What Is 2011 Best of the Super Juniors

Overview

The 2011 Best of the Super Juniors was the 18th edition of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's annual round-robin tournament for junior heavyweight wrestlers. Held between May 28 and June 11, it showcased some of the top high-flying and technical talent in the division, drawing widespread attention from puroresu fans globally.

This year's format included 10 competitors split into two blocks of five, with each wrestler facing all others in their block. Points were awarded based on match outcomes—2 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss—and the top point-earner from each block advanced to the final.

• Prince Devitt emerged victorious by winning Block A with a record of 4 wins and 1 loss, demonstrating consistent in-ring dominance throughout the tournament.
• Ryusuke Taguchi claimed victory in Block B, also finishing with 4 wins and 1 loss, setting up an all-NOAH vs. TNA-influenced final showdown.
• The tournament began on May 28, 2011, with matches held across multiple Japanese cities including Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo, culminating in the final at Korakuen Hall.
• Devitt defeated Taguchi in the final on June 11, 2011, marking his first Best of the Super Juniors win and establishing him as a top-tier junior heavyweight.
• As tournament winner, Devitt earned a future title opportunity for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, a key storyline prize in NJPW.

How It Works

The Best of the Super Juniors is structured as a round-robin tournament, where wrestlers compete within blocks and accumulate points based on match results. The top finishers from each block face off in a final to determine the overall champion.

• Round-Robin Format: Each wrestler faces every other competitor in their block once. Wins earn 2 points, draws earn 1, and losses earn 0, ensuring a fair ranking system.
• Block Division: The 10 participants were split into Block A and Block B, each with five wrestlers, minimizing match fatigue while maintaining competitive balance.
• Scoring System: Points determine block standings; in case of a tie, head-to-head results or time limits are used as tiebreakers to decide advancement.
• Final Match: The winners of each block meet in a single-elimination final, held on June 11, to crown the tournament champion and award a title shot.
• Championship Incentive: The winner receives a future opportunity for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, making it a career-defining event for junior competitors.
• International Talent: The 2011 edition included wrestlers from promotions like TNA and NOAH, highlighting NJPW’s growing international collaborations during this era.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key participants in the 2011 Best of the Super Juniors, showing block, record, and outcome:

The standings reflect a tightly contested field, with only one loss separating top performers. Prince Devitt’s victory signaled a shift toward younger, international-influenced talent in NJPW’s junior division.

Why It Matters

The 2011 Best of the Super Juniors had lasting implications for NJPW’s junior heavyweight scene and helped shape future storylines. It elevated Prince Devitt into main-event status and reinforced the tournament’s prestige.

• Devitt’s breakthrough win positioned him as a top contender, leading to his eventual IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship reign later in 2011.
• The tournament highlighted increased international participation, with talent from TNA and NOAH adding depth and global appeal.
• It showcased the technical and high-flying style of junior heavyweights, reinforcing NJPW’s commitment to in-ring excellence.
• TV broadcasts and online streaming expanded the event’s reach, contributing to rising global interest in puroresu during the early 2010s.
• The format served as a model for future tournaments, influencing how NJPW structures seasonal events like G1 Climax.
• Taguchi’s strong performance reinforced his status as a fan favorite and key figure in NJPW’s junior division development.

Overall, the 2011 edition remains a pivotal moment in NJPW history, marking the rise of a new generation of junior stars.