The New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) G1 Tournament is an annual marquee event in the world of professional wrestling. Renowned for its fierce competition and incredible matches, the G1 Tournament showcases the best talent in NJPW as they battle it out for glory and the chance to etch their names in wrestling history. In this guide, we will explore the rich history of the tournament, highlight notable winners from the past, and provide an overview of the highly anticipated 2023 G1 Climax Tournament.
History of the NJPW G1 Tournament:
The G1 Tournament, short for Grade One Climax, was first held in 1974 by NJPW founder Antonio Inoki. The tournament, first known as the World League (and renamed four times), was designed to showcase the top talent in NJPW and determine the best wrestler in the promotion.
Over the years, the G1 Tournament grew in popularity and became a significant event in the Japanese wrestling calendar. It attracted international attention and featured some of the biggest names in wrestling.
In recent years, the G1 Tournament has expanded its global reach. NJPW has strategically included international talent, inviting wrestlers from various promotions around the world to participate. This move has led to dream matches and fresh matchups, further elevating the prestige of the tournament.
The G1 Tournament has become known for its gruelling schedule. Typically held over several weeks in the summer, the tournament features multiple shows with multiple matches each night. Wrestlers must endure physical and mental challenges, battling through fatigue and injuries to secure victory. The demanding nature of the G1 Climax has become a symbol of resilience and determination.
While it has occasionally been organized as a single-elimination competition, the usual format entails a round-robin setup, traditionally featuring two blocks of wrestlers, the A Block and the B Block, with each wrestler competing against the other talent in their block, with points picked up for wins. The wrestlers with the most points in each block then face off to determine the winner of the tournament. That winner then gets a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at the next year’s Wrestle Kingdom.
The NJPW G1 Tournament has evolved over the years, but it has remained a cornerstone of the promotion’s calendar, consistently delivering high-quality matches and captivating storytelling. It has become a must-watch event for wrestling fans around the world and a testament to the enduring legacy of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Notable Winners of the G1 Tournament:
Throughout its history, the G1 Tournament has produced numerous legendary winners who have gone on to leave an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. Let’s take a look at some of the notable winners:
Antonio Inoki (1974, 1975, 1983): As the founder of NJPW, Antonio Inoki won the inaugural G1 (World League) Tournament, showcasing his technical prowess and captivating charisma. He claimed another victory in 1983, solidifying his legacy as one of the tournament’s early dominant forces.
Keiji Mutoh (1995): Competing under his iconic ring name, The Great Muta, Keiji Mutoh won the G1 Tournament in 1995. Known for his innovative wrestling style and captivating persona, Mutoh’s victory further elevated his status as a top star in NJPW.
Hiroshi Tanahashi (2007, 2015): Often referred to as the “Ace” of NJPW, Hiroshi Tanahashi has had a remarkable career. His victory in the G1 Tournament in 2007 propelled him to the forefront of the company. Tanahashi achieved another G1 Tournament triumph in 2015, solidifying his status as one of the greatest competitors in NJPW history.
Kazuchika Okada (2012, 2014, 2021, 2022): Known for his unparalleled athleticism and captivating presence, Kazuchika Okada has emerged as one of the top stars in NJPW. His G1 Tournament victories cemented his status as a dominant force, and he is widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world today.
Shinsuke Nakamura (2011): Shinsuke Nakamura, a charismatic and innovative performer, claimed victory in the 2011 G1 Tournament. Known for his strong style and captivating charisma, Nakamura’s win catapulted him to even greater prominence within NJPW. His unique in-ring style and magnetic personality helped solidify his status as one of the most iconic stars in NJPW history.
Notable Wrestlers From Outside of Japan Who Competed In the G1 Tournament:
The NJPW G1 Climax tournament has not only been a showcase for Japanese wrestling talent but has also attracted notable wrestlers from around the world. Throughout the years, many famous wrestlers from outside of Japan have left their mark on this prestigious event.
The precursors to the G1 featured the likes of Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan, and renowned names such as “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Vader, and Rick Rude later brought their international star power to the G1 Climax in the 1990s, captivating audiences with their incredible athleticism and charisma. Later saw well-known names such as Shelton Benjamin and MVP grace the NJPW ring, delivering unforgettable matches that blended technical prowess with high-flying excitement. The 2010s witnessed the emergence of talents like A.J. Styles and Kenny Omega, who became synonymous with NJPW and elevated the tournament to new heights with their innovative styles and captivating storytelling. In recent years wrestlers such as Jon Moxley have continued to push boundaries and cement their legacies in the G1 Climax, thrilling fans with their unique personas and hard-hitting performances.
These international icons have not only enriched the history of NJPW but have also left an indelible impact on the world of professional wrestling as a whole.
The 2023 G1 Tournament:
This year’s G1 Climax is scheduled to commence on July 15th, initiating the block matches that will wrap up on August 9th. This year’s tournament will feature four blocks. On August 10th, the victors and runners-up of each block will compete in quarter finals, followed by the semi-finals on August 12th. The 2023 G1 Tournament final will then take place on August 13th.
In accordance with tradition, the triumphant winner of the G1 Climax will secure an opportunity to contend for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom in January of the following year.
2023 G1 Climax Entrants & Blocks
The 2023 G1 Climax has been announced to feature four blocks, and each block match will have a 20-minute time limitto encourage faster-paced matches. The tournament will feature 32 participants, making it the largest G1 to date, and will see the tournament debut of Shota Umino, Hikuleo, Eddie Kingston, Ren Narita, Gabriel Kidd, Alex Coughlin, Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls, Yota Tsuji and Kaito Kiyomiya.
The G1 Climax 33 blocks and their entrants are as follows:
Block A: SANADA, Chase Owens, Hikuleo, Ren Narita, Shota Umino, Yota Tsuji, Gabe Kidd, Kaito Kiyomiya
Block B: Kazuchika Okada, YOSHI-HASHI, Taichi, KENTA, Great-O-Khan, Will Ospreay, Tanga Loa, El Phantasmo
Block C: David Finlay, Tomohiro Ishii, EVIL, Tama Tonga, Shingo Takagi, Aaron Henare, Eddie Kingston, Mikey Nicholls
Block D: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Hirooki Goto, Zack Sabre Jr., Toru Yano, Jeff Cobb, Shane Haste, Alex Coughlin
A Pinnacle of Excellence
The NJPW G1 Climax Tournament stands as a pinnacle of excellence in professional wrestling. Throughout its storied history, the tournament has produced unforgettable moments, legendary champions, and incredible matches that have captivated fans around the world. As the 2023 G1 Tournament approaches, anticipation runs high for the next chapter in the legacy of this prestigious event.
Wrestling enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the clash of NJPW’s top stars as they vie for the chance to etch their names among the greats and secure their path to championship glory.
Author: Clare Stanley
Photo Credit: NJPW