Rugal Bernstein

Rugal Bernstein
The King of Fighters character
Rugal as seen in the King of Fighters All Star
First game	The King of Fighters '94 (1994)
Designed by	Shinichi Morioka[1]
Voiced by	Various Toshimitsu Arai (KOF '94-98, Capcom vs. SNK series, KOF 2002: Unlimited Match, KOF Sky Stage, Neo Geo Heroes: Ultimate Shooting, Metal Slug Defense)[2] Norio Wakamoto (KOF 2002) Banjō Ginga (Dengeki Bunko Drama CD) Tsuguo Mogami (KOF: Destiny onwards)
Portrayed by	Ray Park
In-universe information
Fighting style	Hybrid martial arts (mastered numerous martial art styles)
Origin	Germany
Nationality	German

Rugal Bernstein (Japanese: ルガール・バーンシュタイン, Hepburn: Rugāru Bānshutain) is a video game character created by SNK. First introduced in The King of Fighters '94, he is a recurring boss in The King of Fighters fighting game series, appearing in some titles as an enhanced version called Omega Rugal (オメガ・ルガール, Omega Rugāru). As the host of the tournaments from The King of Fighters '94 and '95, Rugal plans to turn all the competitors from the tournament into stone statues as part of his collection. Despite his death in '95, Rugal is still featured in The King of Fighters titles which do not contain a storyline (nicknamed "Dream Matches"). He has also been featured in the Capcom vs. SNK series as a boss character.

His character has also appeared in other media related to The King of Fighters franchise, including comic adaptations and The King of Fighters live-action film, and portrayed by British martial arts actor Ray Park. As the first boss character from The King of Fighters, the SNK staff created him to be one of the most difficult characters to defeat. His Omega Rugal form from '95 has been noted by the staff to be their favorite boss to the point they added him in the Dream Match titles. Publications for video games and other media have provided praise and criticism for Rugal's character.