Nadagi repeats R-1 victory

On Sunday, comedian Takeshi Nadagi (of The Plan 9) emerged victorious in the R-1 Grand Prix, making him the only back-to-back champion in the event’s six-year history.

The field started with a record 2,731 contestants, and it was whittled down to only 8 for the final round. In the end, only Nadagi and Kazumasa Kora (using the name Imoaraizaka Kakaricho) were left, but Kora failed to prevent Nadagi’s second consecutive win.

As the champion, Nadagi once again won 5 million yen in prize money.

This year was the first time that the final round was broadcast live. According to Video Research Ltd., ratings exceeded those of previous years, with a 15.7% average and a peak of 19.5%.

Source:
Sankei Sports