Nagoya OJA Joins Unite: Hotaru-no-Ken Leads New Team

Article By: Shivam

Nagoya OJA has officially joined the competitive Pokémon Unite scene, as announced through their official channels. The esports organization, known for its presence in other competitive games, has kept details of their Unite team under wraps, with only one name currently confirmed: Hotaru-no-Ken, often referred to as Hotaken. Despite being the face of this new endeavor, the rest of the team remains a mystery.

Hotaru-no-Ken’s Competitive Journey

Hotaru-no-Ken is no stranger to the Pokémon Unite scene. He first gained prominence when he joined Ginga Dan in December 2021. His time with Ginga Dan saw him play alongside notable players like TON, Suix, Mame, Obuyan, Iroas, and Super Smash Bros. star Zackray. Together, they reached the pinnacle of success by winning the Winter Finals in March 2022. However, despite this victory, their subsequent performance in the Japanese qualifiers for the World Championship ended in 7th place, leading to the team's disbandment.

Although Hotaru-no-Ken has demonstrated his skills as a player, he has become more widely recognized as an official caster for various Pokémon Unite tournaments, a role that has possibly gained more traction due to his strong presence as a streamer.

Hotaru-no-Ken’s Recent Appearances in Competitive Play

In 2024, Hotaru-no-Ken re-emerged as a player, acting as the 6th member of United Ninjin during the Winter 2024 Japanese qualifiers for the ACL (Asia Champions League). The team came close to qualifying, finishing in 4th place, but Hotaru-no-Ken left the roster shortly after, before the team restructured into N1 and NeoT.

Most recently, Hotaru-no-Ken was called up for the UNITE ALLSTARS team in the Dragon King’s Cup 2024. He joined forces with top players like Ajun, Takishima, Iroas, and Zackray to secure a third-place finish in the prestigious tournament.

The Future of Nagoya OJA in Pokémon Unite

With Hotaru-no-Ken at the helm, there is significant anticipation surrounding Nagoya OJA’s entry into the Pokémon Unite competitive circuit.
This Roster is one of the 8  who got invited to Asia Champions League 2025!

Fans are eager to see who else will join the roster and how the team will fare in upcoming tournaments. The organization’s decision to keep the other players' identities under wraps adds an extra layer of intrigue, with the esports community speculating on potential signings.

For now, the spotlight is on Hotaru-no-Ken as he steps into the role of team leader, balancing his dual reputation as a player and a prominent caster. Nagoya OJA’s foray into Pokémon Unite is expected to make waves, and the team's full potential will soon be revealed as the season unfolds.

For more information, you can visit the official announcement: https://x.com/Nagoya_OJA/status/1844667499620728882 or the team's website: https://www.nagoyaoja.com/news/20241011