TOURNAMENT" Finals
<YouTube Series Featuring Chief Wecole Officers Arita and Yamazaki Now Available>
[Just Before the Event! Arida & Zakiyama [Chief Wecole Officer's Journey] Compilation Video]
[Arida & Zakiyama Also Participate!] 2nd Wecole FAN TOURNAMENT Decided! Idea Meeting
[Arida & Zakiyama Have a Serious Soccer Tactics Discussion with Tomoaki Makino!?] Chief Wecole Officers Collaborate with Former Japan National Player!
[eFootball vs Wecole: A Passionate Presentation Battle] Rikyu Hagiwara & Arida/Zakiyama Collaboration!
[Arida & Zakiyama] Dream of Holding an Event at the National Stadium!? Wecole Staff Talk Session
About eFootball™ Wecole CHAMPION SQUADS
"eFootball™ Wecole CHAMPION SQUADS" features real-life images of popular players from around the world.
It includes star players from popular club teams as well as strong national teams competing for world championships, depicted with real-life player cards.
Utilizing 3DCG based on "eFootball™," it offers not only realistic graphics but also stadium cheers and commentary to enhance the match experience.
Simply combine players and tactics to form a formation, and the computer will handle the match. You can enjoy it even in short breaks.
Official HP for "eFootball™ Wecole CHAMPION SQUADS": https://www.konami.com/wepes/mobile/wecc/ja/
Official X for "eFootball™ Wecole CHAMPION SQUADS": @OfficialWecc
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News