ABEMA Announces Exciting Mahjong Tournament For June

ABEMA, the innovative streaming service, is set to broadcast its original game project, the 'M Tournament 2025,' on June 2, 2025, at 3 PM on its Mahjong Channel. This tournament, which is part of the professional mahjong league known as the 'M League,' has been captivating audiences since its inception in 2018.

The 'M Tournament 2025' continues the tradition of showcasing top-tier mahjong talent, following the successful inaugural event in 2023 where Yuto Shibukawa, representing KADOKAWA Sakura Knights and the Japan Professional Mahjong Association, emerged victorious. In the subsequent year, Kenji Kobayashi, currently with U-NEXT Pirates and Mahjong Rengo, clinched the title in the 'M Tournament 2024.'

This year's tournament will adhere to the 'M League rules,' featuring a two-half qualifying format where individual players compete for a chance to win. The event will include a total of 60 elite professional mahjong players, comprised of 36 current M League participants and 24 top players recommended from various mahjong organizations, including the prestigious titles of Hououi, Saikoui, and Janou.

Adding to the excitement, the winning team of the 'M League 2024-25,' which will conclude its final match on May 16, 2025, will gain a seeded entry into the second stage of the qualifying rounds for this tournament. This setup promises to keep the fervor of the M League alive even during the off-season, allowing fans to remain engaged with competitive mahjong.

As the countdown begins, fans are left wondering who will rise to the occasion and take home the coveted championship title. The first qualifying match on June 2 is expected to draw significant attention from mahjong enthusiasts across the nation.

Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, the J1 League continues to thrive, with all matches for the 2025 season being live-streamed on DAZN. For fans looking to catch the action, ABEMA de DAZN has made it easier than ever, offering two matches per round for free on its platform.

For the 16th round scheduled for May 10, 2025, viewers can look forward to two exciting matchups: FC Tokyo versus Vissel Kobe, kicking off at 3 PM at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu City, Tokyo, and Kashiwa Reysol against Fagiano Okayama, starting at 4 PM at the Sankyo Frontier Kashiwa Stadium in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.

DAZN's exclusive coverage means fans can enjoy every match live, and for those interested in cost-effective viewing options, there are several plans available. The DMM x DAZN Hold plan allows viewers to access DAZN's content for a monthly fee of 3480 yen, which is a competitive offer considering the breadth of content provided.

Furthermore, students can take advantage of the ABEMA de DAZN Student Discount Plan, which offers an annual plan at a lump sum payment of 16,000 yen (approximately 1,333 yen per month) or a monthly payment option of 1,600 yen (totaling 19,200 yen annually). This makes it significantly cheaper for students to enjoy live sports.

As the J1 League continues to capture the hearts of football fans, the integration of platforms like ABEMA and DAZN showcases the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, making it more accessible than ever. With the matches set to be streamed live, fans are encouraged to tune in and support their favorite teams.

In conclusion, both the 'M Tournament 2025' and the ongoing J1 League season reflect the dynamic nature of competitive entertainment in Japan. As the mahjong players prepare for their showdown and football fans gear up for the weekend's matches, there's no shortage of excitement in the world of sports.