Electronic Arts announced this week that Japanese hip-hop artist OZworld will headline the opening ceremony at the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Year 5 Championship.
To open the competition, OZworld will take the main stage to perform several songs, including his most popular track, “NINOKUNI,” backed by an LED setup and a 24-person dance crew. A native of Okinawa, OZworld is known for his “unique lyrical flow and themes that explore identity and resilience.” OZworld is also known for his interests in fashion, gaming, and collaborations with major brands and fellow hip-hop artists. He’s also a personal fan of Apex Legends, having organized and played in his own Japanese Apex Legends tournament in 2022
“I absolutely love Apex Legends,” said OZworld. “I’m drawn to its world, of course, but more than anything, I feel a real connection with the character Octane. I’m incredibly excited to appear at the ALGS in Sapporo, and I can’t wait for the day to come. I’m eager to perform on stage as soon as possible!”
Taking place from Jan. 15 – 18, 2026 in Sapporo, Japan, the ALGS Year 5 Championship will feature 40 teams from four regions battling it out for the lion’s share of a $2 million USD total prize pool, with the overall winner claiming $600,000.
Tickets for the ALGS Year 5 Championship are available for purchase. Fans who can’t attend the event in person can tune in to the opening ceremony and competition on the official ALGS Twitch and YouTube channels. For more information on the ALGS Year 5 Championship, check out algs.ea.com.