Japan surges across the line to win maiden eSailing Nations Cup title

Italy struck first in Race 1, snatching victory in the final eight seconds of the Star class race. Japan responded immediately in Race 2, delivering a decisive performance and securing a 1–2 finish well before the final leg. Race 3 was fiercely contested from start to finish, with the teams locked together throughout, but in the final 100 metres Japan edged ahead to take another crucial win.

Momentum continued to build in Race 4, a 3v3 Mixed race. Japan executed a strong start, while Italy suffered two OCS penalties. Despite this advantage, the race remained tight until the final leg, where Japan sealed the win to extend their lead to 3–1. Italy fought back in Race 5, a 5v5 Mixed race in the F50s, launching a powerful start that put three boats in the leading group from the outset and narrowing the gap to a single point.

In Race 6, a 3v3 J70 contest, Japan controlled the race from the start with a commanding 1–2–4 combination, putting themselves on match point. Italy refused to yield, however, and dramatically cancelled the first match point in Race 7, claiming victory by just 1.5 seconds at the finish line.

Japan left no doubt in Race 8. A flawless start allowed them to establish a strong combination early, stretching the score to an unquestionable 5–3 lead and securing the championship. Italy went on to win the final F50 race, but it was too late to change the outcome, as Japan were crowned champions.

The victory marks a historic milestone for Japanese esports. The team successfully navigated a gruelling tournament that began in November 2025, outlasting a field of the world’s elite sailing nations, including France, Poland, Sweden and Germany to claim the eSailing Nations Cup crown.

Natsuki Matsuura (Vegas), the team captain, said, “For us, winning the eSailing Nations Cup was a long-held goal, achieved in our sixth year since first competing in 2020. Compared to our debut that year, over the past few years many of the world’s top-ranked sailors in fleet racing have joined the team, and we have also devoted quite a bit of time to team race practice. Since the start of the tournament in November, we have prepared by working through a wide range of scenarios and refining our strategies. More than anything, we believe this result reflects the long-term commitment of the Japanese eSailing community to supporting and nurturing new talent.”

Mr. Toshiro Ogaki (Gacky) and Ms. Yoriko Ogata (Ygo31), Chair of the eSailing Committee, Japan Sailing Federation, added, “We are proud of our national team who continued to work hard to win the first honourable victory since Japan started to challenge ESNC in 2020. We would like to express our appreciation to World Sailing, all players who competed nobly, all participating countries and eSailing fans that praise Japan’s victory. We hope that this historical moment encourages more countries to join eSailing and this respected community will continue to grow further.”

In the Bronze Final, reigning champions France faced off against Poland and their experience showed as the French team eased to a 6-3 victory after building a strong 5-0 lead. Sweden took fifth place and Germany sixth.

Rewatch the action on the World Sailing YouTube channel.

If your Federation/Member National Authority would like to participate in the next eSailing competition and join the growing global eSailing movement please contact World Sailing by emailing alberto.carraro@sailing.org.