Preview

With previous heavyweights losing eligibility, an exceptional crop of new characters, and K-ON facing backlash for last year's victory, the 2011 tournament could be dominated by fresh blood. Here's some of the strongest new challengers:

Ore no Imouto	Kirino, Kuroneko
My little sister can't be this likely to make the finals! Expect both of them to be top tier competitors. Some of the show's lesser characters, such as Ayase, Manami, and Saori will be relevant.
Ika Musume	Ika Musume
Much ink will be spent writing about Ika's invasion of the tournament. Her tentacles can reach deep into the later rounds - as deep as the sea itself. However, this show's supporting characters will be shrimp eaten in the first round, unless their matchups leave them swimming safely in the kiddy pool.
Ano Hana	Menma
Menma remembers that her wish was to win saimoe. She'll make a good attempt at it, but will she die before her time? Anaru might win a match or two.
Kore wa Zombie	Eucliwood Hellscythe
So moe that she can't speak for fear of causing heart attacks, Eu will be a tough competitor. Haruna will also show up.
Infinite Stratos	Charlotte, Cecilia, Laura
French Saimoe? Expect to see Charlotte in the finals. IS has a slew of other strong competitors, including Laura, Cecilia, Houki, and Lingyin. If IS fans vote as a bloc, they'll be one of the strongest factions in the tournament.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica	Madoka, Homura, Mami
Madoka has many things in common with Sakura Kinomoto. Soon, they may both have saimoe championships. Homura, who will keep resetting the tournament until Madoka wins, will use the practice to become a top tier competitor. Mami will get ahead of the pack, and Sayaka and Kyouko will benefit from coattail-riding. This is the faction to beat.

Other newcomers to look for: Erio (Denpa Onna), Elsie (The World God Only Knows), Merry (Yumekui Merry), Victorique de Blois (GOSICK), Sora (Yosuga no Sora), Rose (Dragon Crisis), Seitokai Yakuindomo, Amagami SS, Milky Holmes, Black Rock Shooter, A Channel, Nichijou, Dog Days, Hanasaku Iroha

Notable absences: Saki and Hayate no Gotoku, the shows that supplied three of the four quarterfinalists last year, and Working!! and Nanoha are ineligible.