The climactic finale of the 19th Asahi Cup Shogi Open took place on the afternoon of the 11th at the Takatsuki Castle Park Art and Cultural Theatre in Takatsuki City, Osaka. Veteran shogi player Soto Fujii, holding the titles of Meijin and Ryuuou, managed to clinch his fifth victory in the tournament by defeating 23-year-old Takumi Ito, who also holds titles of Eiou and Ouza, in a strategic match that lasted 94 moves. This win allowed Fujii to match the record for the most victories in the Asahi Cup held by legend Yoshiharu Habu, who won the title multiple times in the earlier editions of the tournament.

The tournament was notable for being held in Takatsuki City, which marks a departure from the traditional venue in Tokyo, indicating the dynamic shift in the shogi community and its outreach efforts to different regions. This year’s finals featured two young title holders, making it an exciting face-off that captivated shogi enthusiasts in the area known for its vibrant shogi community. The event was co-organized by Takatsuki City and the Cultural Sports Promotion Organization, with additional sponsorship from leading companies, showcasing the growing interest and investment in chess and shogi competitions across Japan.

During the semifinals held earlier the same day, both Fujii and Ito advanced to the finals after securing wins against their respective opponents. The match opened with Ito taking the first move, and it was strategically intense right from the start, evolving into a dramatic battle of wits that kept spectators on edge. Commentary from shogi expert Toshimori Kubo noted that while the initial moves followed a predictable pattern, the game eventually shifted to a slower tempo as both players focused on reinforcing their formations, culminating in an exhilarating conclusion as Fujii executed a brilliantly calculated move for the victory.