The world tournament for the on-line RPG "Ragnarok Online", "Ragnarok Online World Championship 2009（RWC2009)" and GungHo Festival 2009 was held at Pacifico Yokohama on November 1st.
"RWC" is a competition to seek the Strongest Guild in the World. Guild teams that won their countries' championships gathered from countries that provides the online services competed in a tournament to see who has the best technique and teamwork.
Japan was the host for this "RWC2009" which a record 14 teams participated. Team Japan that has lost in the first round and second round in the previous tournaments, had the hometown longing for their first championship.
Japan defeated Indonesia in the first round and Vietnam in the second to match up against Thailand in the semi-finals.
Thailand has won 2 consecutive titles in RWC 2007 and 2008, and has beaten Korea that was runner-up 2 years in a row. Many feared Japan would struggle against this team but it turned out to be a straight win winning 2 sets straight. And to the finals they marched.
The finals was against the Philippines.
With 3 wins needed to grasp the title, it was tied with wins a piece after 2 matches. Fearing that it would be difficult to gamble after the 4th match, Japan changed its strategy and has paid off winning the 3rd and 4th matches winning 3-1 in front of the large crowd.
With the local crowd cheered on, Japan finally gets crowned as RWC champs. Would like to see them again to defend their title next year.
