Several Light Rapid Transit (LRT) stations were transformed into Beyblade* battle arenas yesterday as the one-day “Speed on Rails – Beyblade Tournament” brought competitions and interactive activities to passengers and visitors alike during the summer holidays.
Organised by Macao Light Rapid Transit Corporation, Limited (MLM) in collaboration with local toy company SWAP, the event ran from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. across several LRT stations, with Barra Station serving as the main venue.
According to generative AI chatbot Gemini, Beyblades are customised, battling spinning tops used in a competitive gear sport. Players launch their tops into a bowl-like “Beystadium” to clash, winning by outspinning the opponent, knocking the opposing top out of the arena, or causing it to “burst” apart.
The main Beyblade tournament was held within the paid area of Barra Station, featuring an Open Category as well as a Pairs Category for parent-child teams.
Six sessions were contested across the two categories, with first, second, and third places awarded in each. Winners of the Open Category sessions advanced to an ultimate showdown to compete for the overall championship.
Participants could also take part in the “Line Exploration” and Stamp Rally Challenge, according to a statement on MLM’s website. Visitors without their own Beyblades could purchase an Exploration Kit and travel to designated challenge stations along the Taipa Line to battle players and collect stamps for limited-edition souvenirs, the statement said.
A “Free Battle Zone” and themed booths were also set up at Barra Station, allowing attendees to engage in casual battles and interactive activities.
MLM noted that all competition and interactive zones were separated from passenger routes leading to the platforms. Additional staff members were deployed to manage passenger flow, ensuring LRT services continued to operate normally throughout the day.
The tournament formed part of MLM’s efforts to provide new leisure and travel experiences during the summer holidays, bringing interactive activities into LRT stations to encourage residents and visitors to explore the city’s light rail network.
*The name Beyblade is a linguistic blend (a portmanteau) that combines elements from both English and Japanese, reflecting the toy’s mechanics and cultural heritage. The first part of the name comes from “beigoma”, a traditional Japanese spinning top that dates back centuries. – Gemini
Young players prepare their Beyblades to face off during yesterday’s “Speed on Rails – Beyblade Tournament” in Barra. – Photos: Khalel Vallo
A close-up of Beyblades clashing inside a “Beystadium”
