SEA Major 2014 is Asia's biggest, most exciting fighting game tournament. This is why.

Asia’s largest fighting game tournament is back in South East Asia Major 2014 (SEA Major), and contrary to the usual marketing spiel you see about events, I can guarantee that this one will not disappoint.

Top players Mago, Fuudo, Itabashi, Kazunoko, Tokido, Bonchan, Gamerbee, and Tekken child prodigy AK have been confirmed for SEA Major, along with community figureheads Zhi and Markman. Singaporean players Xian, our EVO 2013 champ, Gackt, his fellow Razer-sponsored colleague, and Sagat king Leslie will also be present.

Regional signups include players from countries like Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, and Indonesia.

This is the fourth year SEA Major is running, and the first year it has direct publisher support from Capcom, Bandai Namco, and Arc System Works. Arc System Works is even setting up a special merchandise booth for SEA Major spectators and players to pick up rare collectibles. We’ve heard that prices will range from S$10 to over S$130. That’s from $8 to over $105.

Justin Wong and Mike Ross at SEAM 2013!

Recently released Ultra Street Fighter IV is the headlining event of SEA Major, and is also one of seven stops of the Capcom Pro Tour. The winner of the Ultra tournament at SEA Major will be able to proceed, all expenses paid, to the Capcom Cup World Finals in December.

The Blazblue: Chronophantasma tournament is also the world’s first ever foreign qualifier for Arc System Works’ Arc Revolution Cup in Japan, while rumors are swirling that the winner of Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will receive a sponsored trip via Bandai Namco to compete at the Evolution Championship Series in Las Vegas later this year.

(See: South East Asia Major 2014 is now an official qualifier for Arc Revolution 2014 fighting game tournament in Japan)

Another Bandai Namco rumor revolves around Katsuhiro Harada and Michael Murray coming down especially to meet fans and lend their support to the Tekken community.

If this isn’t enough to excite you, there is also a Red Bull lounge for players, and side tournaments for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, King of Fighters XIII, and even Hearthstone.

SEA Major takes place next weekend from June 20 to June 22, but registrations are still wide open. For your chance to play against the region’s best and attend the after party, sign up here.

Unlike last year, spectators will be able to watch for free!