Shoma Uno, 28, the retired Japanese figure skater and two-time world champion, became a member of the professional eSports team Varrel on May 1, 2026 [1]. Uno won silver at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. He earned world figure skating titles in 2022 and 2023 before retiring in May 2024 [1].
After retiring from competitive skating, Uno chose to pursue gaming as a new professional focus. "Until now, gaming had been my biggest hobby. Now that I’ve joined Varrel, I want to show that I’m ready to take gaming beyond being just a hobby and commit to it wholeheartedly," he said [1]. Uno added he wants to "enjoy gaming to the fullest and share the excitement with you all" [1].
Varrel outlined Uno’s role as helping to convey the joy and depth of gaming. The team said Uno will engage audiences through YouTube streaming and live events, while still continuing some skating performances [1].
Uno’s transition comes nearly two years after his retirement from skating, signaling a new chapter in his public career. His presence aims to bring fresh exposure to Varrel and connect the worlds of sports and eSports.
Uno was officially introduced as a Varrel player at an event on May 1, 2026, marking the start of his professional gaming career [1].