The opening game of the WBC's first round on March 5 at Tokyo Dome captivated attendees with a crowd largely adorned in Taiwanese merchandise, despite Japan not playing on that day. Approximately 40,523 fans filled the stadium for a match between Australia and Taiwan, driven by a surge of interest in baseball following Taiwan's recent success in international competitions. The WBC organizer noted that total attendance for the first round reached an impressive 1,374,232, surpassing the previous record of 1,306,414 set three years ago, reflecting the growing recognition and popularity of the tournament.

The notable attendance figures can be attributed to the participation of numerous superstar athletes from around the world, including Major League Baseball players like Aaron Judge and Ronald Acuña Jr., who significantly bolster the competitive appeal of the tournament. The WBC is an initiative that originated from MLB’s aim to expand the baseball market. Japan has notably contributed to the growing enthusiasm, with players like Ichiro and Shohei Ohtani having a profound impact on the atmosphere of international competition, underscoring their desire to achieve global supremacy in baseball.

However, the WBC also faces criticism for issues related to fairness and equity among participating nations. The visibility of Japanese corporate advertisements at the event exemplifies a sentiment of preferential treatment, which raises questions about the tournament's impartiality as an international competition. While the excitement surrounding the WBC continues to grow, balancing the involvement of star players and operational integrity remains crucial for its future credibility and success.