Ultimate Fighting Arena 2026, one of the most important events of the year in the fighting game community, is taking place in Paris from September 11 to 13. The Street Fighter 6 tournament holds the highest prestige status in the Capcom Pro Tour series, as its winner will earn a direct slot at the Capcom Cup 13 World Finals.
Triumph for Team Blaz, Tokido, and Big Bird at the Beast Cup Arena
The opening day of the competition featured a spectacular 3v3 team tournament—the Beast Cup Arena, organized by the legendary Daigo "Daigo" Umehara. Team Arm-Wrestling Ace, consisting of Blaz, Tokido, and Big Bird, claimed victory.
In the semifinals, Arm-Wrestling Ace eliminated Team Honest (Tantanmen, kingsvega, YAS), while SR NuckleDu's team (Lexx, NuckleDu, Dual Kevin) defeated team gachikun (Sahara, gachikun, Kawano). In the final matchup, Derek "blaz" Blaz, playing Jamie, pulled off a dominant solo sweep by taking down all three opponents—Lexx, NuckleDu, and Dual Kevin.
Key Players to Watch in the Singles Tournament
The tournament has gathered a stacked lineup of world-class competitors:
- Kilzyou (Kilyan Faucheux) — The French hometown favorite, Capcom Cup 12 grand finalist, and Top 6 finisher at CEO 2026.
- Sahara — Reigning Capcom Cup 12 champion and UFA 2025 winner.
- blaz (Derek Blaz) — A community fan-favorite who placed 4th at CEO 2026 and consistently makes top placements at Capcom Cup 11/12 and EWC 2025.
- Xiao Hai — An SNK fighting game legend and SF6 champion at EWC (2024, 2025) and Combo Breaker 2026.
- Leshar (Shin Moon-sup) — Victor of CEO, Combo Breaker, and Evo France in 2025.
- Tokido (Hajime Taniguchi) — One of the scene's ultimate icons and reigning CEO 2026 Street Fighter 6 champion.
Final Stages Schedule and Stream
The official broadcast of the tournament is hosted on the Capcom Fighters YouTube channel. Tournament schedule (EEST):
- Pools: Saturday, September 12, 11:00 EEST.
- Top 96 & Top 24: Sunday, September 13, 11:00 EEST.
- Top 8 Finals: Sunday, September 13, 21:00 EEST.
The next major stop in the Capcom Pro Tour 2026 series with an equivalent Premier status will be Evo France 2026, taking place in Nice from October 9 to 11.
As a reminder, a virtual brawl in GTA could cost a Corinthians player a real-world suspension.