Turning a Free Tournament into a Long-Term Growth Engine

In Tokyo, Japan, a special initiative has been launched to expand the HADO player community — the ULTRA BEGINNERS CUP.
This tournament is designed specifically for first-time players, and anyone above elementary school age can participate.
There’s no entry fee, and both team and individual entries (1–2 players) are welcome.
Participants only pay a small equipment rental fee (300 yen per person), making it accessible to anyone curious about HADO.

A Tournament That Invests in the Future

The event itself is not run for profit.
In fact, the organizer deliberately operates at a short-term loss — but with a clear purpose:
to build a base of repeat players who will come back for training sessions and future competitions.

Players often visit the venue again to practice between tournaments, which generates stable revenue for the store.
Over time, as more players return, the lifetime value (LTV) of each participant grows — turning the initial loss into a long-term gain.

Prize Money That Motivates Beginners

While participation is free, there’s a powerful incentive for players to perform their best:
cash prizes for top-ranked teams.

Prize Breakdown:

• 🥇 1st Place: ¥60,000

• 🥈 2nd Place: ¥30,000

• 🥉 3rd Place: ¥10,000
  (Prizes may vary depending on the number of participating teams.)

This prize structure gives first-time players a tangible goal, sparking excitement and motivation even for those who are new to the sport.

The Power of a Referral Program

To further boost participation, the Tokyo event includes an incentive-based referral system — a simple but effective mechanism for organic growth.

Referral Rewards:

• Introduce 1 friend → both receive ¥1,000 (Amazon Gift Card or coupon)

• Introduce 2 friends → ¥1,500

• Introduce 3 friends → ¥2,000

Participants confirm their email during registration, and rewards are distributed on-site at the event.
This small but clever system creates a viral effect — friends inviting friends — helping new communities form naturally.

Building a Community: The Key to Player Retention

One of the most important outcomes of the ULTRA BEGINNERS CUP is the formation of a local HADO community.
Players who meet at this event often stay connected — forming teams, practicing together, and returning to future tournaments as a group.

This sense of belonging is what transforms a casual player into a loyal fan.
When participants feel part of a shared culture, their motivation shifts from “trying a new game” to “being part of something bigger.”
That emotional bond is the true engine of retention — and it’s what keeps players coming back long after their first event.

Why This Model Works

From a business perspective, this is a brilliant case of strategic investment in player retention:

• Free participation lowers the entry barrier.

• Prize incentives and referral bonuses create excitement and social buzz.

• Community building turns one-time visitors into long-term members.

• Repeat visits for practice drive ongoing venue revenue.

• Loyal players become advocates, expanding the local network organically.

Even though each tournament may run at a financial deficit, the long-term return on engagement far outweighs the short-term cost.

A Blueprint for Global HADO Growth

For HADO operators worldwide, the Tokyo ULTRA BEGINNERS CUP offers a replicable formula:
invest in players first, and loyalty will follow.

By lowering barriers, creating excitement, and rewarding connections, HADO venues can turn one-time visitors into passionate repeat players — the foundation of every sustainable sports community.