Marblearth is now five years into the “Revolution in Marble Racing.” In that time, Marbula One went from a wild idea from Jelle’s Marble Runs to a global phenomenon viewed by millions.

As M1’s viewership shows, circuit racing was never as boring as “random marbles race around in circles.” When 20 teams at the highest level compete together, it is a sport full of hard contact and striking overtakes. Those who excel in the Marbula Championships are not just fast or strategic athletes: They also possess an elite mindset that steadies itself in spite of failures.

Some racers on the track have fought in all five seasons, personalities we have grown to love and hate. Others just started out or are still reeling from the attention after a breakthrough season. As much as one Grand Prix win can bring fame, a lack of consistency also dooms one to bad press and struggles within oneself.

What unites all these 40 racers, though, is a passion that did not fade away. They take on the track for a chance to win – to record their name in history. Project Marblearth looks back at where they come from, along with their hopes going forward.

Balls of Chaos

Anarchy: “The Revolutionary”

Were a team named after Chaos really going to keep the same roster four years in a row? That, at least, is how the Balls of Chaos fanbase made sense of their star racer Clutter’s indefinite leave from Marbula racing. Jumping into the fray was Anarchy, the team’s previous captain. In the years since a poor showing in Season 1, they have contested more racing events across Marble Leagues; last year, they can count on a Showdown podium in their name. We shall see if Anarchy’s experience will help them stay collected on the racetrack.

Disarray: “Scrambler Sphere”

The official reason for Tumult’s departure was to prioritize their team captaincy, after swearing they would eat a bug if the team cannot qualify for Marble League 2024. Replacing Tumult was Disarray, now two years into their promotion from reserve. While their racing record is unremarkable, Disarray earned a second look from the team after strong Marble League duo performances. Now Disarray’s fellow teammates praise them for their sense of teamwork, and the rookie was spotted practicing late into the night at the Tumult Turnpike. There’s no doubt this new racer is hungry to prove themself to the world.

Bumblebees

Bumble: “Unbeelievable”

Bumble buzzed into M1 with a strong first impression, netting two fourth places in a row. Although they’ve struggled with consistency since then, their flashes of brilliance – such as their silver in Casino Square – have kept them finishing top half in the racer’s championship. On the other hand, Bumble’s string of good results have left their teammates in their shadow and left themselves to cycle through a new racing partner in almost every season they’ve been in. This time, they are once again accompanied by Stinger, and Bumble is thankful for their wisdom and support as they fly towards Season 5 together.

Stinger: “The Pincher”

Stinger and Bumble’s contrasting uniforms belie a lengthy history between them. First as rivals, then as colleagues, and now as friends and teammates, Stinger became Bumble’s most recent racing partner last season. Now that all of the post-merger Bumblebees have participated in M1, the former Hornets captain is the one returning to Season 5 despite their uninspiring showing in Season 4, where they finished 38th individually. While they’re apprehensive about where they’ll place in the standings this time, for the time being they’re determined to make good use of their newly-gained racing experience for their second chance at M1. 

Crazy Cat’s Eyes

Red Eye: “Crimson Cat”

Red Eye is certainly the most decorated racer in M1 history, and the stats don’t lie: the accolades of most race wins, race podiums, and pole starts rest tightly in their iron grip. The biggest and brightest jewel on their crown is without a doubt their repeat individual titles from Seasons 2 and 3, but it’s not all perfection – for they failed to complete a threepeat after a single poor race that not even four medals could remedy. While they ended up finishing third, ML23’s Most Valuable Marble comes into this season with a vengeance they seldom know; it’s hard to not feel that way when someone takes away what you believe to be rightfully yours.

Yellow Eye: “Flashy Feline”

What’s the deal with Yellow Eye? The third place finisher in Season 2 suffered a slight drop in performance in the S3 – a drop too severe for White Eye, or at least that’s the prevailing theory. Rookie racer Blue Eye took their spot after Yellow Eye voluntarily resigned following their sophomore season, though some believe it wasn’t that voluntary given their usage as a scapegoat for denying CCE a repeat. The only thing that’s known about Yellow Eye this season is that they look to be in good spirits for helping their legendary partner claw the team up the standings in hopes that they’ll be the next team to win both the Marble League and M1 in consecutive blows.

Green Ducks

Mallard: “Captain Canard”

A memorable mishap from Mallard at Momotorway to lose a gold in Season 1 has perhaps come to define the tone of their Marbula 1 career; so close, yet so far. Almost four years later and Mallard is still chasing that elusive top podium step. That doesn’t mean they have nothing to offer the Ducks, though; now the only racer to have placed in the top ten individuals every single season since S1, Mallard is known for consistency, confident overtaking, and competitive drive. Only time will tell whether this year will see that commitment finally translated into gold. 

Billy: “The Kid”

More subdued in personality and less successful in M1 overall, Billy has always lived somewhat in the shadow of their twin. Last season’s weak showing also saw them fail to maintain their famous one-per-season gold streak, and sparked rumors of an incoming replacement. But family bonds held strong and Billy is back for the season, hoping to translate promising pole positions into potential podiums and redeem themself for the performance which contributed to the Green Ducks’ worst M1 season ever. It’s not all about performance, though – Billy has long been known as Mallard’s biggest fan and supporter, and the bond between the two and parent Bombay keeps the squad in solid formation. 

Hazers

Cloudy: “Silver Lining”

Coming off of a controversial decision to replace both racers in the Hazers roster, Cloudy quickly made a name for themself among the top athletes in circuit racing with their showstopping rookie season. The former reserve had spent years away from the spotlight before being promoted to the main team, but when called to Marbula One they immediately delivered, scoring their maiden victory in their debut race and an overall silver in the racer’s championship in their first season. Though their true feelings on their now-high expectations remain a mystery, for this season they’re cheerfully optimistic about the championship that eluded them last time.

Misty: “Mistical”

While they were overshadowed by their teammate’s more successful debut, Misty’s rookie season was not without merits, earning a bronze and supporting Cloudy to return the Hazers to their usual racing reputation. Unfortunately, they are perhaps more infamous for their slip-up in the final race of Season 4, failing to secure the podium in the overall team championship and continuing a notorious streak of poor finale results and missed podiums for the Hazers. Nevertheless, they have returned this season with a renewed confidence not just as a racer but as a captain, determined to redeem themselves and lead the team to a long-awaited victory. 

Kobalts

Royal: “Regal Marine”

Royal’s entry into M1 during S3 could be best described as an aftershock that followed the Crazy Cat’s Eyes’ S2-era radical shakeup of the competition. Replacing ex-captain Azure on the team’s roster, Royal raced relentlessly and excelled immediately, bagging several medals and even seizing the chance to be the decider at Mirage Meowntain’s O’rangers vs CCE battle for the season win. Season 4 saw them ever-so-slightly off their game in the latter half, whiffing their shot at the individual podium with a poor Casino Square performance, and that consistency issue is what Royal will have to grapple with if they want to make their third as good as their first. 

Cerulean: “Natural 27”

Not all stars that shine bright shine the brightest. Such is true in the case of Cerulean, who was a promising first racer for the Kobalts before Royal’s introduction stole the spotlight from under them. Still, Cerulean has made a name for themself over their years of competition, most notably with two medals in Season 2, and even if they’re criticized for not living up to the lofty ideals set for them by their teammate, they race not for the public’s approval but for the Kobalts, Zuro, and themself. 

Limers 

Slimelime: “Slippery Sensation”

A strong showing in Marble Survival 100 has earned Slimelime a ticket on the Limers roster for Season 5, replacing “Double Trouble” Limelime. Though they’ve yet to show their capabilities on the racetrack, their recent success has given them confidence even while they’re vastly outnumbered by racing veterans. To them, there’s plenty to look forward to, such as hosting Limelight Harbor with Lemonlime and the rest of the Limers, fighting the Raspberry Racers, and generally having an opportunity to prove to the rest of M1 that the Limers, despite their history, are more than what mere results suggest. 

Lemonlime: “Citrus Quickness”

The Limers have made their grand return to Marbula One after being absent from the competition for two seasons, and with them returns Lemonlime. Although some have cast doubt on their comeback, their expectations severely soured by Lemonlime’s 39^th in S2, a lot has changed since then, and that’s more than enough reason for them to make another earnest attempt at the racetrack. Spurred on by a new coach, a new track, a new racing partner, and a new chance, Lemonlime’s S5 entry is their fresh start at M1, and they’re here to make the most of it.  

Mellow Yellow 

Yellow: “The Big Cheese”

After eight years at the highest level, Yellow remains known as Marblearth’s best sprinter. They have a Marble League-leading four gold medals, all in racing events and three of which being in the 5 Meter Sprint. Their mediocre Marbula One record comes down to a transition they never landed: going from racing with explosive energy to a style requiring endurance and tactics. With that said, the Mellow Yellow captain is more visible and confident than ever going into Season 5.

Yellup: “The Golden One”

Unlike their Marbula One teammate, Yellup’s race record in circuit racing has seen wild swings. To a casual fan who only watches Marbula One race highlights,  Yellup is known for flying off of the Season 2 Aquamaring track. Thankfully for the sport, Yellup refused to “stay gone” after that incident, sealing the ML championship for their team on the Marblocross track. While they kept a low profile after 2022, Yellup has resurfaced as they practice side by side with Yellow. On social media, they’ve repeated a new motto: “Once you get me going, watch and see.”

Midnight Wisps 

Wispy: “Threat Level Wisp”

Compared to their rookie teammate, Wispy knows a thing or three about M1, having been in all seasons except the last. Their performances across their career could be summed up in one word: erratic. A poor first season was followed by being the highest-placing racer without a medal in the next, and that was followed by being rather unnoticed outside of a bronze in their last outing. This go-around, the former captain is hoping for consistent success to avoid a team last place repeat. Having placed well in the ML23 Honeydome race with some laps led to their name, Wispy is confident in that race only being a preview of what’s to come this time.

Wespy: “Moonlit Maverick”

Wespy comes into this season as one of five racers to have never touched the circuit. The newly-appointed captain doesn’t seem all that bothered about it, though; at least that’s what can be assumed from sporadic comments where they mention completely trusting Wispy’s judgment as their racing partner. There may be reason to be skeptical of their inclusion after their underwhelming ML23 individual event results, but there is just as much room for optimism after they managed to lead the Wisps to a top-half finish that same season, and show the world flashes of their 2018 brilliance once more; though if they can repeat the feat in M1 is left to be seen.

Oceanics

Nereid: “Stormchaser”

A withdrawn yet adventurous marble, Nereid is already a well-known personality even before they joined the Oceanics. They were known as the Oceanid Oracle on the internet for their knowledge of Marbles and Monoliths, and as a prominent member of the Oceanics organization, throughout their funding. After Bay and Aqua left, they were asked to join the team, and even M1, to showcase their talents. Despite the challenges of being a new member, they surpassed expectations by placing fifth individually in the Champion’s Sand Rally, showing just why they deserve to be in M1.

Siren: “Song of the Sea”

A famous idol worldwide, Siren is a recent addition to the Oceanics. Despite their origins being obscure, they made sure that they expressed everything about themselves through performance. Despite being known more for singing, they they also show their athleticism from time to time, evident from their dance routines and their showing in the Champion’s Sand Rally. Despite this, they were still attached to the free life of a performer. While they were first reluctant, they decided to join Nereid in M1 to show that they could ride the wave of opportunity to victory.

O’rangers

Orangin: “True Orange”

Prior to their introduction to the M1 circuit, the youngest O’Marble sibling was a relative unknown. It’s perhaps exactly this factor which has pushed them to prove themself – and prove themself they have, with a highly-charged performance at Electron Expressway and a stellar showing at the Stardust Accelerator being only the most recent jewels in their crown. In fact, throughout the entirety of the season, they never placed below tenth. Yet immense success brings with it a heavy yoke. Those with their nose to the O’rangers rumor mill tell tales of a hardened heart and a burdened, anxious competitor, constantly trying to live up to the family name. 

Clementin: “Our Darling”

Never let it be said that the way you start has to define how you continue. Clementin began Season 4 with back-to-back bottom-of-the-barrel results at both their home track and Sakura Garden, bringing the usually-united O’rangers fandom into disarray over their standing on the team, only to net the sibling duo their highest points haul of the entire season with a near-perfect showing at Misty Mountain. They were even able to secure an overall third-place with a fourth at Casino Square. This season, Orangin’s rowdy big sibling is determined to get off to a better start and keep the OOOOOOOO’s flowing from the stands. 

Pinkies 

Pinky Panther: “Funnel God”

No marble in recent memory has achieved a rise to stardom and recognizability quite like Pinky Panther’s. Contributions to the Pinkies’ solid 2020 and 2021 Showdown performances booked them a place on the M1S3 squad, but it was their incredible showing in ML22 that shot them – and the Pinkies – to the summit of glory. They haven’t achieved the same level of improvement in M1, only going from a 19th to a 13th in S4, but Pinky Panther has still been at the head of it, with their individual placement in 20th being their most promising asset heading into Season 5. 

Pinky Toe: “Perfect Pink”

After a season spent experimenting with Domino Bowling star Pinky Winky, team captain and Sand Rally expert Pinky Toe is back from Season 3. It’s under their command that the team has shown their drastic three-year improvement, though they buck the expected trend of the captain as first racer. Whether Pinky Toe can improve upon their disappointing first season is up in the air, and with Pinky Panther unlikely to carry the team, their ability to rise to the occasion will likely determine whether the Pinkies can stake out another season in the midpack. 

Raspberry Racers 

Razzy: “Rider in Rose”

Nobody has ever accused Razzy of giving up. Call it passion or stubbornness, it’s on Razzy’s authority as captain that the Raspberry Racers are back for another M1 season despite their disastrously poor showing in Season 4. It’s not that Razzy’s M1 outings have always gone horribly wrong – they were able to achieve a personal-best individual 20th in Season 2 – but fans and bystanders alike typically agree that horribly right is too much to hope for. Still, perhaps more out of love for the sport than anything, they’ll be giving it their all once more come Season 5. 

Ruzzy: “Nimble Thimble”

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a marble in possession of a great desire to race in Marbula One must be in want of a willing second racer. Since starting in 2020, Razzy’s options in that area have grown slim, and with all of the other Racers refusing, Ruzzy became their only choice. That the two are known to share a particularly deep mentor-protege relationship likely has something to do with Ruzzy’s willingness to come back – certainly more than their lackluster Season 2, which was only redeemed with a bronze at Arctic Circuit. Could this year be any better?

Savage Speeders

Speedy: “Speed Freak”

No story of Marbula One can be told without Speedy, who has captained their team to two season championships. Having faced everything in the sport from lead battles to an injury on the conveyor belt, there is little that Speedy’s mind cannot prepare for. Yet, Speedy has not had a Grand Prix win to their name since Season 2. The former Racer Champion, who fellow racers used to fear having to overtake, lacks that former aura. How will this M1 legend continue to surprise us as they face tougher and tougher challenges from a new generation?

Swifty: “Fearless”

While Coach Quickly avoids discussing it in depth, their decision to swap out Rapidly for Swifty had a huge payoff. Throughout Season 4 Marblearth saw the veteran Speeder in strong form, finishing eighth in the racer standings and scoring the team’s one win at the Greenstone GP. With the press more interested in them, Swifty is still happy to be a team player, in no hurry to praise their own greatness. Especially after bottom half performances in their ML23 individual events, Swifty has room in Season 5 to make an even bolder statement in marble sports. 

Snowballs 

Snowy: “Coldest Comet”

Snowy weather might light up the night, but the Snowballs as a team have always had a dark cloud above them, and no marble better exemplifies that than Snowy. When not struggling to qualify or contentiously removed from M1, the Snowballs’ iconic captain has had the misfortune of being just a single step behind glory twice now, landing just below Speedy in the Season 1 racers’ championship and Red Eye as ML23’s MVM. The weight of tumultuous fortunes has hardened Snowy’s heart; producing a marble both desperate to recapture their glory days and skeptical that it’s even worth it to try. 

Snowstorm: “The Unrelenting”

In Season 2, when they replaced the now-retired Snowflake as part of the Snowballs’ M1 duo, fans hoped Snowstorm would be able to make the team a fighting force in the team championship as well as the individuals. This misplaced optimism led to severe disappointment when Snowstorm landed in the bottom fourth individually and the Snowballs earned a team 12th, then were removed from M1. Their return in spite of this stormy past perhaps signals that internal issues with the team still prevail, with Snowy more willing to take a chance on their old friend than their newer teammates – regardless of the pressure it puts on Snowstorm. 

Team Galactic

Starry: “Ursa Superior”

Hushed voices whisper it in paranoid tones in darkened corridors of racetrack backrooms and dejected team meetings – Starry Syndrome, that most feared of conditions. A beloved and exceptional first racer indeliberately causing a less successful second racer to wither in their shadow is a punishing situation for any team, and Starry has been the former so often that most associate the dynamic with them. It hasn’t knocked Starry’s confidence, though, and they remain one of the most consistent and lauded racers on the field – perhaps the most successful to have never netted an individual podium. Can they change that this season?

Quasar: “Stellar Sidekick”

While Cosmo’s retirement following a disappointing Season 3 was considered almost inevitable, Quasar’s introduction to the Team Galactic roster in Season 4 was met with a certain reluctance amongst fans skeptical of the reserve’s merit. But Quasar demonstrated some serious racing chops after a rough start to the season, picking up a silver at home in their final race of the season, and put most of those doubts to rest. They even came closest of anyone to Starry’s performance in the season, a single step behind them in 14th individually. Still, it took two seasons for older sibling Pulsar to be replaced, so the pressure is on for Quasar to excel here and put an end to Team Galactic’s internal war for good. 

Team Momo

Momo: “Winning Dumpling”

Until recently, Momo has spent a majority of their M1 career in the shadow of their teammate, with season results ranging from somewhat forgettable outings to worth forgetting entirely. It wasn’t until their fourth season that the captain found sustained success – though success may be an understatement. A season of top-half consistency headlined by their maiden race victory led them to a summit few have reached at the top of the racer’s championship podium. The questions around Momo have taken on a new tune these days; what was once asking if they deserved to keep racing is now wondering if they can handle the expectations that come with defending their unlikely title.

Mimo: “First Reserve”

Mimo is inarguably best known for their heroic efforts to save Team Momo’s 2017 season, but over the course of four seasons they’ve made just as much of a name for themself on the circuit. In their first three outings they never returned home without a top half finish and a medal to go with it, but an uncharacteristically disappointing Season 4 saw this trend break with only barely missing the top half in a medalless season. After rumors of their M1 departure were laid to rest, Mimo hopes to return to championship-contending form; for both championship dreams and ensuring they never have to leave Momo’s side.

Team Plasma

Fearo: “Power Particle”

Team Plasma supporters joke that their team’s Marbula One duo should be called “The Fast and the Fearious.” Not because Fearo has a temper: it is just admitting Team Plasma’s captain seems to do everything at all times. Fearo was rarely seen practicing ahead of this season, as they were deep in preparations for the team’s ML qualification. They will lead the team off on the Tumult Turnpike, surely with some of the skill they showed at the start of Season 4. It all comes down to if Fearo will flare out again, or burst to even greater heights.

Ecto: “Full Charge”

With much of the responsibility for the day-to-day falling to Fearo, Ecto has become both the clear second-in-command and the team’s premier racer. They demonstrated Team Plasma’s capabilities at the O’raceway in Season 4 by netting a silver medal, and remained the most consistent of the pair going forward, but they too were ultimately not immune to what has been Team Plasma’s curse so far – the inability to keep consistent over a season’s length, whether that be in the Marble League or Marbula One. With a firmer, more assertive personality and racing style, will it fall to Ecto to save the team this season? 

Team Primary

Aryp: “Color Wheel”

Aryp has seen many changes since the last time they were in Marbula One – a promotion to captaincy before Marble League 2023 and a stint in JMR’s newest tournament, Marble Survival 100, where they finished fifth. The roster itself is also seeing a change – that it has remained for two seasons. Aryp and Rima shocked the crowd last time with their steady rise to the second step of the podium. Between the two of them, Aryp is known for being a consistent jack-of-all-trades racer. They have told themself that, rain or shine, they will enjoy this season. But coming off of such success, can they truly have no expectations?

Rima: “Rimarkable”

Rima’s first go-round in Marbula One wasn’t spectacular, finishing in 30th with three pointless races. On their second try last season, however, they showed much improvement. Their skillful overtaking was a sight to behold; at its most extreme, even after qualifying abysmally in Casino Square due to a sharp hit against the wall, Rima still managed to rise from 19th to 8th in eight and a half minutes of racing. A spitfire on and off the track, they are adored by fans, though they perhaps still sit in the shadow of their teammate. No matter what the case may be, they are determined to do their best once again.

Thunderbolts 

Bolt: “Mjölnir”

In life, there are few things as rare and precious as a second chance. And after a Season 4 that saw them last individually and the team only bailed out by a bronze from Thunder, few expected Bolt – or the Thunderbolts as a whole – to get one. But their racing pedigree from better seasons past seems to have come through for them on this year’s list of invites, and Bolt will be returning to the track with a mind to recoup the place amongst the greats they lost last year. 

Shock: “Gigawatt”

On the surface, Shock is a racer worthy of a return. They were the first to break any “Marbula host curse” with a silver at the S1 Short Circuit. Recently, they finished in the top 10 of Marble Survival 100. But unlike Captain Thunder’s relationship with fans, Shock is viewed by their fanbase as a heel: an athlete who is complacent and tries no more than they need to. We have thus heard little from this racer, apart from sightings where they exchange advice with Bolt. Credit to Shock for, at a distance, looking very demure and very mindful.

Credits

• Writers: Evolution, Fouc, Millim, Momoikkai, Steel, Toffeeshop
• Copyeditors/Editors: Evolution, Millim, Stynth, Phoenix
• Graphics Credits: Toffeeshop
• Release: 01/09/2024