15-Year-Old Hinao Wins BAM 2026 to Secure Capcom Cup Spot

15-year-old Japanese Street Fighter 6 prodigy Hinao has qualified for Capcom Cup after winning Battle Arena Melbourne, defeating fellow countryman Cosa in the grand finals.

Hinao claimed his second Premier victory following his win at FightClub Championship VI Chengdu last year. He has now qualified for his second Capcom Cup at such a young age, which is a remarkable feat.

Hinao, full of gratitude, said on social media following his victory: "We did it! Won BAM2026!!

"This time, winning was thanks to the people around me too, and I'm just filled with gratitude.

"Thank you so much to everyone who organized it!!! Thank you too to everyone who cheered me on! I'll keep pushing hard to aim for wins at EWC and CC too!!!!"

Cosa, who finished second, was on the verge of claiming the first major title of his career but can take heart from a very strong performance and a whopping 300 points on the Global Leaderboard.

The top eight at BAM were:

• 1. Hinao
• 2. Cosa
• 3. Micky
• 4. Booce_Lee
• 5. Gachikun
• 5. NL
• 7. NoahTheProdigy
• 7. Tokido

There are four Premier events remaining that offer automatic qualification to Capcom Cup 13: the Esports World Cup, Ultimate Fighting Arena, Evo France, and Community Effort Orlando.

The Global Leaderboard is still topped by Punk with 550 points, while Higuchi remains in second place. NoahTheProdigy climbs into third with 420 points.