Daigo "The Beast" vs. MenaRD FT10: Epic Street Fighter 6 Showdown Confirmed

The highly anticipated "first to 10" (FT10) showdown between Street Fighter legends Daigo "The Beast" Umehara and Saul Leonardo "MenaRD" Mena II has been officially confirmed. Last year, two-time Capcom Cup champion MenaRD publicly challenged Daigo. Now, during the EVO Awards 2026 ceremony, it was announced that this generational clash is set to become a reality.

When and Where Will the Daigo vs. MenaRD FT10 Take Place in Street Fighter 6?

This thrilling duel, part of the Kemonomichi series (literally "path of the beast"), will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Kawasaki, Japan. The event will be produced under the EVO Legends Live banner. The official announcement was made via a trailer during the EVO Awards 2026 and was swiftly echoed by the official accounts of Evo and Umehara's team, REJECT.

(An image depicting the two players or the event was originally shown here.)

How Did MenaRD Challenge Daigo "The Beast" Umehara?

MenaRD issued his challenge to Daigo through a public message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) profile, shared in both English and Japanese. In his heartfelt letter, MenaRD expressed his profound respect for Daigo, whom he considers the best in terms of preparing for long sets in Street Fighter. He emphasized what an immense honor it would be to face him in an FT10, viewing the opportunity as a chance to elevate his own skill level, inspired by Daigo's legacy.

Here's a translation of the message MenaRD sent to challenge Daigo:

"Hello,

I hope you’ve been doing well. I want to confess that I strongly believe you are the best when it comes to long set preparation in Street Fighter. Your grand record has proven how incredibly strong you become when you prepare for a player. It would be the greatest honor of my career if I were given the chance to fight you in a first to 10. Since young, I’ve dedicated myself to preparation and wonder how far we could go if we decided to focus on just one set between us for months. It doesn’t have to be this year or in the near future, but as someone who was inspired to dedicate their life to Street Fighter by what you’ve done, I ask that you give me the opportunity to level up alongside you.

I know this is a big ask, but I promise I will make this the hardest challenge it can be. I will be available whenever you deem it appropriate. Thank you for reading this.

To Daigo Umehara"

Daigo's Response to MenaRD

Daigo promptly acknowledged the challenge. During one of his live streams, the veteran player took the time to read MenaRD's message on air and publicly accepted the gauntlet.

(A video of Daigo's response was originally embedded here.)

Who Are These Players?

For those unfamiliar with these titans of fighting games, Daigo Umehara, known in the fighting game community as "The Beast," boasts an impressive history of victories in the FT10 format, having previously overcome players like Tokido, Infiltration, and Xian. On the other hand, Saul Leonardo "MenaRD" Mena II, nicknamed "The Bull," holds the unique distinction of being the only two-time Capcom Cup champion, securing the title in 2017 and 2023, solidifying his status as one of Street Fighter 6's greatest legends.

(An image featuring Daigo and MenaRD was originally displayed here.)

Who do you think will emerge victorious in this epic first-to-10 battle? Let us know in the comments.