Add Beatmap Spotlights: Winter 2026 news post (ppy#14211)

* spotlights winter 2026 news post

* fix ci

* fix wikilinks

* Yasuho review

Co-authored-by: Yasuho <81361014+yasuhosu@users.noreply.github.com>

* grammar

Co-authored-by: iSlodinx <112963750+iSlodinxOsu@users.noreply.github.com>

* apply wala's suggestions

Co-authored-by: Walavouchey <36758269+Walavouchey@users.noreply.github.com>

* further review fixes

* proper mania nominator

Co-authored-by: Rurvker <56502424+Rurvker@users.noreply.github.com>

* redate

* move banner to proper folder

* redate further

---------

Co-authored-by: Yasuho <81361014+yasuhosu@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: iSlodinx <112963750+iSlodinxOsu@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: Walavouchey <36758269+Walavouchey@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: Rurvker <56502424+Rurvker@users.noreply.github.com>

Author: 5 people

news/2026/2026-01-20-beatmap-spotlights-winter-2026.md

@@ -0,0 +1,200 @@
+---
+layout: post
+title: "Beatmap Spotlights: Winter 2026"
+date: 2026-01-20 23:45:00 +0000
+series: beatmap_spotlights
+---
+
+With a happy new year, there is a happy new season of Beatmap Spotlights! Catch up on the latest news and check out a brand-new selection of beatmaps for you to compete on.
+
+![](/wiki/shared/news/banners/beatmap-spotlights-new.jpg)
+
+The **Beatmap Spotlights Curators** went above and beyond again to put together a fantastic range of the most popular and highly anticipated beatmaps of the season. Get ready to compete for the highest placement in the seasonal rankings and dance away the cold winter days in the newly opened Beatmap Spotlights arena!
+
+### Changes
+
+We want to introduce changes to the playlist score multipliers this season.
+
+#### Playlist score multipliers
+
+In the previous seasons, best scores of each playlist for each user ordered from highest to lowest would get multiplied by 1, 0.75, and 0.5 respectively, summing into seasonal total score. After careful consideration and listening to the feedback from the community, we have decided to tweak the multipliers to **1/0.9/0.8** starting this season. This will give you more of an incentive to play all three playlists and also reward players with the widest skill sets.
+
+## How do I participate in the Beatmap Spotlights League? {id=how-to-participate}
+
+To be able to participate in the Beatmap Spotlights playlists, grab yourself the latest version of the [osu!(lazer) client](https://osu.ppy.sh/home/download).
+
+Once you're done installing and logging into your account, head over to the `playlists` tab in the `play` section and find the Beatmap Spotlight lobbies, denoted by a little green `Spotlights` indicator. You can also toggle the filter to show only Beatmap Spotlight playlists in the top-right corner.
+
+Changing game modes is as simple as clicking one of the four mode icons at the top left of your screen — it'll be whatever game mode you played last on osu!(lazer) by default.
+
+Once you have submitted a play on any of the beatmaps featured in the playlist, you will be able to check your placement in the seasonal rankings, as well as enjoy your shiny assigned division badge at the top of your user profile.
+
+Check out the respective game mode seasonal rankings:
+
+- [osu!](https://osu.ppy.sh/seasons/54)
+- [osu!taiko](https://osu.ppy.sh/seasons/55)
+- [osu!catch](https://osu.ppy.sh/seasons/56)
+- [osu!mania](https://osu.ppy.sh/seasons/57)
+
+## Season schedule
+
+| Event | Time |
+| --: | :-- |
+| Season start | Jan 20, 2026 |
+| Playlist A | Jan 20 – Feb 3, 2026 |
+| Playlist B | Feb 3 – Feb 17, 2026 |
+| Playlist C | Feb 17 – Mar 3, 2026 |
+| Playlist A | Mar 3 – Mar 10, 2026 |
+| Playlist B | Mar 10 – Mar 17, 2026 |
+| Playlist C | Mar 17 – Mar 24, 2026 |
+| Season conclusion | Mar 24, 2026 |
+
+## Winter Season 2026 first playlists {id=playlists}
+
+The preview videos for each of the playlists were provided by [Noffy](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/1541323).
+
+### ![](/wiki/shared/mode/osu.png) osu! (led by [Lefafel](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/2295850))
+
+#### Beatmap of the Season - Curators' Pick
+
+[![](/wiki/shared/news/2026-01-20-beatmap-spotlights-winter-2026/2301567.jpg)](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2301567#osu/4918832)
+
+**[SHIKI - Angelic layer (Kurubukko Remix) \[Astral Voyager\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2301567#osu/4918832)**, created by [Lince Cosmico](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/6070370)\
+*primarily suggested and described by [Boolin](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/10664409)*
+
+We're kicking off this season in style with [Lince Cosmico's](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/6070370) map of [Angelic layer (Kurubukko Remix) by SHIKI](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2301567#osu/4918832)!
+
+Lince Cosmico's clean aesthetics and masterful playfield usage, combined with impeccable hitsounds by [TtmnZk](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/2495509) and a gorgeous [tochiii](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/3664366) storyboard, form an absolute spectacle of a map. Their contributions complement each other perfectly, fully immersing players in an unforgettable journey through the stars. It's a one-of-a-kind experience and a labour of love from start to finish.
+
+#### Playlist A
+
+<div align="center">
+  <video width="95%" controls>
+    <source src="https://assets.ppy.sh/media/news/spotlights-winter-2026-osu.mp4" type="video/mp4" preload="none">
+  </video>
+</div>
+
+- [Susumu Hirasawa - Seh Le Mao (an3) \[Hard\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2323459#osu/5107690), suggested by [Ryuusei Aika](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/7777875)
+- [MYUKKE. - Unknown Amnasia (captin1) \[Aeril's Hard\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2047990#osu/4459542), suggested by [Wispy](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/11106929)
+- [TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE - Strawberry Float (foss) \[Goodbye My Sweet Days\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/1984823#osu/4122399), suggested by [Boolin](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/10664409)
+- [KNOWER - The Abyss (Wispy) \[Light Insane\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2005387#osu/5098776), suggested by [DigitalHypno](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/4384207)
+- [WangleLine - Journey to the Rabbit Moon Base (tatemae) \[Insane\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2325809#osu/4985482), suggested by [Riot](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/4256461)
+- [SHIKI - Angelic layer (Kurubukko Remix) (Lince Cosmico) \[Astral Voyager\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2301567#osu/4918832), suggested by [Boolin](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/10664409)
+- [BEMANI Sound Team "Sota Fujimori" - OZONE (Feiri) \[Expert\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/1466924#osu/3647284), suggested by [KnightC0re](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/7894340)
+- [Sohta - Hanakanzashi (rollpan) \[Extreme\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/1300823#osu/4860096), suggested by [Lefafel](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/2295850)
+- [Transcend - Eons (Original Mix) (Atlust) \[2083\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2370012#osu/5113949), suggested by [zekk](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/9704802)
+
+### ![](/wiki/shared/mode/taiko.png) osu!taiko (led by [Yasuho](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/8458835))
+
+#### Beatmap of the Season - Curators' Pick
+
+[![](/wiki/shared/news/2026-01-20-beatmap-spotlights-winter-2026/2343891.jpg)](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2343891#taiko/5038601)
+
+**[Slax - Body to the Drum \[Taiko to the Beat\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2343891#taiko/5038601)**, created by [Waribashi](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/2250574) and [ler1211](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/19901680)\
+*primarily suggested and described by [nevqr](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/14269506)*\
+
+Over the past few years, [Slax](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmaps/artists/465) has practically become a household name in the osu!taiko community, and when he was tasked with making an osu! original for the [osu!taiko World Cup 2025](/wiki/Tournaments/TWC/2025), he definitely delivered.
+
+[Body to the Drum](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2343891#taiko/5038601) is made by none other than [ler1211](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/19901680). If you're familiar with traditional taiko tournament slots, NM1 is the name of the game. Prepare yourself for an absolute bundle of consistency, offbeat doublets, even-numbered patterns that will keep you on your toes (or fingers, in this case!), and, last but not least, streams coming right at you at 230 BPM! All while listening to an absolute banger of a track.
+
+So what's the hold-up? Go try out the map and move your body to the drum to keep yourself warm during this chilly winter season!
+
+#### Playlist A
+
+<div align="center">
+  <video width="95%" controls>
+    <source src="https://assets.ppy.sh/media/news/spotlights-winter-2026-taiko.mp4" type="video/mp4" preload="none">
+  </video>
+</div>
+
+- [Zenpaku - Enkindle feat. vally.exe (iceOC) \[Muzukashii\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2264410#taiko/4820812), suggested by [nevqr](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/14269506)
+- [Getty - DON (\_Rise) \[Oni\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2364974#taiko/5099888), suggested by [nevqr](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/14269506)
+- [Olivia Rodrigo - ballad of a homeschooled girl (Boaz) \[social suicide\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2298265#taiko/5030077), suggested by [nevqr](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/14269506)
+- [Dz'Xa - Izumi 7983 (Jaltzu) \[Oni\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2368134#taiko/5108588), suggested by [nevqr](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/14269506)
+- [Yuaru - Streaming Heart (KyeX) \[ler's Oni\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/1886394#taiko/3884331), suggested by [Yasuho](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/8458835)
+- [RefraQ & Vorso - Biomes (Cut Ver.) (\_gt) \[Madness Beyond the Cosmos\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2365924#taiko/5102120), suggested by [nevqr](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/14269506)
+- [Slax - Body to the Drum (ler1211) \[Taiko to the Beat\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2343891#taiko/5038601), suggested by [nevqr](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/14269506)
+- [trailmix37 - Conviction (davidminh0111) \[Judgement\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2325087#taiko/4983744), suggested by [nevqr](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/14269506)
+- [Ado - Shinjinrui (gaston\_2199) \[:monkey:\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2042400#taiko/4261775), suggested by [nevqr](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/14269506)
+
+### ![](/wiki/shared/mode/catch.png) osu!catch (led by [SadEgg](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/10278243))
+
+#### Beatmap of the Season - Curators' Pick
+
+[![](/wiki/shared/news/2026-01-20-beatmap-spotlights-winter-2026/2337191.jpg)](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2337191#fruits/5018068)
+
+**[Polyphia - Ego Death feat. Steve Vai \[Lost Sense of Personal Identity\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2337191#fruits/5018068)**, created by [AnApple7](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/12567935)\
+*primarily suggested by [Morusya](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13681464)*\
+*described by [SadEgg](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/10278243)*
+
+Polyphia's "Ego Death" presents precise, powerful polyrhythmic patterns produced purely punishing, persistent patterns; providing pure pain. AnApple provides a polished, playful, and pleasing perspective.
+
+Sorry, the letter P had gotten stuck there, BUT what was said is pretty much true. Out of the few maps that pass through our radar, there are ones that show clear signs of uniqueness that are hard to implement easily or correctly (or at all). AnApple went a step further and has brought control movement theory into a whole new category, which came not just as a surprise, but a welcome one at that.
+
+#### Playlist A
+
+<div align="center">
+  <video width="95%" controls>
+    <source src="https://assets.ppy.sh/media/news/spotlights-winter-2026-catch.mp4" type="video/mp4" preload="none">
+  </video>
+</div>
+
+- [kre4tive feat. Kasane Teto SV - Iwashi ga Tsuchi kara Haete Kurunda (FruktoLove) \[Platter\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2367874#fruits/5119153), suggested by [Morusya](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13681464)
+- [Ado - Odo (Deif) \[ZiRoX's Platter\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2257724#fruits/5099645), suggested by [Morusya](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13681464)
+- [isheika - Obnimat' tebya (Victoria-) \[lacrima's rain\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2255512#fruits/5008124), suggested by [Morusya](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13681464)
+- [Koragen - Tamabashi (FruktoLove) \[Bridge\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2323342#fruits/4978781), suggested by [Realmaas](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/6567640)
+- [Yorushika - Plagiarism (Crowley) \[katsuragi and crowley's rain.\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2294499#fruits/5111738), suggested by [SadEgg](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/10278243)
+- [Ito Kanako - Fatima (Deif) \[Paradox\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2391605#fruits/5177384), suggested by [Nelly](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/4741164)
+- [Polyphia - Ego Death feat. Steve Vai (AnApple7) \[Lost Sense of Personal Identity\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2337191#fruits/5018068), suggested by [Morusya](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13681464)
+- [Mago de Oz - Xanandra (Jack Frost) \[Un ultimo Beso\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2346498#fruits/5094144), suggested by [Nelly](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/4741164)
+- [siraph - Jikan wa Tsugu (Spectator) \[Irregular\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2361461#fruits/5089714), suggested by [Morusya](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13681464)
+
+### ![](/wiki/shared/mode/mania.png) osu!mania (led by [Maxus](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/4335785))
+
+#### Beatmap of the Season - Curators' Pick
+
+[![](/wiki/shared/news/2026-01-16-beatmap-spotlights-winter-2026/2129944.jpg)](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2129944#mania/4478878)
+
+**[Dustvoxx, Loctek - Labyrinth of Mind \[\[7K\] Diffusion\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2129944#mania/4478878)**, created by [tyrcs](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13026904)\
+*primarily suggested and described by [Seulgi](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/4918394)*
+
+The beatmap selected for this season's Curators' Pick was created through the collaboration of composers [Dustvoxx and Loctek](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmaps/artists/386), whose music sets listeners' hearts racing, and mapper [tyrcs](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13026904), known for crafting fantastic charts built upon top-level playability.
+
+Above all, this chart challenges players with an unending flow of rice patterns over the course of five minutes, demanding extreme finger independence, technical proficiency, and stamina. Chaotic music and immersive patterning persist throughout the entire chart, where you get to feel an intense buildup of notes that is maintained from the first kiai all the way to the very end.
+
+This chart was included in the mappool for the [osu!mania 7K Chinese National Cup 2024](/wiki/Tournaments/MCNC/7K2024) Finals. While it was not played on match day, its inclusion in a Finals-level mappool speaks for the chart's quality.
+
+With its demanding structure and sustained intensity, this chart stands as a fitting representation of the season. Players looking for a true test of control and endurance will find a deeply rewarding experience from start to finish, and we are pleased to present it as this season's Beatmap of the Season.
+
+#### Playlist A
+
+<div align="center">
+  <video width="95%" controls>
+    <source src="https://assets.ppy.sh/media/news/spotlights-winter-2026-mania.mp4" type="video/mp4" preload="none">
+  </video>
+</div>
+
+- [NANAOAKARI - Ashita no Watashi ni Sachi Are (Kurisu Makise) \[\[9K\] Hyper\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2355814#mania/5108059), suggested by [Rurvker](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/24526335)
+- [Laur - Viyella's Tears (MrMoai) \[\[4K\] ADVANCED\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2211311#mania/4684358), suggested by [Carpihat](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/10085090)
+- [Sangatsu no Phantasia - Golden Ray (ababa) \[\[4K\] Sunshine\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2326852#mania/4988268), suggested by [Yuiesta](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13953619)
+- [rejection - Calling (osu! edit) (svKona) \[\[4K\] Response\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2280366#mania/4861102), suggested by [Yuiesta](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13953619)
+- [pan - Pastel Sprinkles (Syrion-) \[\[7K\] Another\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2155333#mania/4545517), suggested by [Seulgi](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/4918394)
+- [Chappell Roan - Good Luck, Babe! (guden) \[\[4K\] Lights, Camera, Action!\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2284083#mania/4871228), suggested by [Muse Dash](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13695676)
+- [Junk - Life is PIANO (6XvX7) \[\[6K\] Life is MANIA\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2290237#mania/4888214), suggested by [Antalf](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/8793773)
+- [Lime - Aurora (-NoName-) \[\[7K\] Expert\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2375072#mania/5129645), suggested by [Carpihat](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/10085090)
+- [Dustvoxx, Loctek - Labyrinth of Mind (tyrcs) \[\[7K\] Diffusion\]](https://osu.ppy.sh/beatmapsets/2129944#mania/4478878), suggested by [Seulgi](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/4918394)
+
+## Inside the Spotlights Team
+
+This season, we'd like to say farewell to two of the Spotlights Team Curators. Thanks for your hard efforts towards making Beatmap Spotlights a better project!
+
+- **osu!catch**: [Morusya](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/13681464)
+- **osu!taiko**: [Horiiizon](https://osu.ppy.sh/users/8071438)
+
+---
+
+Join the [osu! Discord server](https://discord.com/invite/ppy) and head over to `#osu-spotlights` to talk about everything related to Beatmap Spotlights. You can also opt in to receive updates about seasons, playlists, and general announcements by assigning yourself the appropriate ping role in the `#welcome` channel. Additionally, you can find out more about the [Beatmap Spotlights](/wiki/Beatmap_Spotlights) on the osu! wiki.
+
+See you in the playlist lobbies!
+
+—the Spotlights Team