Daigo Umehara (Japanese: 梅原 大吾, Hepburn: Umehara Daigo?, born 19 May 1981) is a Japanese arcade fighting video game player. He specializes in 2D arcade fighting games, mainly those released by Capcom. Known as "Daigo" or "The Beast"[1][2] in the west and "Umehara"[3] or "Ume" in Japan, Umehara is one of the world's most famous Street Fighter players[4][5][6] and is often considered its greatest, as well.[7] He currently holds a world record of "the most successful player in major tournaments of Street Fighter" in Guinness World Records.[8][9][10][11]
Before properly being called a progamer[12] from signing a sponsorship deal with MadCatz, Japanese media usually referred to Umehara as "God of 2D fighting games" (2D格闘ゲームの神 "2D Kakutou Game no Kami").[14][15][16][17][18][19][20]
Umehara began going to an arcade game center and playing fighting games at around 10 years of age when he was an elementary school student,[12][21] the same time when Street Fighter II and Fatal Fury: King of Fighters hit the game center.[12] Because the SF2 cabinet had a very long line and also had older kids playing, his first fighting game is actually Garou Densetsu.[12] Because there was usually a long line in his free time and he could not stay too late, Umehara first started challenging other players in Street Fighter II Dash (Champion Edition) even though he felt shy and had to ask for permission to challenge first, but that was also when he started to like playing with other players. [12]
Around the time when he was a 13-year-old middle school student,[12] Umehara shifted his main game to Vampire Hunter because he thought he did better than SF2[12] and first developed some reputation by setting a 286-win streak record[22] before he was forced to leave due to closing time at Akihabara Sega (now Club Sega[23]) game center.[12][24][25] He first joined a tournament when he entered GAMEST Cup's national Vampire Hunter tournament in 1995,[26] though he lost in the block's finals.[27] His second tournament and also his first tournament winning is GAMEST Cup's national Vampire Savior tournament in 1997[28] where he defeated Ōnuki (now Nuki) in the finals.[27][29][30]
In 1998, 18 year old Umehara participated Capcom's official Street Fighter Zero 3 national tournament and advanced to the finals which took place on a stage in Tokyo Game Show 1998: Autumn on October 11.[31] After winning the tournament by defeating Ōnuki 3-1, as the champion, Umehara went on to face Alex Valle, who was the winner of the U.S. national Street Fighter Alpha 3 tournament. The international "Grand Championship" was held in San José, California on November 8. This is Umehara's first trip to U.S. and first overseas tournament.[32] The match was played as best out of three games, with each game as best out of five rounds. Umehara came from behind to win 2-1;[33][34]These two events received a 50-minute TV coverage in Japan.[35]
In September 2001, Umehara gained enough fans to have a book about him published. The title is VERSUS, also known as "Umebon" (ウメ本) or "Ume Book." It contains both his background and stories behind his competitions and opponents.[24]
In 2002, Umehara appeared in U.S. versus Japan theme exhibition matches in Japan. American players competed in four games (Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Street Fighter III 3rd Strike and Marvel vs. Capcom 2) for the right to battle Japan's best players in those respective games. Umehara only entered the 3rd Strike exhibition, but defeated all of his opponents, ending each round with Ken's fierce Shoryuken. These events were filmed for the documentary Bang the Machine.[36][37]
In 2003, Umehara won Super Street Fighter II Turbo tournament in the first Super Battle Opera (Tougeki) and won the same game in Evolution Championship Series when he joined the event for the first time in the same year, making him the first player to win both SBO and Evolution in same year on the same game.[38] Umehara also went to Evolution 2004 and Absolution 2004[39] on April 18 in England and won SSF2 Turbo there.[27][40]
Umehara has participated regularly in a number of tournaments, appearing at least one each year since beginning in 1997, with a brief hiatus in 2008.[27][41]
Umehara started becoming famous internationally from the YouTube video clips[42][43] of his match in the Losers bracket final[44] in Evolution Championship Series 2004's Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike competition where he made a dramatic comeback against Justin Wong's Chun-Li. In the final round of match 1, Umehara's Ken was down to his last pixel of vitality.[45] At this point, any special attack would knock Umehara's character out if connected, since special attacks deal chip damage even when blocked. In an attempt to win the round, Wong attempted to hit Umehara's Ken with Chun-Li's multihit Super Art move Houyoku-sen (鳳翼扇, "phoenix-wing fan").[46] However, instead of avoiding it, Umehara chose to "Parry," a technique whereby an incoming attack is blocked without the player losing any health, but by doing so requires moving toward opponent's direction in the same time a hit lands,[47] within four of thirty frames[citation needed] per second of the impact animation. After the move was launched, not only were all 15 hits Parried, but Umehara also managed to get into a good position to make a powerful attacking combo[48] that knocked Chun-Li out instead. This moment, and the ecstatic cheering of the spectators that followed, was recorded and later spread on the Internet, gaining immense popularity.[44][49][50] In 2011, Kotaku ranked it first place in its list of "The 10 Best Moments in Pro-Gaming History".[51]
NHK's TV program, MAG-NET, has called this moment "Kiseki no Gyakuten Geki" (奇跡の逆転劇) or "The miraculous reversal play".[52] Within the fighting game online community, it is referred to as "Evo Moment #37: The Beast is Unleashed"[53], and the offensive combo used would later appear in Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online Edition as Ken's trial mode combo 3. This trial mode challenge specifically refers to Daigo's use of the combo, as the challenge description is "Evo Moment #37." (Most Trial Mode challenges within the game have a description of the combo in the challenge.)[54]
In July 2008, Umehara came out of retirement[55] and aims for competition once again. This time, his focus was on the newly-released Street Fighter IV. Because of this, Japanese arcade gaming magazine Arcadia has included a DVD featuring "Umehara Concept Matches" in its January 2009 issue (released on November 29, 2008) and "The God has returned" was stated in Umehara's player introduction part. The DVD contains exhibition matches between him and Japan's 6 top players such as Inoue, Itabashi Zangief, Fuudo, Nemo, and Mago.[56]
On March 5, Umehara made an appearance as the "God of fighting games world"[57] in a TV show "Gamer's Koshien". He and the fellow Japan's 4 top players (Soushihan KSK, Itabashi Zangief, Mago, and Tokido) had to compete with each other and with celebrities in a Street Fighter IV round-robin tournament where the top players had to win the amateurs overwhelmingly in order to get a good point as a handicap.[16][58]
On April 18, at GameStop's Street Fighter IV National Tournament 2009, Francisco, California, there was exhibition matches between 4 players from 3 countries after the actual competition ended. It featured Iyo who had recently won the Japanese National SF4 tournament, Poongko who won the Korean SF4 National Tournament, Justin Wong who won the American National SF4 tournament, and Daigo Umehara who came by Capcom's invitation.[59] Umehara defeated Iyo, Poongko and Justin Wong to win the tournament. He was awarded a free trip to Evolution 2009 in Las Vegas.[60][61]
Umehara began writing a column in Arcadia starting from the August issue, called Umehara Column: Michi.[62] ("Umehara Column: Street")
For his win at the GameStop tournament, Umehara started his Street Fighter IV competition as a seeded player in the semi-finals on July 18, which is the second day of Evolution 2009. In the third and the last day, Umehara defeated Justin Wong and put him into the Losers Bracket, then advanced to the grand finals just to meet Wong again. The two fought until the last game possible, but Umehara won the competition.[63] [64][65]
The September issue[66] of Arcadia magazine included a DVD featuring the second of "Umehara's Concept Matches" which is the sequel to the DVD from late 2008. This time Umehara had to fight Japan's 5 top players: Mago, Iyo, Nuki, Nemo, and Shirou.[67][68] [69]
On August 7, Umehara participated in an all night[70] tournament called "GODSGARDEN."[71] [72]
Umehara participated in exhibition matches in a Street Fighter IV competition in Taiwan on October 10.[73]The matches were broadcasted live on Famitsu's web channel.[74]
Umehara went to America again to join a tournament called Season's Beatings on October 16–18 in Columbus, Ohio.[75][76] He won Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Street Fighter IV Singles competition.[77][78]
On November 26, Umehara and 5 other top Japanese Street Fighter IV players joined a Nico Nico internet live show[79] to talk about the second GODSGARDEN tournament. The show also held an exhibition match between himself and Mago.[80]
Instead of participating GODSGARDEN #2 (March 6),[81] Umehara flew to France to enter Street Fighter IV tournaments in World Game Cup[82] gaming event that took place between March 3–7. He finished the second place in singles and first in 2 on 2.[83][84]
Umehara and two teammates participated official[85] Street Fighter IV National Tournament[86] and qualified to the top 14 on April 4. His team was eliminated in the quarter finals. The competition was broadcasted live on Nico Nico.[87][88]
Umehara went to America to join Capcom's Super Street Fighter IV "Fight Club" launch party in Los Angeles on April 23.[89] The party held exhibition matches in which he played various characters including Hakan, Guy and Dee Jay against a dozen of challengers. The event ended with a 3-out-of-5 match,[90] [91] between him and Justin Wong. Their draw result from double K.O. at the end left Umehara undefeated in that night.
It is also revealed in the event that Umehara accepted a sponsorship deal from Mad Catz and will play under their name in the future tournaments.
The limited edition of Super Street Fighter IV game from e-CAPCOM store comes with a special DVD featuring two tournaments between Japan's 8 top players: Umehara, Tokido, Iyo, Shirou, Kin Devu, Momochi, Tokidoki Nukings, and Itabashi Zangief. The first one is a "new character only" tournament where Umehara played as Adon. The second one is for old characters.[97][98] The Super Street Fighter IV Technical Guide published by Enterbrain which was released on April 28 includes a DVD featuring exhibition matches of the new characters played by Japan's 7 top players: Umehara, Tokido, Kin Devu, Iyo, Momochi, Itabashi Zangief, and Shirou.[99][100]
On May 9, Umehara made his appearance as the "Super Player"[101] on an NHK's Sunday night program "MAG-NET" which had a scoop on Street Fighter. The show told the story about his fame (including his 2004 dramatic comeback), his life, his competitions and his opponents. There was also Umehara's tutorial session where he demonstrated his arcade stick gripping method called "Umehara Mochi" (ウメハラ持ち) or "Umehara Grip" and his signature Ryu's combo technique—Shouryuken > Focus Attack Dash Cancel > Metsu Hadouken.[102][103]
On May 15, Nico Nico Live held a Super Street Fighter IV online competition where participating online players on Xbox Live got a chance to fight Japan's 3 top players: Umehara, Mago, and Tokido. They also have offline matches and a short talk corner.[104]
Umehara went to Australia for the first time[105] when he participated Evolution Asia Pacific's Super Street Fighter IV tournament in Sydney on May 29–30. He won the tournament losing just one game[106] and, as the grand prize, earned a paid flight to Evolution 2010 in Las Vegas where he will start off as a seeded player.[4][107][108][109][110][111][112]
On June 4, Umehara joined the 106th Xbox Live Park online event held by Microsoft Japan with Famitsu's editorial department. Participating Xbox Live Gold members got a chance to have a Super Street Fighter IV online match and chat with Umehara in the 2-hour period.[113]
After the invitation to play in Electronic Sports World Cup (July 3–4) was cancelled[114] and after getting the 2nd place in Nagoya Street Battle 15 (July 4),[115] Umehara joined Evolution 2010 between July 9–11 and faced a tougher challenge than before with over 1,700 players[116] from around the world participating in the Super Street Fighter IV tournament. However, without going down to Losers bracket, Umehara won the tournament in front of ten thousands of audiences both in the hall and in front of computer screens. The live stream of the event set a new record with approximate 48,000 viewers at peak 2 channels combined (Stickam 18,000 and Ustream 30,000) during the SSF4 grand finals before it went down due to technical problems.[117]Umehara also received Evo exclusive golden arcade stick[118] with serial number 1 as a prize.[119][120][121][122][123][124]
After winning the qualifier on May 22,[125] Umehara's team participated in the Super Battle Opera 2010's Street Fighter IV finals on September 19 and won the second place. The event took place as a part of Tokyo Game Show 2010 at Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex.[126] A pay-per-view live stream was distributed by Nico Nico.[127]
Umehara participated in Season's Beatings tournament in Ohio for the second time between October 15–17, [128] Southern California Regionals tournament in Los Angeles between November 6–7,[129][130][131] Canada Cup in Canada between November 13-14,[132] and Northern California Regionals tournament between November 20-21.[133] He then went to Kuwait for an exhibition event on November 26.[134]
| Year |
Tournament |
Game |
Place |
Note |
| 2012 |
 LG Cup |
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition |
2nd |
|
| 2011 |
 Nagoya Street Battle X MadCatz |
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (3 on 3) |
1st |
Teammate: Tokido, Mago |
| 2011 |
Nagoya Street Battle 30 |
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (3 on 3) |
1st |
Teammate: Tokido, Mago |
| 2011 |
Super Battle Opera 2011 |
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (2 on 2) |
3rd |
Teammate: Iyo |
| 2011 |
 Evolution 2011 |
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition |
4th |
|
| 2011 |
NorCal Regionals 9 |
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition |
1st |
|
| 2011 |
ReveLAtions |
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition |
1st |
|
| 2011 |
Topanga Charity Cup |
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (5 on 5) |
1st |
Teammate: Tokido, Mago, Nyanshi, Bonchan |
| 2010 |
NorCal Regionals 8[133] |
Super Street Fighter IV (3 on 3) |
1st |
Teammate: Ricky Ortiz, fLoE |
| 2010 |
NorCal Regionals 8 |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix |
1st |
- |
| 2010 |
 The Canada Cup[132] |
Super Street Fighter IV |
1st |
- |
| 2010 |
The Canada Cup |
Super Street Fighter IV (3 on 3) |
3rd |
Teammate: Air, Mago |
| 2010 |
The Canada Cup |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix |
1st |
- |
| 2010 |
SoCal Regionals 2010 |
Super Street Fighter IV |
2nd |
- |
| 2010 |
SoCal Regionals 2010 |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix |
1st |
- |
| 2010 |
Season's Beatings V |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo |
1st |
- |
| 2010 |
Nagoya Street Battle 17 |
Super Street Fighter IV (3 on 3) |
1st |
Teammate: MACHI, Momochi[135] |
| 2010 |
Super Battle Opera 2010 |
Street Fighter IV (3 on 3) |
2nd |
Teammate: TKD, Bon-chan[125] |
| 2010 |
Ayano Cup[136] |
Street Fighter IV (5 on 5) |
1st |
Teammate: Nyanshi, Misse, Nemo, Iyo[137] |
| 2010 |
 Super VS Battle 20-X[138] |
Super Street Fighter IV |
3rd |
- |
| 2010 |
Evolution 2010 |
Super Street Fighter IV |
1st[119] |
- |
| 2010 |
Nagoya Street Battle 15 |
Super Street Fighter IV (3 on 3) |
2nd |
Teammate: Mago, Tokido |
| 2010 |
 Evolution Asia-Pacific |
Super Street Fighter IV |
1st[110] |
- |
| 2010 |
 World Game Cup 2010 |
Street Fighter IV (2 on 2) |
1st[139] |
Teammate: Eita |
| 2010 |
World Game Cup 2010 |
Street Fighter IV |
2nd[139] |
- |
| 2009 |
Seasons Beatings IV |
Street Fighter IV |
1st |
- |
| 2009 |
Seasons Beatings IV |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix |
1st |
- |
| 2009 |
Seasons Beatings IV |
Street Fighter IV (3 on 3) |
3rd |
Team: Daigo Company |
| 2009 |
Shiozawa Cup[140][141] |
Street Fighter IV (5 on 5) |
1st[142] |
Teammate: Nyanshi, Misse, Iyo, Bon-chan |
| 2009 |
GODSGARDEN #1 |
Street Fighter IV |
3rd[143] |
- |
| 2009 |
Evolution 2009 |
Street Fighter IV |
1st[144] |
- |
| 2007 |
2nd Darkstalker Combination Cup |
Vampire Hunter |
1st |
- |
| 2007 |
Hyper-Mania 4 |
Hyper Street Fighter II (Team) |
2nd |
- |
| 2007 |
X-Mania 7 |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo (Team) |
2nd |
- |
| 2006 |
Evolution 2006 |
Guilty Gear XX Slash |
2nd |
- |
| 2005 |
Super Battle Opera 2005 |
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (2 on 2) |
1st |
Teammate: Nuki, Team: UmeNuki |
| 2005 |
Super Battle Opera 2005 |
Capcom Fighting Jam (Team) |
2nd |
- |
| 2004 |
4th Cooperation Cup |
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike |
1st |
- |
| 2004 |
Absolution 2004 |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo |
1st |
- |
| 2004 |
Absolution 2004 |
Guilty Gear XX #Reload |
1st |
- |
| 2004 |
Absolution 2004 |
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike |
1st |
- |
| 2004 |
Absolution 2004 |
Street Fighter Zero 3 |
3rd |
- |
| 2004 |
Evolution 2004 |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo |
1st |
- |
| 2004 |
Evolution 2004 |
Guilty Gear XX |
1st |
- |
| 2004 |
Evolution 2004 |
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike |
2nd |
- |
| 2004 |
Kakutou Ishin |
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike |
2nd |
- |
| 2004 |
Kakutou Ishin |
Street Fighter Zero 3 |
2nd |
- |
| 2003 |
Evolution 2003 |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo |
1st |
- |
| 2003 |
Evolution 2003 |
Guilty Gear XX |
1st |
- |
| 2003 |
Evolution 2003 |
Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike |
2nd |
- |
| 2003 |
Evolution 2003 |
Capcom vs. SNK 2 |
2nd |
- |
| 2003 |
Super Battle Opera (#1) |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo (Team) |
1st |
Teammate: Kurahashi, Otochun |
| 2003 |
Super Battle Opera (#1) |
Capcom vs. SNK 2 |
2nd |
- |
| 2000 |
Official National Tournament |
Capcom vs. SNK |
1st |
- |
| 2000 |
3rd Official National Tournament |
Street Fighter Zero 3 |
1st |
- |
| 2000 |
X-Mania 2000 |
Super Street Fighter II Turbo (3 on 3) |
3rd |
- |
| 1999 |
Official National Tournament |
Street Fighter Zero 3 (Team) |
2nd |
- |
| 1998 |
Official National Tournament |
Street Fighter Zero 3 |
1st |
International Champion |
| 1997 |
GAMEST Cup |
Vampire Savior |
1st |
- |
Most of data from 2007 and older is provided by beastdaigo.jp. Complete list and more data on smaller-scaled tournaments can be found on the Japanese fan site. All data is verified by sources as of May, 31, 2010. Reports from official sites are included if available. Only first, second, and third place are displayed here.
- ^ In interviews, Umehara doesn't fully understand where did The Beast come from.
- ^ "【ＷＥＢ人・詳報版】プロゲーマー、ウメハラさん（２９） 「格ゲー盛り上げたい」". sankei.jp.msn.com. 2010-07-22. http://sankei.jp.msn.com/entertainments/game/100722/gam1007220500000-n1.htm. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
- ^ This (ウメハラ) is his alias or ring name. Same with his surname, but the writing is different.
- ^ a b "Daigo Umehara". EVOAPAC. http://evoapac.ozhadou.net/event-information/daigo-umehara. Retrieved 2010-05-18.
- ^ "SFIV National Tournament Finals! This Saturday!". Evo Championship Series. 2009-04-13. http://evo2k.com/?p=269. Retrieved 2010-05-18.
- ^ Kevin Gifford (2010-06-23). "Being The Very Best at Fighting Games". 1UP. http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3180053. Retrieved 2010-06-24.
- ^ "Daigo Umehara: The King of Fighters". eurogamer.net. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/daigo-umehara-the-king-of-fighters-interview. Retrieved 2010-05-18.
- ^ Mad Catz (2010-08-27). "Team Mad Catz® Gamer ‘Daigo "The Beast" Umehara’ Presented With Guinness World Record™ at ‘Super Vs Battle’ Tournament". Mad Catz. http://www.madcatz.com/pressreleases/Team_Mad_Catz_Member_Wins_World_Award_FINAL.pdf. Retrieved 2010-08-28.
- ^ MadCatz (2010-08-22). "Congrats to Daigo Umehara for being awarded The Guinness Book of World Records award for most major event wins!". MadCatz. http://tweetphoto.com/40855461. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
- ^ MadCatz (2010-08-23). "Team Mad Catz' Daigo with @Capcom_Unity's Seth Killian during the Guinness Book of World Records award ceremony.". MadCatz. http://twitpic.com/2hggch. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
- ^ ssf4vids (2010-08-22). "daigo Umehara guiness book of world records most won international tournaments SVB 2010". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpSsrEWHqew. Retrieved 2010-08-23.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "【インタビュー】プロゲーマー梅原氏に直撃インタビュー（第1回）". Famitsu.com. 2009-06-14. http://www.famitsu.com/blog/sst4/1236266_2375.html. Retrieved 2010-06-14.
- ^ Arcadia Editorial Department (2009-05-30). "月刊アルカディア7月号". Enterbrain. http://www.arcadiamagazine.com/cgi-bin/product_view.cgi?id=203. Retrieved 2009-07-19. ""God of 2D fighting games" was written on the cover."
- ^ "Kami" (神) was used for Umehara's player introduction part in Umehara Concept Matches Vol.1 and Vol.2 DVD from 2008 and 2009. The DVDs were included with Arcadia magazines published by Enterbrain.
- ^ a b "ゲーマーズ甲子園 #9 / MONDO21". Nico Nico. 2009-03-13. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/1236909460. Retrieved 2009-05-21. "In 2008, a Japanese TV show "Gamer's Koshien" refers to Umehara as "God of fighting games world.""
- ^ "格闘ゲームの神，ウメハラ氏が米Mad Catzと契約。プロゲーマーとして活動を開始". 4gamer.net. 2010-04-28. http://www.4gamer.net/games/099/G009927/20100428025/. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
- ^ "ついにプロゲーマーデビュー！ 2D格闘ゲームの「神」ことウメハラ選手を知っていますか？". IT Media. 2010-04-27. http://gamez.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/1004/27/news071.html. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
- ^ "ウメハラの仮想スト２". Nico Nico. 2010-03-12. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm10001742. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
- ^ Anigema (2010-05-27). "格ゲーの神、ウメハラさんは『スト2』と『スト4』どちらがお好き？". Anigema. http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/4794196/. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
- ^ "ウメハラのインタビュー（X-MANIA）". Nico Nico. 2010-02-03. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm9587827. Retrieved 2010-05-21.
- ^ At 256 wins the game’s counter reset to zero, but it still counts.
- ^ "クラブセガ秋葉原". Sega. http://location.sega.jp/loc_web/cs_akihabara.html. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
- ^ a b "ウメハラ本". beastdaigo.jp. http://beastdaigo.jp/versus.shtml. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
- ^ "[versus(ｳﾒ本):ﾊﾝﾀｰ編"]. vampire-dcc.com. http://www.vampire-dcc.com/mobile/column_versus_01.html. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
- ^ "ウメハラ(当時１４歳) 初の全国大会". Nico Nico. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm5901775. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
- ^ a b c d "About Umehara". beastdaigo.jp. http://beastdaigo.jp/about_1.shtml. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
- ^ He was 16 years old according to NHK MAG-NET
- ^ "ゲーメスト杯 ヴァンパイアセイヴァー インタビュー＋表彰式抜粋". Nico Nico. 2009-01-17. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm5865867. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
- ^ "ゲーメスト杯 ヴァンパイアセイヴァー決勝". Nico Nico. 2007-07-07. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm571329. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
- ^ CESA. "TOKYO GAME SHOW Information". Tokyo Game Show 1998 Autumn. http://tgs.cesa.or.jp/98autumn/index.html. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
- ^ Capcom Unity's community manager (2009-06-01). "Daigo Umehara Answers Capcom Unity's Questions (Part 3)!". Capcom Unity. http://www.capcom-unity.com/s-kill/blog/2010/06/01/daigo_umehara_answers_capcom_unitys_questions_(part_3)!. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
- ^ IGN Staff (1998-10-14). "Are You a Real Street Fighter?". IGN Entertainment, Inc. http://psx.ign.com/articles/065/065287p1.html. Retrieved 2009-02-10.
- ^ GameSpot (2004). "Spotlight on the Evolution 2K4 Fighting Game Tournament". CBS Interactive Inc. http://www.gamespot.com/features/6103845/p-3.html. Retrieved 2008-11-27. ""Daigo became the most feared player among the Capcom competitive circles when he defeated Alex Valle during an official Street Fighter Alpha 3 world championship in 1998 (creating a legion of copycat V-Akuma players overnight with his infamous Demon Flip Vism combo). Since then, his fierce reputation has not diminished, as he consistently places in the top three in the majority of the 2D games he enters. If you want to be considered the best in the world, you have to be able to defeat this guy consistently (sorry...lucky flukes don't count).""
- ^ "スト ZERO3 全国大会＆日米対決". Nico Nico. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm6199521. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
- ^ Peter Kang (executive producer); Gene Na (executive producer); Richard Lowe (producer); Tamara Katepoo (director); Daigo Umehara, et al. (subject) (2002). Bang the Machine (Documentary). California, USA: JabStrongFierce. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312423/. "A documentary of an exhibition tournament in Japan showing the difference between American and Japanese gaming cultures."
- ^ cast members have stated that the Bang The Machine documentary may never be officially released, because material was destroyed during the events of September 11, 2001.
- ^ As of June 14, 2010, only Umehara and Nuki have won both Super Battle Opera and Evolution Championship Series in same year on the same game.
- ^ "3rdstrike.free.fr". Absolution 2004. http://3rdstrike.free.fr/. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
- ^ "株式会社アイエヌエイチ > THE STARTING OVER HYPER STREET FIGHTER II". inhgroup.com. http://www.inhgroup.com/item/st2/. Retrieved 2009-05-21. "Absolution2k4（イギリス大会）"
- ^ "About Umehara (Smaller tournaments and rank battles)". beastdaigo.jp. http://beastdaigo.jp/about_2.shtml. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
- ^ YouTube (2005-12-28). "Street Fighter - Justin vs Daigo". YouTube, LLC. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS5peqApgUA. Retrieved 2010-05-16.
- ^ Daiko (2006-04-17). "Justin Wong vs. Daigo Umehara". YouTube, LLC. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_AnZ0k8zOs. Retrieved 2010-05-16.
- ^ a b Livingston, Tim (2008-08-19). "EVO 2K8: Fighting Games Personified". Advanced Media, Inc. http://www.sportsjoystick.com/article.php?artid=47. Retrieved 2008-11-27.
- ^ the character's vitality is indicated by a horizontal bar graph composed of columns of pixels. The player loses the game when his or her character's vitality is depleted.
- ^ Capcom. "キャラクター紹介＆技表". capcom.co.jp. http://www.capcom.co.jp/newproducts/arcade/sf3rd/chr/index.html. Retrieved 2010-08-15.
- ^ Capcom. "システム紹介". capcom.co.jp. http://www.capcom.co.jp/newproducts/arcade/sf3rd/system.html. Retrieved 2010-08-15.
- ^ consists of 4 moves ending with shippuu jinrai kyaku 疾風迅雷脚, lit. "lightning-fast hurricane kicks" or "hurricane thunderclap leg", Ken's super art #3 in Street Fighter III, which is a series of kicks that lifts and then pushes the opponent away
- ^ Spitalieri, Mike (2007-03-22). "The 9 biggest moments in pro gaming (page 3 of 3)". IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2008-10-21. http://web.archive.org/web/20081021053122/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/107258/the-9-biggest-moments-in-pro-gaming-page-3-of-3/. Retrieved 2009-02-10.
- ^ McCarthy, Dave (2006-08-31). "The best of YouTube Article - Page 2". Eurogamer Network Ltd. http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=67122&page=2. Retrieved 2009-02-10.
- ^ Breslau, Rod (July 13, 2011). "The 10 Best Moments in Pro-Gaming History". Kotaku. http://kotaku.com/5820907/the-10-best-moments-in-pro+gaming-history. Retrieved 17 April 2012.
- ^ See details in this page's 2010 section.
- ^ Sf3lp (2006-03-01). "Evo moment #37". YouTube, LLC. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS7hkwbKmBM. Retrieved 2010-05-16.
- ^ Iron Galaxy Studios. Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online Edition. (Capcom). Xbox 360, PlayStation 3. (August 23rd 2011 (Playstation Network), August 24th, 2011 (Xbox Live Arcade))
- ^ INH CO.,LTD (2007). "株式会社アイエヌエイチ > X-MANIA7 (samples from the DVD about X-MANIA 7)" (in Japanese). INH CO.,LTD. http://www.inhgroup.com/item/xmania7/. Retrieved 2009-02-10.
- ^ Arcadia magazine (2010-05-15). "ウメハラプロｖｓ井上、板橋ザンギエフ、ふ～ど、JOE、ネモ、マゴ". Nico Nico. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm10721630. Retrieved 2010-05-21.
- ^ As stated in the show's promotion video and in the show.
- ^ "ゲーマーズ甲子園 :: MONDO21:". mondo21.net. http://www.mondo21.net/gamerskoushien. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
- ^ Oichi (2009-05-31). "Arcadia July - Umehara Six Page Interview". Oichi. http://www.versuscity.net/2009/05/30/arcadia-july-umehara-six-page-interview/. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
- ^ Capcom Unity's community manager (2009-04-20). "The Epic Conclusion: Street Fighter IV National Tournament". Capcom Unity. http://www.capcom-unity.com/s-kill/blog/2009/04/20/the_epic_conclusion__street_fighter_iv_national_tournament. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
- ^ Terry Ng (2009-04-19). "Justin Wong Wins SFIV National Tournament and Daigo Wins International Title". Terry Ng. http://www.kineda.com/justin-wong-wins-sfiv-national-tournament-and-daigo-wins-international-title/. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
- ^ Arcadia Editorial Department (2009-06-10). "月刊アルカディア8月号から『ウメハラコラム・道』の連載開始!!". Enterbrain. http://arcadiamagazine.com/cgi-bin/news_view.cgi?id=50. Retrieved 2009-07-14.
- ^ Terry Ng (2009-07-20). "Daigo Wins Evo 2009 Street Fighter IV Championship Title — Defeats Justin Wong". Terry Ng. http://www.kineda.com/daigo-wins-evo-2009-street-fighter-iv-championship-title-defeats-justin-wong/. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
- ^ srkdotcom (2009-07-20). "Evo 2009 Live Broadcast". srkdotcom. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/evochampionship. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
- ^ Evo2009 (2009-07-16). "Evo2009 SFIV: Semi-Finals Winners Bracket". Evo2009. http://evo2k.com/live/brackets/sf4/semis/. Retrieved 2009-07-19. [dead link]
- ^ The release date is July 30.
- ^ Arcadia Editorial Department (2009-07-20). "ウメハラコンセプトマッチ第二章". Enterbrain. http://www.arcadiamagazine.com/cgi-bin/news_view.cgi?id=64. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
- ^ "ウメハラ ストⅣ対戦収録風景". Niconico. 2009-07-23. http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm7715024. Retrieved 2009-07-23.
- ^ "ConceptMatches Vol.2". LordAborigineSF4. 2009-08-02. http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=92DBC763C7354C5D. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
- ^ The event began 4 P.M. and the finals ended around 4 A.M..
- ^ "GODSGARDEN". GODSGARDEN. 2009-08-08. http://godsgarden.jp/. Retrieved 2009-08-08.
- ^ "Tokyo Game Night". hanatyan128. 2009-08-07. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Tokyo-Game-Night. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
- ^ "Taiwan Media Interviewed Daigo Umehara". SF33TW. 2009-10-12. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK6RG-Gs0Do. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
- ^ "台湾『ストリートファイターIV』大会の生中継が緊急決定！". Enterbrain. 2009-10-09. http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1228328_1124.html. Retrieved 2009-10-09.
- ^ "Seasons Beatings IV live broadcast from Ohio". Get Your Tournament. 2009-10-16. http://www.gytnews.com/?p=1231. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
- ^ "Seasons Beatings IV". skisonic. 2009-10-16. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/seasonsbeatings4. Retrieved 2009-10-17. [dead link]
- ^ "Seasons Beatings IV live now, with early results". Event Hubs. 2009-10-18. http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2009/oct/16/seasons-beatings-iv-all-weekend-wong-vs-daigo-rematch/. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
- ^ "Seasons Beatings IV". FrameAdvantageDotCom. 2009-10-18. http://www.youtube.com/user/FrameAdvantageDotCom. Retrieved 2009-10-22.
- ^ "とりあえず生中(二杯目)【木曜日】～アニメ・ゲーム～". Niconico Douga. 2009-11-26. http://live.nicovideo.jp/gate/lv6859041. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
- ^ "ウメマゴ 2009-11-26". Giantshands. 2009-11-26. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTYhYMPR0yM. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
- ^ "イベント情報". GODSGARDEN. http://godsgarden.jp/pc/modules/contents/index.php?content_id=10. Retrieved 2010-03-16. [dead link]
- ^ "WorldGameCup". WorldGameCup. 2010-03-10. http://www.worldgamecup.com. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
- ^ "World Game Cup 2010 results and videos". Event Hubs. 2010-03-03. http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2010/mar/07/world-game-cup-2010-results-and-videos/. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
- ^ "More SF4 WGC videos of the Masters Finals". Event Hubs. 2010-03-03. http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2010/mar/09/more-sf4-wgc-videos-masters-finals/. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
- ^ This is the only Street Fighter IV tournament held by Capcom directly. It is 3 on 3 arcade version tournament. The champions will be awarded golden gloves directly from the game producer.
- ^ "ストリートファイターＩＶ 全国大会". Capcom. 2010-04-04. http://www.capcom.co.jp/sf4/event.html. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
- ^ This number is equal to total unique visitors, not viewing users. Since Nico Nico does not show viewers number.
- ^ "闘志追撃 拳をかけろ！ ストリートファイターＩＶ 全国大会". Niconico. 2010-04-04. http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv14213873. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
- ^ "Super Street Fighter LA Fight Club Details Revealed!". Capcom. 2010-04-22. http://www.capcom-unity.com/jgonzo/blog/2010/04/22/super_street_fighter_la_fight_club_details_revealed!. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
- ^ "Capcom Fight Club LA - Daigo Umehara vs Justin Wong 1/2". LevelUpSeries. 2010-04-24. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsWikIMOuaw. Retrieved 2010-04-26.
- ^ "capcomunity". Capcom. 2010-04-23. http://www.ustream.tv/user/capcomunity. Retrieved 2010-04-25.
- ^ "スーパーストリートファイターIV イーカプコン限定版(コレクターズ・パッケージVer)(PS3)". Capcom. http://www.e-capcom.com/ec/srDispProductListProductLink/doProductLink/1/1/A10002307/10/10/srDispProductList/. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
- ^ "『スーパーストリートファイターIV』イーカプコン限定版の同梱DVDをチェック！". Dengeki. http://dps.dengeki.com/2010/04/27/p17367/. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
- ^ "スーパーストリートファイターⅣ テクニカルガイドCM". famitsutube. 2010-04-27. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VaU9lgctCA. Retrieved 2010-04-29.
- ^ "スーパーストリートファイターIV テクニカルガイド 新しき挑戦者達へ". Enterbrain. http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/product/mook/mook/09160701.html. Retrieved 2010-04-29.
- ^ As stated on the advertising banner on the front page of the show.
- ^ "ＭＡＧ・ネット ～マンガ・アニメ・ゲームのゲンバ～:". NHK. http://www.nhk.or.jp/magnet/. Retrieved 2010-05-09.
- ^ "ホンダ日記II". http://monmon999.blog49.fc2.com/blog-entry-538.html. Retrieved 2010-05-10.
- ^ "『スーパーストリートファイターＩＶ』オンライン対戦会". Nico Nico Douga. http://live.nicovideo.jp/gate/lv16995512. Retrieved 2010-05-15.
- ^ As he said on the stage after winning the tournament.
- ^ EXC355UM (2010-06-02). "AUS:NSW / EVO APAC Results/Report". shadowloo.com. http://www.shadowloo.com/?p=1562. Retrieved 2010-06-04.
- ^ MrWizard (2010-03-30). "Two more tournaments added for Evo Seeds!". Evolution Championship Series. http://evo2k.com/?p=578. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
- ^ BBBENSON (2010-05-30). "EVO APAC FINAL BRACKET LIVE STREAM". ozhadou.net. http://www.ozhadou.net/index.php/2010/evo-apac-final-bracket-live-stream/. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
- ^ "Team Mad Catz Player ‘Daigo "The Beast" Umehara’ To Compete at Evolution Asia-Pacific Tournament". Mad Catz. 2010-05-28. http://www.madcatz.com/pressreleases/Daigo_EVO_FINAL.pdf. Retrieved 2010-05-31.
- ^ a b "EVO APAC Results". ozhadou.net. 2010-06-01. http://evoapac.ozhadou.net/evo-apac-results. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
- ^ "プロ格ゲープレイヤーの梅原大吾選手が"EVO 2010"アジア地域の予選で優勝、シード権を獲得". Famitsu. 2009-06-02. http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1235877_1124.html. Retrieved 2010-06-03.
- ^ "Interview With EVO APAC 2010 champion Daigo Umehara". GameSpot. 2010-06-20. http://au.gamespot.com/ps3/action/supersf4/video/6266689/interview-with-evo-apac-2010-champion-daigo-umehara. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- ^ "Xbox Live Park". Xbox.com (Japan). 2009-06-04. http://www.xbox.com/ja-JP/livepark/default.htm. Retrieved 2010-06-04. [dead link]
- ^ karaface (2010-06-30). "ESWC Coverage". myeg.net. http://myeg.net/article/article_detail.php?article_id=751. Retrieved 2010-07-01.
- ^ "Nagoya Street Battle 15 優勝はThe Plinkers !". GODSGARDEN. 2010-07-05. http://godsgarden.jp/pc/modules/news/details.php?bid=56. Retrieved 2010-07-06. [dead link]
- ^ Terry Ng (2010-07-11). "Daigo Umehara Wins Evo 2010 Super Street Fighter IV Championship Title". kineda.com. http://www.kineda.com/daigo-umehara-wins-evo-2010-super-street-fighter-iv-championship-title/. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ Level UP (2010-07-13). "EVO Stream Response". levelup-series.com. http://www.levelup-series.com/index.php?view=article&catid=41:press-release&id=93:evo-stream-response&format=pdf. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
- ^ Only 24 were produced.
- ^ a b inkblot (2010-07-11). "EVO 2010 Results as They Happen!". evo2k.com. http://evo2k.com/?p=740. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ inkblot (2010-06-23). "EVO 2010: First publicly playable build of Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and Super-Exclusive Mad Catz "Golden Fightsticks"!". evo2k.com. http://evo2k.com/?p=709. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
- ^ MarkMan23 (2010-07-13). "MadCatz VIP's tweet". twitter.com. http://twitter.com/MarkMan23/status/18394179526. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
- ^ "【TOPICS】ウメハラ選手が『スーパーストリートファイターIV』の世界チャンプに！". Famitsu. 2010-07-12. http://www.famitsu.com/blog/sst4/1237509_2375.html. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ Ben Gilbert (2010-07-12). "Daigo Umehara wins at EVO 2010; EVO Japan announced". joystiq.com. http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/daigo-umehara-wins-at-evo-2010-evo-japan-announced/. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
- ^ Evolution. "Evolution's official video channel". http://www.youtube.com/user/evo2kvids. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
- ^ a b "キャッツアイ八千代店". tougeki.com. 2010-05-22. http://www.tougeki.com/prelim?id=5289. Retrieved 2010-07-01.
- ^ "全国決勝大会「闘劇'10 FINAL」の日程を発表". tougeki.com. 2010-07-01. http://www.tougeki.com/topics?id=67. Retrieved 2010-07-01.
- ^ Nico Nico Douga. "世界最大級の格ゲー大会 闘劇'10 FINAL(2日目)". Nico Nico Douga. http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv26394822. Retrieved 2010-09-19.
- ^ EventHubs (2010-09-18). "Seasons Beatings Redemption results, stream & notes". EventHubs. http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2010/oct/15/live-stream-seasons-beatings-redemption/. Retrieved 2010-09-18.
- ^ PotatoHead (2010-10-29). "Daigo "The Beast" Umehara OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED for SCR " SoCal Regionals". SoCal Regionals official site. http://www.socalregionals.com/?p=147. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
- ^ Jake Gaskill (2010-11-01). "The World's Best Champions To Compete At Southern California Regionals This Weekend". G4tv. http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/708365/The-Worlds-Best-Champions-To-Compete-At-Southern-California-Regionals-This-Weekend.html. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
- ^ eventhubs.com (2010-11-06). "SoCal Regionals live stream, early results and video". eventhubs.com. http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2010/nov/06/socal-regionals-live-stream/. Retrieved 2010-11-06.
- ^ a b The Canada Cup 2010 official site. "The Canada Cup 2010". The Canada Cup 2010 official site. http://canada-cup.ca/index.php. Retrieved 2010-10-29.
- ^ a b norcalregionals.com. "Northern California's premier fighting game tournament". norcalregionals.com. http://norcalregionals.com/. Retrieved 2010-11-22.
- ^ Khaledband (2010-11-30). "Umehara Daigo likes Ken guitar ( インストゥルメンタル) 2010 梅原大吾 HD". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ed6JN1WRSA. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
- ^ Nagoya Street Battle's official site (2010-09-18). "NSB17 事前エントリー". Nagoya Street Battle's official site. http://nsb.blog.shinobi.jp/Entry/176/. Retrieved 2010-09-18.
- ^ "綾野杯オフィシャルページ - ストリートファイター4 5on5大会". http://ayano-cup.mfr.bz/. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ Uriden.log -Type X2. "【当日エントリー情報更新】綾野杯エントリー（関東）一覧". http://blog.goo.ne.jp/uri_kagecchi/e/88b03d0dec48c5b34f62d04e3e60981a. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ "Super VS Battle 20-x". Neo Empire. http://www.supervsbattle.com/. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
- ^ a b "WGC 2010 COMPLETE RESULTS". WorldGameCup. 2010-03-10. http://www.worldgamecup.com/index.php?article=1&sid=ad9d5786cf6c1829d10b9f07a2bb92a6. Retrieved 2010-05-21.
- ^ Capcom's official blog (2010-08-07). "「闘劇＆前夜祭の称号発表！」 塩沢夏希". Capcom's official blog. http://www.capcom-fc.com/sf4/2009/08/post_115.html. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ "綾野杯とは - 綾野杯オフィシャルページ". http://ayano-cup.mfr.bz/about.html. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ Capcom's official blog (2010-08-14). "「闘劇前夜祭レポ！」 塩沢夏希". Capcom's official blog. http://www.capcom-fc.com/sf4/2009/08/post_116.html. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ "GODSGARDEN (1) Winners". godsgarden.jp. http://godsgarden.jp/pc/modules/contents/index.php?content_id=9. Retrieved 2009-05-21. [dead link]
- ^ MrWizard (2009-07-24). "Evolution 2009 Winners". evo2k.com. http://evo2k.com/?p=491. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
| Persondata |
| Name |
Umehara, Daigo |
| Alternative names |
梅原 大吾 (Japanese) |
| Short description |
Japanese competitive video game player |
| Date of birth |
19 May 1981 |
| Place of birth |
|
| Date of death |
|
| Place of death |
|
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