VSPO!, the next-gen Virtual-esports project, hosted its highly anticipated esports event, VSPO! SHOWDOWN powered by RAGE, at Ryogoku Kokugikan on March 22 and 23, 2025. Over two days, 23 VSPO! members, alongside their respective game coaches, engaged in intense battles against formidable opponents, including current and former professional esports players and streamers.

We sat down with Yoji Yamamoto, Director, and Shota Kuroki, Content Section, from Virtual Entertainment Inc., the company that supports VSPO!’s activities, to discuss the vision behind the event and its behind-the-scenes stories.

The Genesis: A Desire to Create a Space for Serious Challenge

──Could you tell us about the background of hosting “VSPO! SHOWDOWN powered by RAGE”?

Yamamoto: VSPO! has a project vision of “seriously dedicating ourselves to games.” We’ve long held the desire to “create a place where our members can genuinely challenge themselves.” This desire took shape last April with RAGE VALORANT 2024 feat.VSPO!.

This event, organized by RAGE (*1), saw six VSPO! members specializing in VALORANT train intensively for about a month, then throw themselves into a full-force challenge against strong opponents.

As it was our first attempt at a large-scale esports event with a live audience, we faced various operational challenges. However, it was incredibly well-received by fans, with peak concurrent viewers reaching 90,000 and total views exceeding 880,000.

Given this overwhelming response, and with staff recognizing its alignment with VSPO!’s project direction, the idea of “let’s do it with all members next time!” emerged, leading to this VSPO! SHOWDOWN powered by RAGE.

Prioritizing Fairness as Event Organizers

── What led to “VSPO!” taking on the role of organizer this time?

Yamamoto: We wanted to nurture this event into a significant “event IP” that VSPO! would continue to develop. That’s why we decided to organize it ourselves. However, ensuring fairness and neutrality as a platform for serious competition was crucial. Therefore, we collaborated with RAGE, who has extensive experience operating numerous official esports tournaments, under the “Powered by RAGE” format.

(*1) RAGE operates some of Japan’s largest esports events, tournaments, and leagues, including official tournaments for popular titles like Apex Legends, VALORANT, and Shadowverse, as well as offline and online events open to general participants, and professional leagues to determine the top pro teams.

“Challenging Five Titles” Was a Result of Organic Growth

── What was the thinking behind challenging five different game titles?

Kuroki: The important thing to understand is that challenging five titles was a “result,” not a starting point. Previously, VSPO! had a strong image of members excelling in shooting games, particularly FPS (*2). However, recently, more members have been seriously delving into other genres, such as MOBA (*3) and fighting games.

As this expansion occurred, we considered, “Which game titles can each member seriously commit to right now?” After careful consideration, we ultimately settled on Alliance of Valiant Arms, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, STREET FIGHTER 6, League of Legends, and VALORANT.

(*2) FPS (First Person Shooter): An online shooting game played from a first-person perspective.
(*3) MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena): A genre of online games where multiple players divide into two teams and attempt to destroy each other’s bases.

Yamamoto: We also prioritized the members’ intentions when selecting titles. We presented several candidates and conducted a survey, adjusting so that everyone could participate in their first or second choice. Even some members with no prior experience in certain titles expressed a strong desire to try them and approached the challenge with incredible dedication.

The “Serious” Stance Behind Rule Adjustments for Victory and Defeat

── What discussions took place regarding the “rules for victory and defeat” for each title?

Yamamoto: We primarily based the rules on those adopted in competitive esports scenes. Mr. Kuroki took the lead in creating the initial draft, and we refined the rules in discussions with experts in each title to ensure the most fair and competitive environment possible.

Kuroki: We were concerned that if the rules deviated too much from the competitive scene, it would undermine the “serious” aspect. So, we constantly considered how to ensure a “true battle” for each game. While “showing the results of their serious practice” was more important than winning or losing for VSPO! members, a half-hearted balance wouldn’t make for a compelling match or event. That balance was incredibly difficult to strike.

Yamamoto: Ultimately, the VSPO! team won all five titles over the two days, but frankly, even we on the management side didn’t expect a “clean sweep.” Our rule and opponent level adjustments were made with the hope that our members would “at least put up a good fight.”

Kuroki: That just goes to show the incredible dedication of the VSPO! members, and the coaches were incredibly serious too. Upon the announcement of the opposing teams, the coaches felt a sense of urgency. Over a two-week practice period, they dedicated themselves with such intensity that some practice streams lasted 4 to 8 hours. I believe their victory was the result of a truly unified team effort, including the support they provided outside of streaming hours.

Yamamoto: Despite their busy schedules, all the opponents graciously participated, even in what could be considered an away environment for them. Above all, we are deeply grateful for their genuine commitment to challenging our VSPO! members.

Kuroki: The fact that we were able to get cooperation from so many accomplished individuals this time is a testament to the persistent efforts of VSPO! members through their daily streams and tournament participation. I’m truly grateful to them.

Yamamoto: Absolutely. VSPO! SHOWDOWN powered by RAGE could not have happened without the VSPO! members, the cooperative coaches and performers, RAGE, and everyone involved. And we are truly thankful to all the fans who attended.

The Vision Behind the “Cool-Focused” Key Visual

── The key visual, drawn by Kope Nishiki-sensei, was very well-received. What kind of image did you convey when commissioning it?

Yamamoto: VSPO! operates under the theme of “Gaming Girls are Cute & Cool (GGCC)” While each member possesses both cute and and cool charms, we specifically requested a visual that leaned entirely into the “cool” aspect for this event.

Even when members clash, their serious approach and dedicated expressions in those moments are what we believe make them truly cool. We wanted to maximize the expression of that charm, so we commissioned Kope Nishiki-sensei for both the illustration and costume design, which they gladly accepted. We were incredibly grateful that they understood VSPO! and the image of each member, having supported us for so long.

Kuroki: Plus, RAGE’s designers skillfully integrated Kope Nishiki-sensei’s delicate illustrations, resulting in incredibly high-quality creative assets, including the videos.

The Special Atmosphere Born from Dedicated Practice and Passionate Operation

── Were there any particularly memorable episodes during the event preparation or on the day of the event itself?

Kuroki: There were many, but from a behind-the-scenes perspective, the chat message sent by the VSPO! management staff to the members on the first day of practice was very memorable. They prefaced it with “Think of this as an old man’s rambling,” and then poured out their passionate thoughts, emphasizing that “more important than the outcome, is conveying your serious dedication over these two weeks to your fans.” I felt that message resonated with both the members and the management.

Yamamoto: It’s rare for us to offer special encouragement during work interactions, even beyond VSPO! SHOWDOWN powered by RAGE. But that staff member’s words were truly impactful for the VSPO! members.

Kuroki: Also, I was genuinely surprised by the sheer volume and quality of the members’ practice. Despite having other activities during the practice period, everyone was practicing for about 8 hours a day. I even started to worry if they were practicing too much!

Yamamoto: Their approaches to practice varied. Some members spent countless hours playing to hone their skills, while others dedicated time to “desk work” like tactical discussions and memorizing map layouts. They were all working hard in their own ways, both visibly and behind the scenes. The fact that they approached everything so sincerely, and supported each other through tough moments, was incredibly impressive.

Kuroki: On the day of the event, what stood out was how, as soon as the matches began, the VSPO! management staff spontaneously started cheering, “Go!” and “You got this!” The RAGE staff who witnessed this were surprised, remarking, “It’s rare to see management get this enthusiastic.”

Yamamoto: I didn’t consciously intend anything, but perhaps the individual staff members’ daily interactions with VSPO! members naturally fueled their desire to “cheer them on.” This time, it was particularly evident. They’d ask detailed questions about the game’s progression, or let out an unexpectedly loud cheer the moment a round was won. I feel that having such an atmosphere within the operations team is a wonderful culture.

Content Planning that Pursues “VSPO! Uniqueness”

── When planning content for “VSPO!”, including “VSPO! SHOWDOWN powered by RAGE,” YouTube, and fan clubs, what do you particularly keep in mind?

Kuroki: We constantly consider whether it has that “VSPO! uniqueness.” Just as the saying goes, “ten people, ten colors,” each VSPO! member has different charms and personalities, so our base is to ensure that the planning leverages those individual strengths.

Even if a project is well-received, we always think about “how we could have made it even better.” We do receive opinions that differ from our expectations, but we take them seriously and aim to create content that can be enjoyed by fans and VSPO! members from as many angles as possible.

Yamamoto: Our fundamental policy is to create various content that supports and showcases their “serious dedication to games.” However, that doesn’t mean we completely exclude other types of content, so finding that balance is challenging.

Kuroki: We don’t want to be too biased, but at the same time, if it’s too balanced, it can be a bit boring (laughs). That’s what makes it both difficult and enjoyable to figure out.

Yamamoto: Because VSPO!’s activities are so diverse, I think the needs of each fan, and even those of individual members they support, vary greatly. For example, some people love to see them seriously engaging with games, while others prefer their singing performances on stage, or look forward to their casual chat streams or song covers. That’s why it’s crucial to be mindful of these diverse needs and create content with a balanced approach.

── How do you share the “fun” or “interesting” sensibilities within the team, as these can be subjective?

Yamamoto: Since the establishment of Virtual Entertainment Inc., we’ve had a weekly regular meeting that includes Mr. Hoshi, our representative director, and all operations staff. I believe a shared understanding naturally develops through discussions in those meetings.

Kuroki: Having a dedicated time once a week for everyone to communicate thoroughly allows each person to progress with a strong sense of ownership, always keeping “VSPO!” or “Virtual Entertainment” as the main subject of their thoughts.

── What kind of individuals do you think can thrive at “Virtual Entertainment”?

Yamamoto: While performing assigned tasks is important, I believe those who can approach it with a sense of “I’m going to drive this forward” and genuinely enjoy the process will thrive. Of course, there will be failures along the way, but those who are prepared to “take responsibility” for recovery from those failures are the ones who can truly succeed.

The Fulfillment and Reward of Operating “VSPO!”

── What kind of fulfillment or reward do you gain specifically from operating “VSPO!”?

Kuroki: The direct feedback from fans is a huge source of motivation. Of course, we receive critical opinions, but receiving comments like “That was so much fun!” or “That was amazing!” is truly heartwarming. At VSPO! SHOWDOWN powered by RAGE, I got goosebumps feeling the excitement and cheers of the audience directly.

I even found myself rewatching the archive late into the night after the event ended (laughs).

Yamamoto: It was truly incredible, wasn’t it? The moment I experienced the fans cheering in person and the venue shaking with excitement, I genuinely felt, “I’m so glad I do this job.” Of course, the VSPO! members are the stars, and we are there to support them as operations staff, but I’m proud to say it was an event that could only be realized because we built it together as a team. Being present for such moments is truly invaluable.

I also find myself rewatching the archives repeatedly, working while being immersed in the feeling of “that was so good” (laughs).

VSPO! Members: Continuously Striving Towards Goals with Self-Belief and Effort

── What are your thoughts on “VSPO!” members?

Yamamoto: I see VSPO! members as “individuals who, even if they’re unsure if they can achieve it, believe in themselves and continue to strive towards their goals.” This requires immense determination and passion. There will undoubtedly be moments of deep anxiety and frustration during their journey. Yet, their ability to overcome each hurdle and persist in their efforts is truly invaluable. Their dedication to both gaming and other activities inspires us in operations to “work even harder.”

Kuroki: I feel the same way. As someone once said, “Is there any reason not to support someone who is genuinely working hard towards something?” That perfectly encapsulates my feelings.

── Finally, what are the future prospects for Virtual Entertainment Inc.?

Kuroki: VSPO! has a diverse range of members, each with different strengths in game titles and genres. I hope we can broaden the reach of this variety even further. We also want to create events and initiatives that can impact the esports scene in a way that is unique to VSPO! And it would be absolutely amazing if we could host VSPO! events in large-scale venues like arenas, domes, and stadiums, just like major sports such as soccer, baseball, and basketball!

Yamamoto: The moments when we embody Virtual Entertainment’s vision of “Move Emotion with Games” and VSPO!’s vision of “seriously dedicating ourselves to games, and through the common language of games and esports, delivering opportunities for a new step forward to our fans through challenge and effort” are when I feel the most joy and reward. So, we will continue to work towards that.

Furthermore, we aim to consistently exceed expectations with various projects. We want to create events that not only delight our fans but also provide a pleasant and enjoyable experience for all participants!

The content of this article is as of the interview conducted in May 2025.

Watch the VSPO! SHOWDOWN powered by RAGE archives here

About VSPO!

Project Vision:here

VSPO! is a Next-Gen Virtual-esports Project dedicated to inspiring our fans by embracing new challenges through the universal languages of video games and esports.
Our VTubers participate in a diverse range of activities, including streaming, esports tournaments, collaborations with anime and other cultural media. Currently, 23 members are affiliated, each leveraging their unique personalities in their daily activities.

Official Links:
・HP：https://vspo.jp/en/
・X：https://x.com/Vspo77/
・YouTube：https://www.youtube.com/@Vspo77/