Beyblade creators secretly eye Olympic sport status

The creators of Beyblade have expressed a desire for the game to become an Olympic sport. Designer Kenji Horikoshi from Takara Tomy compared Beyblade to sports like golf and skateboarding, hinting at the potential for it to be seen as a "gear-assisted" sport on a global stage. Despite the lighthearted nature of these comments, there's a serious hope that Beyblade will continue to grow in popularity, allowing people from around the world to compete and enjoy the game. Beyblade, which began in 1999, involves players launching spinning tops in an arena, with the last one standing declared the winner. The game is accessible to young children but also has a competitive scene with customizable parts adding depth, culminating in national tournaments and an upcoming international event later in 2024.

While it's currently a long shot, the growing competitive scene and ongoing innovations might eventually lead to Beyblade being considered for inclusion in the Olympics. Its accessibility and depth make it a candidate for global competition, but significant changes and recognition are needed for it to reach Olympic status.

Beyblade has an extensive history that began with its launch in 1999 by Takara Tomy. It quickly became a global phenomenon, thanks in part to its accompanying anime series, which helped popularize the game among children and young adults. Competitions range from casual play to organized national and international tournaments, where players can showcase their skills and unique Beyblade customizations. This depth has allowed Beyblade to maintain a dedicated fan base for over two decades.