From nostalgic neighborhood sessions to national tournaments, Beyblade unites players of all ages in a shared love for spinning tops.
SINGAPORE: In the heart of the community, void deck Beyblade tournaments offer more than just competition—they foster connections across generations.
Samuel Lim, 33, has made Beyblading part of his regular routine, competing in void deck tournaments on weekdays and participating in official events at stores like Kiddy Palace on weekends. A millennial Beyblader, Samuel reminisces about the 2000s, when void decks were filled with kids shouting “Let it rip!” as they spun their Beys in makeshift arenas. “It was a simple game,” says Samuel, “just a top, a launcher, and an arena. It brought kids together.”
Now, Samuel sees a growing community of players in their twenties, and even parents playing alongside their kids. Despite the fun, Beyblading is still sometimes labeled as a ‘childish’ activity. Samuel recalls an awkward encounter at work when a colleague referred to Beyblading as “a manchild activity.” He laughs it off, understanding why people might judge him for playing with what is essentially a children’s toy, but he’s undeterred. “I just want to have fun,” he says. “As long as it doesn’t harm anyone, why not?”
A History of Spinning Tops
Beyblades may be seeing a resurgence in Singapore, but spinning tops have been a part of human culture for centuries. In the 2000s, void deck Beyblade tournaments were a chaotic scene, with kids using DIY modifications and makeshift arenas. Fast forward to today, and the game has evolved with official rules and tournaments. Players now compete based on a point system, with winners earning opportunities to represent Singapore in international competitions like the Southeast Asia Cup.
“The game feels more like a sport now,” Samuel explains, acknowledging how much more structured the scene has become with events like those held at Toys”R”Us. This structure and legitimacy lend credibility to the hobby, and players are excited to see it becoming more organized.
Spinning Into the Future
Samuel credits the new generation of Beyblades with reigniting interest in the game. Beyblades have evolved from the plastic tops many millennials remember, to the current Beyblade X series, which features sleeker designs and new mechanics. Samuel, excited by the new generation, created a Telegram group called EatFresh to connect with fellow enthusiasts. What started as a space to share battle photos quickly turned into a community of players organizing informal tournaments at void decks.
The fun of Beyblading transcends the game itself. For many players, including 22-year-old Muhammad Mustaqim, it’s the social aspect that keeps them coming back. “It’s good company,” he says. “It’s great to see people physically.” And that’s exactly what you get at the void deck tournaments: a casual, friendly gathering where everyone, from parents to kids, is welcome to join in.
The Big Leagues
From the void decks to national tournaments, the Beyblade scene in Singapore continues to grow. At the Beyblade X Singapore National Championship 2024, young players like 10-year-old Finn Ng compete among the top 16, with the opportunity to represent Singapore in international competitions. Though Finn doesn’t make the semifinals, he cheers on his father, Gabriel, who finishes fourth in the open category. Events like these help introduce Beyblade to a wider audience, with many surprised to learn that the game is still so popular.
The community spirit is also evident in the Singapore Beyblade Society, a group that shares updates on events and new Bey launches. This organized community, incentivized to participate in official tournaments, helps keep the game alive and exciting.
Let It Rip
After the finals, players gather around empty arenas, eagerly facing off in friendly games. Parents compete against their children, and even spectators get caught up in the excitement. The community’s support for one another is palpable, with one father moved to tears after his son’s victory.
In the past, niche hobbies like Beyblade were often viewed as distractions, but today’s Singaporean parents not only tolerate their children’s hobbies but actively encourage and participate in them. This shift has made hobbies like Beyblade an integral part of family life, allowing generations to bond over shared interests.
At its core, Beyblade isn’t just about spinning tops—it’s about coming together to enjoy the simple joys of a universally loved hobby. In our busy, fast-paced lives, it’s these moments of unadulterated fun that remind us of the power of play and community.
