Booty swinging enters the arena butt-first in unexpected 2026 Esports tournament

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 16/12/2025

A unique style of fighting game, Ketsu Battler may look from the outside to be the “butt” of a joke. However, its 2026 esports tournament will be one-of-a-kind. 

Ketsu Battler features sword fighting between characters who hold their weapons between their butt cheeks. As such, players are expected to do the same with their controller. The game will be featured at Tokyo’s 2026 GBVS Cygames Cup. 

What is Ketsu Battler?

Ketsu Battler is a fighting game with an accompanying manga. It might not appear particularly special at first, until you realise that every character holds their weapon between their butt cheeks rather than in their hands. 

First released by developer and publisher KAYAC in December 2024, the game is available on the Nintendo Switch. Gameplay is purely movement-based, with no need to use buttons.

Thankfully, the Nintendo controller is of adequate size and shape to secure in a trouser belt. 

This is important, given that players are expected to secure the controller in the region of their behind and play by swinging their butts with the accuracy and force required to emerge victorious.

Where will the inaugural butt-swinging 2026 esports tournament be held?

Unfortunately, Ketsu Battler will not feature in the tournament title lineup for EVO Japan. However, it will be arriving in Tokyo’s City Hall & Gallery Gotanda as part of the GBVS Cygames Cup. 

On Sunday, January 18th, on the final day of the Granblue Fantasy Versus competitive series, the most unique 2026 esports tournament will take the stage. 

A maximum of 128 players will compete in a “butt vs butt” format. Single-elimination best-of-3s will be the primary progression for competitors. However, the top four players will need to compete in best-of-5s in the third-place match and Grand Final. 

KAYAC, the game’s publisher, is also encouraging all participants to read the manga before playing to fully immerse themselves in the game’s butt-forward culture. 

The most unique 2026 esports tournament will also offer the winners exclusive signed illustrations from the manga’s author, who will be attending the prestigious event to witness the crowning of Ketsu Battler’s first champion butt-swinger. 

To ensure as many people as possible can practice and participate in the event, Kestu Battler will be on a “half-arse” sale in Japan until January 5th, 2026. 

KAYAC has also made manga comics free to access until the “half-arse” sale ends.  

Tournament signups are open to anyone over Elementary school age. 

The first butts to get a seat in the tournament will compete, as competitors are selected on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

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