Yuki Kurihara, 11, wins Asian Games esports gold

Eleven-year-old Japanese player Yuki Kurihara won the Puyo Puyo Champions final at the Asian Games on September 26, defeating South Korea’s Kang Dongshin 2-0 to take the gold medal. The victory came a day before the current date, September 27, 2026. Kurihara advanced to the final by beating Thailand’s Tanarak Wongkitkun 2-1 in the semifinals. Wongkitkun was 28, while Kang was 24. The puzzle game challenges players to line up and clear colored blobs from their screens. Esports was included in the Asian Games for the second time, following its debut at the previous Games in Hangzhou. Kurihara began playing Puyo Puyo in primary school and went on to compete in tournaments. One report said he obtained a professional licence in April 2026. Before the Games, he described balancing competition with school and cram school as difficult but fun. After the final, Kurihara said he felt embarrassed and found it hard to show his emotions. He also said he was happy to receive the gold medal, describing it as shiny and heavy, and praised the plush toy presented to him as a prize. Kang, the runner-up, praised Kurihara’s technical ability and accuracy.