As countless countries clashed in their qualification matches, the tournament was beginning to take shape.
Some nations had already secured their spots, their fighters proving themselves on the grand stage.
Others were still battling through, with intense matchups keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The media was in a frenzy.
While many acknowledged the flaws in the qualification system, most were willing to overlook them, it was, after all, the first of its kind. A historic event.
The hosting country, England, had officially qualified.
With entries in all four weight classes, their team looked strong, but it was their heavyweight division that stole the spotlight.
Their representative? The interim world champion.
A massive name.
A dangerous fighter.
The U.S. had also secured its place, with an expectedly stacked roster.