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JAPAN 2025
LINEUP
JAPAN 2025
LINEUP
JAPAN 2025
LINEUP
FEATURED
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Guilty Gear -Strive-
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Street Fighter 6
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Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
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Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.
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The King of Fighters XV
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Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike
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Tekken 8
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Registration & Ticketing
Attendees can register for Evo Japan 2025! For foreign attendees, please pay special attention to the instructions at the link.
Pro Tours
ANNOUNCING SOON
HOTEL BOOKING
Coming soon...
Japan 2025
Get Involved
Japan 2025
Get Involved
Japan 2025
Get Involved
Get Involved
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Co-Streamer
Co-Stream information will be announced closer to the event.
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FAQS
Have any questions or concerns about the Evo Championship Series. Check out the FAQ for information, including event details, registration, and policies.
What is Evo Japan 2025?
The Evolution Championship Series (Evo for short) represents the largest and longest-running fighting game tournaments in the world. For over 20 years, Evo has brought the best players from around the world together for its flagship event in Las Vegas. In 2018, the series expanded to host its first international event in Japan, the birthplace of fighting games.
Evo Japan is an annual festival of fighting games featuring open tournaments where everyone can participate. Each year, thousands of players and fans gather to celebrate fighting games and the rich culture surrounding them. This celebration, reborn in 2023, will be back again in 2025!
When and where is Evo Japan 2025?
Evo Japan 2025 runs from Friday, May 9, 2025 through Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight Hall 2 and 3. The venue is located at 3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan.
What games will be at Evo Japan 2025?
The seven main tournament titles for Evo Japan 2025 are: 【1on1】 Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Guilty Gear -Strive-, THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV, Street Fighter 6, and TEKKEN 8 【5on5】 Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.
Can you win prizes at Evo Japan 2025?
Yes. Tournament finalists win medals, trophies, and prize money for the tournament. The prize money is split between the top 8 finalists in each tournament.
In the interest of fairness, the prize pool for each title will be determined in order based on registration count.
How do I attend Evo Japan 2025?
Admission to Evo Japan will require a ticket for all event days. If you wish to spectate only, please purchase an "Admission Ticket." For more details, visit WATCH.
Please note that admission tickets do not grant eligibility to enter main tournament titles. To participate, carefully read REGISTER and complete your registration on start.gg.
Ticket types cannot be changed after purchase, so please double-check your selection before completing your purchase.
Single-day tickets will be available for sale after the registration has closed.
*Revenue related to participation in the tournament such as Admission Ticket and registration fees will be used exclusively to cover venue costs and other tournament setup expenses for Evo Japan 2025. It will not be used for prize payouts.
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GAME RULES
GAME RULES
GAME RULES
GAME RULES
GAME RULES
GAME RULES
GAME RULES
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Regulations
- Version "Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising" for PlayStation®5
Using characters released after May 2 is prohibited. - Maximum number of participants: 3,000
- If the maximum number of participants is reached, you will not be able to register even if you have already purchased an admission ticket. Please ensure you check the registration status of your desired title before purchasing a ticket. After purchasing your ticket, register as soon as possible. You can check the registration status here: start.gg
Match format
- Double elimination
2/3 Rounds per Game, 3/5 Games per Set.
Game settings
VS MODE
99 second timer
Random stage select (players may opt for an agreed stage)
In the event of a "DOUBLE K.O", one game will be played (two rounds ahead) and the winner of the match will be decided.
To ensure play environment quality, players will enter into one match with their opponent to test overall latency and button functionality.
Blind pick cannot be requested for character selection—players can freely select their character
The character Lunalu is banned
Colors 16 & 17 is banned for all characters.
Prismatic Weapon Skins are banned for all charactersController settings
Your controller must adhere to the following:
Operation other than movement [Light attack, middle attack, heavy attack, special technique, abilities (default: R1), throw (default: L1), guard (default: R2), overhead attack (default: L2)] Cannot be assigned to multiple input mechanisms.
When moving with a direction key or button, the same movement operation cannot be assigned to multiple input mechanisms.
If the left and right direction inputs and buttons are entered at the same time, both inputs must be enabled, or both inputs must be disabled.
The macro function on the controller side, such as the continuous fire function, cannot be used.
Legacy controllers are prohibited.
("Legacy controllers" refers to arcade sticks and controller devices that are native to the PlayStation®3)
If players use a legacy controller device, that offending player will be disqualified. However, devices that are native to PS4 (and still work on PS3) will be allowed to be used.Peripheral devices (converters, etc.) are not provided by the event, so please bring your own as needed.
- Version "Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising" for PlayStation®5
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-
Regulation
- Version "GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-" for PlayStation®5
The use of additional DLC characters will be prohibited within 2 weeks of their release date. - Maximum number of participants: 3,000
- If the maximum number of participants is reached, you will not be able to register even if you have already purchased an admission ticket. Please ensure you check the registration status of your desired title before purchasing a ticket. After purchasing your ticket, register as soon as possible. You can check the registration status here: start.gg
Match format
- Double elimination
2/3 Rounds per Game, 3/5 Games per Set.
Game Settings
- 2-Player Mode
- 99 second timer
- No restrictions on characters used.
- Random stage and BGM select (players may opt for an agreed stage)
- Loser of previous game may switch character
- Ultimate Edition colors are banned for all characters
Controller Settings
- The button settings in the game can be freely changed. However, the use of macro functions on the controller, such as continuous fire, is prohibited.
- Your controller must adhere to the following:
Operation other than movement [Punch, Kick, Slash, Heavy Slash, Dust (default: R1)] cannot be assigned to multiple input mechanisms.
When moving with a direction key or button, the same movement cannot be assigned to multiple input mechanisms.
If the left and right direction inputs are entered at the same time, both inputs must be enabled or both inputs must be disabled.
Legacy controllers are prohibited. ("Legacy controllers" refers to arcade sticks and controller devices that are native to the PlayStation®3)
If players use a legacy controller device, that offending player will be disqualified. However, devices that are native to PS4 (and still work on PS3) will be allowed to be used. - Peripheral devices (converters, etc.) are not provided by the event, so please bring your own as needed.
- Version "GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-" for PlayStation®5
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV
Regulations
- Version THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV for PlayStation®5
The language setting and voice language will be Japanese. - Maximum number of participants: 2,000
- If the maximum number of participants is reached, you will not be able to register even if you have already purchased an admission ticket. Please ensure you check the registration status of your desired title before purchasing a ticket. After purchasing your ticket, register as soon as possible. You can check the registration status here: start.gg
Match Format
- Double elimination
2/3 Rounds per Game, 2/3 Games per Set.
3/5 Games for Winner’s Final, Loser’s Final and Grand Final.
Game Setup
- 3-on-3 team battle
- 60 count
- There are no restrictions on the characters used.
- Arrangement costumes can be used in this tournament.
- Random stage select. (players may opt for an agreed stage)
Press LS/L3, or hold the upper or lower buttons and press the decision. - Winner of prior game must keep same characters, but may change team order
- Loser of prior game may switch characters and team order
- If a double KO occurs in the final round and the game ends in a draw, the game will be played again on the same stage with the same characters
- If a game is interrupted due to a pause, PS button, or controller trouble, the player who interrupted the game loses the match.
Controller settings
- Your controller must adhere to the following:
- Operation other than movement [Weak attack, middle attack, strong attack, special technique, abilities (default: R1), throw (default: L1), guard (default: R2), overhead attack (default: L2)] Cannot be assigned to multiple input mechanisms.
- When moving with a direction key or button, the same movement cannot be assigned to multiple input mechanisms
- If the left and right direction inputs are entered at the same time, both inputs must be enabled or both inputs must be disabled
- If the up and down direction keys and/or buttons are entered at the same time, both inputs must be enabled or disabled, or only the up input must take priority.
- The macro function on the controller side, such as the continuous fire function, cannot be used.
- Leverless controllers are available.
- Peripheral devices (converters, etc.) are not provided by the event, so please bring your own as needed.
- Version THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV for PlayStation®5
STREET FIGHTER 6
Update history
- The rule for inputs in the up and down directions at the same time has been changed in accordance with CPT rules.
Regulations
- Version Street Fighter 6 for PlayStation®5
Game data will include all updates, patches and stages released by the tournament date, plus any character packs released at least 7 days prior to the tournament date. - Maximum number of participants: 8,000
- If the maximum number of participants is reached, you will not be able to register even if you have already purchased an admission ticket. Please ensure you check the registration status of your desired title before purchasing a ticket. After purchasing your ticket, register as soon as possible. You can check the registration status here: start.gg
Match Format
- Double elimination
BO3(2 BATTLEs to win) (2 ROUNDs won will award a BATTLE)
BO5(3 BATTLEs to win) (2 ROUNDs won will award a BATTLE)
Game Settings
- “FIGHTING GROUNDS”, “VERSUS”, “One on One”
- Timer: 99
- Rounds: 3
- Commentary Settings OFF
- Control Type: Modern or Classic *Dynamic is banned.
- Button Release Input: Off or ON
- Advantage: No advantage
- Stage: Random
"TRAINING ROOM" is banned. - All OPTION settings are default settings except for the following two settings.
Graphic settings: "Motion blur ON" and "Input Delay Reduction ON”
Other settings: "Damage Display Settings: No display" and “Pause Menu on Long Hold ON”.
In-battle Accessibility Settings may be turned ON if the Tournament Organizer deems that the setting is physically necessary.
The Tournament Organizer may decide on the settings at any time at its sole discretion.
Players are not allowed to arbitrarily change the playing environment. - Prohibited Characters: None
- Prohibited costumes and colors: None
- If either player or the Tournament Organizer report during the 1st ROUND that a prohibited stage has been used then the BATTLE will be null and void. If there is no report from either player or the Tournament Organizer that a prohibited stage has been selected and the BATTLE proceeds, the BATTLE will be considered valid if the second ROUND begins.
Competition Rules
- After both players have chosen their characters, the players begin the first BATTLE of the match; at the end of the BATTLE, the following rules apply
The player who loses the preceding BATTLE may freely choose the next character and control type.
The player who wins the preceding BATTLE must continue to use the same character and same control type.
If a BATTLE ends in a DRAW GAME, the result of that BATTLE shall be null and void, and the BATTLE shall be played again with the same character and control type.
Controller settings and button configurations can only be changed before the start of the BATTLE.
Controller Settings
- Keyboard is prohibited.
- Modification of buttons and inputs and the use of homemade controllers are permitted.
- If the up and down direction keys and/or buttons are entered at the same time, both inputs must be enabled or disabled.
- In the event of any other detailed regulations concerning controllers or in the event of confliction, the controller rules shall be governed by "CAPCOM PRO TOUR Official Regulations 2024".
"CAPCOM PRO TOUR Official Regulations 2024"
TEKKEN 8
Regulations
- Maximum number of participants: 5000
- If the maximum number of participants is reached, you will not be able to register even if you have already purchased an admission ticket. Please ensure you check the registration status of your desired title before purchasing a ticket. After purchasing your ticket, register as soon as possible. You can check the registration status here: start.gg
TBA
STREET FIGHTER III 3rd STRIKE: Fight for the Future EVO Japan 2025 Special Tournament with The 19th Cooperation Cup (5on5)
About Cooperation Cup
- Cooperation Cup is a large-scale 5-on5 team battle tournament organized by Game Newton and the STREET FIGHTER III 3rd Strike community.
The event was first held in 2002 at the "Beat-Tribe" arcade in Machida, Tokyo and alternated with "Game Newton" arcade in Itabashi, Tokyo with each subsequent year growing in scale. The tournament eventually garnered so much popularity that they outgrew the arcade game center venue.
In recent years the event has continued to make headlines and shifted their community to other venues including Hulic Hall in Asakusabashi, Tokyo in 2018. The event later joined in collaboration with DreamHack Japan in 2023 at Makuhari Messe.
This tournament has become the cornerstone of the 3rd Strike scene, attracting players throughout Japan but also from around the world.
Rules and Regulations
- Version: Arcade cabinet "STREET FIGHTER III 3rd STRIKE: Fight for the Future"
The old board (Ver.990512) of "STREET FIGHTER III 3rd STRIKE: Fight for the Future" will be used.
Settings must remain at factory default except for the specified game settings.
Sanwa Denshi joysticks and buttons will be used.
Game cabinets will be one of the following SEGA models: ASTRO CITY, BLAST CITY, or NEW VERSUS CITY. - Maximum number of participants: 1500 (300 teams)
- If the maximum number of participants is reached, you will not be able to register even if you have already purchased an admission ticket. Please ensure you check the registration status of your desired title before purchasing a ticket. After purchasing your ticket, register as soon as possible.
You can check the registration status here: start.gg - About Seeding Rights
In Japan's monthly 3-on3 tournament, "3rd MANIAX" held at Game Newton Oyama, particpants who have top placements are awarded ranking points. Those who rank high enough in the points ranking during the designated period are granted seeding benefits.
The qualified seeds will not be placed in the same league as other "3rd MANIAX" ranked seeds during the first round of group stage play.
NOTE: The number of participants eligible for the seeding benefit may vary depending on the total number of teams participating in the overall tournament.
Tournament Format
- The tournament will consist of several waves: 1st ROUND, 2nd ROUND, PLAY-OFF A & B, and FINAL TOURNAMENT.
- Each Wave progresses as follows;
1st ROUND:
Depending on the number of teams, either a round-robin format with three teams or an irregular tournament format with four teams will be used. The team that places 1st will advance to the 2nd Round, while the team that places 2nd will advance to Play-Off A.
2nd ROUND:
Teams that place 1st in the 1st Round will be randomly assigned to seven blocks, where they will compete in a single-elimination tournament using the 5-on-5 elimination format. The team that places 1st in each block will advance to the Final Tournament, while teams that place 2nd or lower will proceed to Play-Off B.
PLAY-OFF A:
Teams that placed 2nd in the 1st Round will compete in a 1-on-1 single-elimination tournament with one representative per team. Representatives cannot be changed during the tournament. Match pairings will be decided through a random draw. The winning team will advance to Play-Off B.
PLAY-OFF B:
Teams that placed 2nd or lower in the 2nd Round, along with the winning team from Play-Off A, will participate in either a 1-on-1 single-elimination tournament or a round-robin format with one representative per team. Representatives cannot be changed during the tournament. If there is a tie in the round-robin matches, tie-breakers will follow the rules of the 1st Round. Match pairings will be determined by a random draw, and the winning team will advance to the Final Tournament.
FINAL TOURNAMENT:
Eight teams, consisting of the seven 1st place teams from the 2nd Round and the winning team from Play-Off B, will compete in a single-elimination tournament using the 5-on-5 elimination-style format. The tournament bracket will be decided using the K-1 (Fortune Box) method, where teams draw numbers to select their positions in the bracket in order. The team advancing from Play-Off B will not participate in the draw and will have a fixed position in the bracket. - If teams have the same win-loss record in a round-robin format in each wave, a tie-breaking match will be conducted with one representative from each team, regardless of the total number of individual match victories.
If the tie persists after the representatives' match, another player will be selected from the remaining four team members to compete. This process will continue until all five players have participated, if necessary.
If the tie still remains after matches involving all five players, the outcome will be determined based on the total number of rounds won by the representatives during their matches. - For each wave, the final structure will be reviewed after the registration deadline, and adjustments may be made depending on the total number of participating teams.
Match Format
- Both 5-on-5 matches and 1-on-1 representative matches will be conducted in a BO1 format.
- The following rules must be applied regarding the characters selection:
Each team must use at least three different characters.
No more than two players on a team may use the same character.
Once a specific point determined by the tournament organizers is reached, character changes will not be allowed for the remainder of the tournament. - The following game settings will be used for all matches:
Matches will be conducted in "FREE PLAY" mode.
Each round will have a 99-second timer.
Stages will be automatically determined based on the characters selected by the players.
Banned character: Gill - Others
Bugs or exploits that cause the game to freeze are prohibited. If an unplayable situation occurs, the player responsible will forfeit the match.
Before the match, players will decide their play side through a game of rock-paper-scissors.
Players must declare their starting player to the judge before the match begins.
Any malfunction of levers or buttons must be reported immediately by raising a hand, and the game will be reset to its original state from that point. If no malfunction is found, the reporting player may face disqualification.
- Cooperation Cup is a large-scale 5-on5 team battle tournament organized by Game Newton and the STREET FIGHTER III 3rd Strike community.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. EVO Japan 2025 Special Tournament with The 19th VFR BEAT-TRIBE CUP (5on5)
About VF5R BEAT-TRIBE CUP
VF5R BEAT-TRIBE CUP is a national scale 5-on-5 team tournament organized by the Virtua Fighter community group VFR (Virtua Fighter Relationship).
The tournament origins first date back to 1994's original Athena Cup tournament, one of Japan's most significant early fighting game competitions. The 2023 18th BEAT-TRIBE CUP marked its 29th anniversary, further solidifying its legacy within the fighting game community.
One of the tournament's unique features is the regional rivalry format. Japan is divided into seven regions: Hokkaido/Tohoku, Kanto, Tokyo, Chubu/Tokai, Kansai, Chugoku/Shikoku and Kyushuu. With representative teams from each area, the competitors battle it out to defend their regional pride.
Despite the decline in arcade popularlity, the appreciation for regional representation and identity remains strong amongst Virtua Fighter players, making this specific event a celebrated tradition within the community.
With the reality and difficulty of finding a proper venue to honor this long running series of events, Evo Japan is helping keep the tradition alive for Virtua Fighter fans around the world with this newest iteration of BEAT-TRIBE CUP.
Rules and Regulations
- Version: Steam version of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.
The latest version at the time of the tournament will be used
Maximum number of participants: 1500 (300 teams)
If the maximum number of participants is reached, you will not be able to register even if you have already purchased an admission ticket. Please ensure you check the registration status of your desired title before purchasing a ticket. After purchasing your ticket, register as soon as possible. You can check the registration status here: start.gg
Classification and Definition of Participating Teams
Classification of Participating Teams
fiting from more advantageous rules. This system prioritizes players who achieve high rankings in large-scale or regular tournaments held across Japan. Players are encouraged to compete in various tournaments to aim for higher categories and improve their standings.Categories Criteria Benefit Seeding Teams that those players who got "seeding rights" belong to
Advancing as top-ranked team in the 1st round secures a direct entry into the final tournamentRecommended 1st In total points for each area Will not play against other seeding/recommended teams in 1st round. General
The total points ranking of teams from each region determines the number of qualifying spots they receive in the tournament.Can skip qualifying round Qualifying - None Rules for Tournament Eligibility
To bypass preliminary rounds without preferential conditions and begin directly in the main tournament, players can utilize two factors: Seeding Rights and VFR Points.How to get Eligible Tournaments/Events Seeding Rights Win a cup tournament that grants a seed rights.
Basically, huge 5on5 tournaments (irregular schedule)
・Pre-Beat Tribe Cup
・Newton Cup
・Tokai Cup
・Tenjin Cup
・Hokuriku Cup etc.Achieve the annual championship/overall victory in the "Tokyo Bay Area Cup."
Tokyo Bay Area Cup(a tournament held once a month)
Compete by earned points for a whole year and decide the champion.undefined VFR Points
・Tokyo Bay Area Cup @Game Newton Oyama Store
・VF GP @Ikebukuro Mikado
・Railway Series @Game Newton Oyama Store
・BO9 Monday / BO9 Tuesday @Ikebukuro Mikado
・Tokai Bay Area Cup @GiGO Tomei Ball
・Kyushu Bay Area Cup @Tenjin Taito Station
・Hokuriku Bay Area Cup @Leisure Land Fujie*Note: The number of seed privileges issued is subject to change based on the total number of participating teams and the frequency of designated tournaments.
Tournament Format
- The tournament is divided into several waves: Qualify Round, 1st Round, Play-Off, Wild Card, and Final Tournament. The flow from the previous 18th tournament was as follows:
- Each Wave progresses as follows;
QUALIFY ROUND:
The QUALIFY ROUND is for teams in the "QUALIFY ROUND" category. Teams will compete in single-elimination tournaments in a 5-on-5 elimination style format within each group block. Match pairings are determined by random drawing. The team that places 1st in each group block will then advance to the "1st Round."
1st ROUND:
This round includes teams that placed 1st in the Qualify Round, along with teams from the "Seed," "Recommendation," and "General" categories.
Teams are divided into Seeded and Non-Seeded blocks, where each block conducts a round-robin format among three teams using a 5-on-5 elimination-style battle. Match pairings are determined by random draw, and teams advance to the following waves based on their results:
- 1st place in the Seeded block advances to the Final Tournament.
- 1st place in the Non-Seeded block advances to the Play-Off.
- 2nd place in both blocks advances to the Wild Card.
PLAY-OFF:
This wave is for teams that placed 1st in the Non-Seeded blocks during the 1st Round. Match pairings are determined by random draw. The winning team advances to the Final Tournament, while the losing team moves to the Wild Card.
WILD CARD:
This wave includes teams that placed 2nd in the 1st Round and teams that lost in the Play-Off. Teams compete in either a 1-on-1 single-elimination tournament or a round-robin format, with one representative from each team (representatives cannot be changed mid-tournament). Match pairings are determined by random draw, and the winning team advances to the Final Tournament.
FINAL TOURNAMENT:
The Final Tournament features a total of 16 teams: teams that placed 1st in the Seeded blocks, teams that advanced from the Play-Off, and teams that advanced from the Wild Card. The tournament will be conducted as a single-elimination 5-on-5 elimination-style format. Match pairings will be determined using the K-1 (Fortune Box) method, where teams draw numbered lots and, in order, select their preferred positions in the tournament bracket - For each wave, if teams have the same win-loss record in a round-robin format, a tie-breaking match will be conducted with one representative from each team, regardless of the total number of individual match victories.
If the representatives' match ends in a tie, another player will be selected from the remaining four team members to compete. This process will repeat up to the third player if necessary.
If the tie persists even after the third player's match, the outcome will be determined by the total number of rounds won by each representative in their matches. - The final structure of each wave will be reviewed after the registration deadline. Adjustments may be made based on the total number of participating teams.
Match Format
- Both 5-on-5 matches and 1-on-1 representative matches will be conducted in a BO1 format.
- The following rules must be applied regarding the characters selection
Each team must use at least three different characters.
Once a specific point determined by the organizers is reached, character changes will not be allowed for the remainder of the tournament. - Following game settings will be applied to each match:
Matches will be conducted as two-player battles using "Offline Versus" mode.
Rounds will be set to 45 seconds each.
Matches will be decided in BO3 format.
All characters available at the time of the tournament may be used.
Players will play rock-paper-scissors to determine their choice of play side or stage selection rights.
Teams must declare their starting player to the judge before the match begins.
For players from the second position onward, decisions must be made within three minutes after the end of the preceding match. If this deadline is missed, the choice of the next player will be handed over to the opposing team.
Controller Configulation Rules
- When assigning directional movement to buttons or directional keys, the same movement input cannot be assigned to multiple input systems.
- If left and right directional keys or buttons are pressed simultaneously, the controller must either recognize both inputs as valid or invalidate both inputs.
- If up and down directional keys or buttons are pressed simultaneously, the controller must recognize the upward input as valid.