Bandai Namco’s Tekken franchise has been a staple in the world of fighting games for 30 years, but recently, a new powerhouse has emerged on the scene – Pakistan. Players from Pakistan have been dominating the professional Tekken scene, with four of them currently in the top ten rankings.
The game’s director, Katsuhiro Harada, expressed his surprise at the sudden rise of Pakistani players, stating that their dominance “came out of nowhere.” Despite the game’s long history, Harada-san admitted that he had no idea how Tekken became so popular in Pakistan.
One of the standout players from Pakistan is Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique, who shot to fame after winning the 2019 EVO championship and went on to claim the title four more times. His success, along with that of other Pakistani players like Atif Butt, has solidified Pakistan’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the global Tekken scene.
At a recent tournament in London, players from around the world showcased their skills, highlighting the global popularity of Tekken. Harada-san, who has been with the series for three decades, expressed pride in how far the game has come but also lamented the lack of major rivals in the 3D fighting game genre.
As Tekken continues to captivate players and fans worldwide, the rise of Pakistani players serves as a testament to the game’s enduring appeal and the ever-evolving landscape of competitive gaming.
