Daigo Umehara details road to MenaRD FT10

Following the announcement of the highly anticipated long set between former EVO champion and fighting game legend Daigo Umehara and current EVO champion MenaRD, the former has now spoken in greater detail about the matchup and the storylines that led to it becoming a reality.

Daigo Thought Mena Wanted to Flex On Him

Daigo accepted MenaRD’s challenge to a first-to-10 (FT10) set in Street Fighter 6, with timing initially proving to be the main obstacle. That issue has now been resolved, as the match is officially set to take place on April 29, 2026, under the Evolution Championship Series (EVO) banner.

Speaking on stream, Daigo shared a surprising amount of background, including his initial reaction to the challenge. According to him, he first viewed it as a display of confidence, perhaps even a flex, from MenaRD, who had already secured two Capcom Cup titles and an EVO Japan victory at the time.

Ultimately, he said MenaRD’s sincerity shifted his perspective from skepticism to appreciation, that even at this stage of his career, a top player still wanted to challenge him in this format.

Legacy, long sets, and Kemonomichi

Daigo’s legacy stretches back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, where he built his reputation as one of the greatest to ever play the game. His iconic comeback during Evo 2004, widely known as “Moment 37” saw him parry a full super from Justin Wong in Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, a sequence that has since become one of the most celebrated plays in esports history.

However, as the 2010s progressed, there were signs that Daigo was no longer the dominant tournament force he once was. What became clear instead was his exceptional strength in long sets.

This was showcased during exhibitions organized by Mad Catz, where Daigo delivered commanding performances. He notably defeated Xian 10–0, before going on to overcome Infiltration and later Tokido, the EVO 2017 champion.

A long-time advocate for the format, Daigo hosts Kemonomichi, a recurring long-set event series. Initially, he wanted the match against MenaRD to take place under that banner. However, once EVO became involved, both parties agreed to proceed with EVO as the primary organizer, though the event will still carry the Kemonomichi branding.

The Many Hurdles Standing In the Way of the Match

Scheduling presented another challenge. Daigo noted that potential balance patches to Street Fighter 6 could impact character viability and preparation. While MenaRD pushed for a later date to allow for more preparation time, Daigo felt April was a crucial competitive window that couldn’t be missed.

Daigo also shared early details about the match rules. The set will feature stage changes every five games, with both players locked into a single character, Daigo on Akuma and MenaRD on Blanka. Even character colors have reportedly been predetermined.

Coaching and phone use will not be permitted, though each player is allowed one three-minute break to either review notes or reset mentally.

While Daigo admitted to feeling some nerves, he expressed confidence in the Akuma–Blanka matchup. He also hinted at a potential character switch following the set, with signs pointing toward Sagat as his next competitive pick.

It’s encouraging to see showcase events like this still materialize at the highest level. Matches like Daigo vs. MenaRD not only celebrate the legacy of the FGC but also push its boundaries, creating fresh opportunities to engage fans and elevate the scene.