New Japan Pro-Wrestling officially revealed the first wave of entrants for the highly anticipated G1 Climax 35 during Sunday’s NJPW Dominion event, kicking off the road to this year’s tournament with a blend of decorated veterans and emerging stars.
G1 Climax 35 is set to begin on July 19, featuring a two-block format with ten wrestlers each. The prestigious tournament is a cornerstone of NJPW’s calendar, with the winner traditionally earning an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom in January.
Among the standout announcements is that Hiroshi Tanahashi—the “Ace” of New Japan—will be competing in his final G1 Climax, ahead of his previously confirmed retirement in January 2026. Joining him are high-profile names such as former IWGP World Champion SANADA, Zack Sabre Jr., and Konosuke Takeshita, the AEW crossover sensation making his G1 debut.
The final four spots in the tournament will be decided via qualifying matches on June 23 and July 4, bringing the field to 20 competitors total.
The currently confirmed blocks are as follows:
G1 Climax 35 Participants:
A Block:
Hirooki Goto
Boltin Oleg
Yuya Uemura
Yota Tsuji
David Finlay
EVIL
SANADA
Hiroshi Tanahashi
B Block:
El Phantasmo
Shota Umino
Shingo Takagi
Zack Sabre Jr.
Great-O-Khan
Gabe Kidd
Ren Narita
Konosuke Takeshita
This year’s lineup offers a compelling mix of established veterans, young prospects, and international talent, ensuring high-stakes competition across both blocks. With Tanahashi’s farewell tournament adding emotional weight and Takeshita’s entry further blurring the AEW-NJPW lines, G1 Climax 35 is already shaping up to be a historic installment.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for full coverage of the G1 Climax 35, including match results, block standings, and exclusive backstage notes.
