Machina X Flayon, a renowned Hololive VTuber, has been selected to participate in the Reject Fight Night x Sajam Slam: Street Fighter 6 International Championship happening on March 15, 2025. This event features some of the world’s top fighting game players, including legends like Tokido, Diaphone, Daigo, and Nephew, forming teams of content creators to compete in Capcom’s latest smash hit. I had the unique opportunity to engage in an extensive discussion with this talented Ace Mecha Pilot, a part of Holostars-English’s Guild TEMPUS. This is one of those rare interviews that I wish had happened in a voice chat format.
In reviewing Machina X Flayon’s written responses, I felt a strong urge to dive deeper into various topics, especially our shared admiration for games like BlazBlue and my personal enthusiasm for mechas and mobile suits. It’s evident that Machina X Flayon shares a passion for anime fighting games, which aligns perfectly with my own preferences in gaming.
During our conversation, I learned fascinating insights about Machina X Flayon. Even though Team Nephew did not secure a victory, their performance was electrifying. For those who missed the live stream, I highly recommend viewing the competition highlights on Sajam’s channel.
Insights from Machina X Flayon on the Street Fighter 6 International Championship and Beyond
Q. It’s great to have you here! Could you introduce yourself for our readers who may not be familiar with your work?
Machina X Flayon: Hi, I’m Machina X Flayon, the Ace Mecha Pilot for Guild TEMPUS of HOLOSTARS-ENGLISH. My mech, R-TRUS, is an ancient weapon outfitted to combat the Corruption Beasts! Beyond that, I stream a variety of content including chat sessions, visual novels, voice acting, fighting games, and more.
Q. You’re part of Team Nephew in the Street Fighter 6 International Championship. Can you elaborate on how the drafting process worked? Were you specifically chosen by Nephew?
Machina X Flayon: Being a part of “Team Nephew”is a point of pride for me! While I don’t believe Nephew selected me directly, I would be incredibly flattered if he did. The Sajam Slam’s selection process is primarily based on skill level; I have experience with various fighting games, ranging from anime to traditional titles like Street Fighter.
Street Fighter presents unique challenges with its grounded mechanics, emphasizing a style of play known as “footsies.”Initially, I was ranked at Silver II or III in Street Fighter 6, but through hard work and dedication, I climbed to Diamond I by the time of the Grand Finals in Japan!
The drafting process felt informal yet effective, focusing on demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and skill in Street Fighter. I’m hugely grateful for the support from Sajam, Nyx, and the team throughout the process, and for the patience of my manager as I pursued this opportunity.
Q. Each squad consists of players from different content creation backgrounds. What’s your fighting game history aside from preparing for this tournament?
Machina X Flayon: My foundation is rooted in anime fighters! The first game I played was Melty Blood—a spin-off from the visual novel Tsukihime—leading me to explore other titles like Street Fighter and Fatal Fury at places like Chuck E. Cheese.
As I delved deeper into this genre, I discovered BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger on the PSP and became captivated by the series. That led me to experience a slew of other anime fighters.
My preferred style in Street Fighter is Classic Luke, employing the traditional control scheme. Though I recognize the advantages of the Modern controls, having played extensively on arcade sticks has ingrained a deep familiarity with the Classic method, allowing me to adapt effectively.
Q. Was there anyone in the competition who made you particularly nervous to face?
Machina X Flayon: Facing Shibuya Hal was nerve-wracking! I prefer not to overly research opponents, as it can play with my head, but I took just enough of a peek to see how competent he was, especially with Rashid.
While I might not experience nervousness leading up to events, once they start, the pressure builds—especially not wanting to disappoint my teammates who have faith in me!
Q. How does it feel to be the only VTuber invited to this championship?
Machina X Flayon: It feels surreal! While other VTubers like Amaki Pururu and Shibuya Hal have participated, my affiliation with HOLOSTARS-English gives me a unique edge. Being part of such a significant event is thrilling, especially given the complex logistics involved.
Securing an invitation and working my way through the initial stages of the Sajam Slam was euphoric, but it only truly hit me when I arrived in Japan!
Q. Do you intend to continue enhancing your Street Fighter 6 skills post-tournament?
Machina X Flayon: Absolutely! I plan to participate in future tournaments like the Sajam Slam and beyond (Hello, Capcom!). I refuse to let my skills stagnate, recognizing that Street Fighter’s traditional approach has significantly improved my overall abilities as a fighting game player.
In Street Fighter, it’s essential to rely on skill rather than fortunate circumstances—a mentality that often challenges my brain, especially when winning comes by way of matchup advantage.
Q. As a content creator, what are your top three favorite games and why?
Machina X Flayon: Selecting just three is tough, but I’d say Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Lies of P, and BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II. Each of these games features protagonists who have faced profound challenges, reminiscent of childhood experiences of loss and striving for resolution.
The Wind Waker remains a timeless classic for its graphics and deep nostalgia. Lies of P and BlazBlue similarly depict characters who endure struggles in pursuit of normalcy, resonating with my experiences.
If I had to add a fourth, Street Fighter 6 would fit the bill, as it has become intertwined with my journey in Team Nephew during the Sajam Slam.
Q. How would you describe your streaming style, especially as a member of HOLOSTARS’ English group?
Machina X Flayon: I would characterize myself as eccentric! I tend to focus on specific genres that resonate with me, often bypassing popular streaming trends. My favorite content revolves around visual novels, fighting games, and RPG Maker horror games, which present unique streaming challenges.
I thrive on engaging my audience and sharing my passion for the things I love. Art—be it video games, anime, or literature—has been influential in shaping who I am, instilling empathy and diverse perspectives.
Many may overlook the narrative depth in fighting games. Although they often lack extensive story modes, they encapsulate profound emotions and character arcs, offering different layers of meaning to consider.
Q. Can you discuss your musical pursuits, particularly how they relate to your content creation?
Machina X Flayon: Music and singing have always captivated me! I’ve experimented with music composition using tools like Unity and RPG Maker, tackling the initial fears associated with creativity.
Despite facing challenges early on, I’ve embraced opportunities for growth, including recording for various projects and taking singing lessons. I encourage anyone hesitant about pursuing their passions to take that leap—it’s worth the risk!
Q. Looking ahead, do you have significant goals you’d like to achieve this year?
Machina X Flayon: I’m considering taking some time off to focus on organization. Balancing personal goals with community expectations can be daunting, but it’s essential to align my creative pursuits with what genuinely matters to me.
My aim is to improve my singing, create more music, and develop my drawing skills—all while remaining true to myself and avoiding pressures from external expectations. I’m excited to see where this journey leads!
Thanks for joining us in this interview! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed the conversation.
You can find Machina X Flayon on YouTube and Twitter, where they create a diverse range of content, including music videos, entertaining streams focused on games like Street Fighter 6, Super Mario Sunshine, and more.