Fujii takes Osho shogi title, becomes youngest 5-title holder

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:21 JST, February 13, 2022

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii captured the Osho title after sweeping a best-of-seven series against defending champion Akira Watanabe on Saturday in Tachikawa, Tokyo.

Fujii, who came in with four major titles — Ryuo, Oi, Eio and Kisei — became the first teenager to hold five of the eight major titles at 19 years and 6 months.

The previous record belonged to Yoshiharu Habu, who accomplished the feat at 22 years and 10 months.

Fujii said afterward that he was “playing above my head, considering my skill set,” to hold five major titles.

“I need to be able to develop the skills that match this level.”