So you’ve got the combos, the reads, the reaction speed of a caffeinated cat—but no sponsor to back you. No branded jersey, no logo-drenched headset, not even a dodgy energy drink deal. Just raw talent and a dream of stepping onto the grandest stage in fighting games—EVO USA 2025.

Well, dust off that arcade stick and cancel your weekend plans, because Tampa Never Sleeps and the FGC’s living legend Justin “Please Block” Wong are giving unsponsored warriors across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico a golden ticket via the TNS x JWong: Sponsor Me Senpai Series.

Yes, that Justin Wong—the man, the myth, the input delay destroyer. If you’ve ever played a fighting game and thought you were good, there’s a non-zero chance Justin Wong already perfected someone like you using only one hand and a mild yawn.

In the world of fighting games, Justin Wong is basically the Chuck Norris of the FGC, except instead of roundhouse kicks, he roundhouse whiffs your hopes and dreams with footsies and frame traps. He’s the bloke responsible for some of the most iconic moments in fighting game history—including the one where he almost won but instead became the very victim of Evo Moment #37 (yes, that Daigo parry clip you’ve seen in every esports documentary). But don’t let that one L fool you—Justin has more championships than your local fast-food joint has combo meals.

He’s the kind of player who could probably win a tournament using a toaster if you gave him five minutes to configure the buttons.

Nowadays, he’s gone full Sensei mode, mentoring new blood, blessing tournaments with his presence, and now—launching a tournament series literally titled “Sponsor Me Senpai”. That’s right. He’s not just in the FGC. He’s helping bankroll your entry into it.

So when Justin Wong tells you he wants to send you to Evo… you pack your bags, charge your controller, and say “yes, Senpai.”

So what’s the Deal?

This isn’t some gimmicky raffle or influencer popularity contest. This is an honest-to-God grind-fest—three weeks of online qualifiers, points, brackets, and heartbreak. Two games are in the spotlight: Street Fighter 6 and the upcoming Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Play well, score points, and make it into the Top 8 for your game. Do that, and you’ll face off in the final invitational, where one player from each title wins a fully paid trip to EVO 2025. Flights, accommodation, and maybe even a bite to eat—all sorted.

Here’s how it works, in simple gamer English:

• Play in weekly online qualifiers via Start.gg
  • Place well, earn points:
    • Top 4: 10 points
    • Top 8: 8 points
    • Top 16: 5 points
    • Top 32: 3 points
    • Top 48: 1 point
• After 3 weeks, the top 8 scorers per game move on to the finals
• Win the final bracket, and boom—you’re going to Evo

If you’ve been grinding in ranked with no spotlight, this is your moment. No org? No contract? No problem. You just need the skill, a Start.gg account, and possibly a functioning internet connection that doesn’t lag out mid-round.

Schedule:

Street Fighter 6

• Week 1: 29 May
• Week 2: 5 June
• Week 3: 19 June
• Finals: TBA

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

• Week 1: 30 May
• Week 2: 6 June
• Week 3: 20 June
• Finals: TBA

So if you’ve ever yelled “put me in, coach!” at your monitor, this is as close as you’ll get to an actual callback. TNS x JWong: Sponsor Me Senpai isn’t just a mouthful—it’s your shot at glory.
Or at least an excuse to finally train that secondary.

Check tns.gg/senpai for more details, and try not to go 0-2.