In a stunning upset, a Brazilian underdog just claimed the $500,000 grand prize at the SNK World Championship—but his victory is sparking debate over the true strength of King of Fighters 15's most overlooked characters. And this is the part most people miss: the champion, Lauyagami, has been quietly championing these underused fighters all along. Could he be onto something the rest of the world has overlooked?
The SNK World Championship 2025, held at DreamHack Atlanta, delivered some of the most thrilling moments in fighting game history. Among them was the electrifying grand finals of King of Fighters 15, where Brazil’s own Comitê|Lauyagami faced off against the legendary Falcons|Xiaohai. Against all odds, Lauyagami emerged victorious, securing not only the title but also a life-changing $500,000 prize. His unorthodox team—Ángel, Hinako, and Chizuru—captured the imagination of fans worldwide, proving that sometimes, the road less traveled leads to glory.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Lauyagami’s tier list, published in September ahead of the tournament, ranks these very characters among the game’s strongest. In a roster of 61 fighters, many expected Ángel and Hinako to languish in lower tiers due to their rarity. Yet, Lauyagami’s faith in them never wavered. Is he a visionary, or just lucky? We’ll let you decide.
His tier list, which we’re revisiting today, places a surprising number of characters in higher tiers, suggesting a broader power balance than many players assume. However, the divisions are clear: as you move down the list, the characters become increasingly niche. Shoutout to Reject|Score for showcasing Mature, a fighter Lauyagami ranks near the bottom—a bold choice that didn’t go unnoticed.
Following his victory, Lauyagami took to Twitter to express gratitude to his supporters, crediting his faith, his wife, and his community for his success. His humility and dedication have earned him not just a championship but also the respect of the entire fighting game community. From all of us at the EventHubs editorial staff, congratulations, Lauyagami—and muito obrigado for proving that even the most unexpected heroes can rise to the top.
Now, we want to hear from you: Do you agree with Lauyagami’s tier list? Are Ángel and Hinako truly top-tier, or did he simply outplay the competition? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
