Sanfrecce Hiroshima mascot Sancce was declared winner of the 2017 J.League Mascot Election on Saturday, marking his second victory in the annual poll.

Over 840,000 fan votes were cast, with 2016 winner Vegatta of Vegalta Sendai finishing in second and Renofa Yamaguchi mascot Renomaru earning a surprising third.

“General Manager Osamu Adachi told me I had to win to encourage our players, so I hope I’ve contributed to the team,” Sancce wrote in a statement. 

“I hope that through more media appearances I will be able to promote Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

“I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and my fellow mascots. Let’s have a great J.League season this year!”