Tekken Online Challenge is retuning, bringing competition in 2021

As restrictions begin to lift as vaccines become more widely available, we are starting to see slight returns to normalcy. For competitive gaming, this can mean we will once more enjoy offline events as we get closer to the end of the year. It’s still too early for large events like EVO or Combo Breaker to take place, however. For now, online events are still an important part of the competitive fighting game ecosystem. Bandai Namco is clearly aware of this, as today the publisher announced that Tekken Online Challenge is returning this year.

The Tekken Online Challenge is a series of online events that allow players from all over the world to compete for cash and glory. There will be 14 Master and 14 Regional events for 14 different regions throughout the year. Those regions include: North America, Central America, South America, West Europe, East Europe, West Africa, South Africa, Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Philippines & East Asia, Oceania, Korea, and Japan. Astro Gaming is sponsoring the event and matching the prize pool for a grand total of $100,000 USD up for grabs.

Not only that, the Online Dojo system is also returning. Independent tournament organizers can submit for their online events to be counted towards the season with as few as 16 entrants. Each event rewards points for placing in the top 8, and every type of event scales differently depending on its size. For example, first place at a Master event nets you 300 points, while first place at an Online Dojo event of 16 players only grants you 75 points. Players who place better at bigger events with more top players naturally get more points.

Tekken Online Challenge returning with new challengers

At the end of the season the players with the most points will qualify for their respective regional finals. Information is sparse now, but player’s guides, organizer’s guides, and the full rules will be uploaded to the official page soon. When this happens, tournament organizers will also be able to submit their online events for the Online Dojo.

To top all of this off, a new balance update for the game will drop on May 27. Players will only have four short days to adjust to any changes before the season starts. It will be very interesting to see, but personally I am just happy to finally see competition start up again. Tekken 7 is available now on Steam where you can also check out the latest DLC character, Lidia Sobieska.