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Team Vitality has locked in one of the Fighting Game Community’s brightest stars for the long haul. South Korean Tekken 8 pro Jeon “Jeondding” Sang-hyun has officially renewed his contract with the organisation until 2030, marking the longest deal ever signed in fighting game history.

The announcement came via Team Vitality’s official channels, playfully teasing the multi-year extension by crossing out 2027, 2028, and 2029 before landing on the year 2030. It’s a rare sight in esports, let alone in the FGC, where most player contracts are short-term and tied to individual tournament cycles.

Setting a New Standard for the FGC

Jeondding’s new contract is unprecedented in the world of fighting games, where financial stability and long-term organisational backing are often hard to come by. Fighting game pros typically operate as solo competitors, with no franchising model like League of Legends or Counter-Strike to guarantee exposure or stability.

But Jeondding isn’t just any player. Over the years, he’s built a reputation not only for his skill but also for his charisma and showmanship, a blend that has made him one of the most recognisable figures in Tekken. He’s consistently placed in top brackets at major tournaments worldwide, including a fourth-place finish at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, where he earned $50,000 NZD in prize money.

Team Vitality’s Corporate Director of Global Operations, Danny Engels, said the organisation’s faith in Jeondding runs deep.

“Securing such a long-term commitment in esports is something truly special,” Engels said in a press release. “It speaks volumes about the absolute trust we have in Jeondding, both as a player and as a person. His attitude, dedication, and the way he embodies the DNA of Team Vitality make this partnership feel natural and inspiring.”

A Year of Consistency and Commitment

Jeondding’s 2025 season has been one of steady consistency. He’s placed runner-up at both Ultimate Fighting Arena 2025 and The MIXUP, while competing in more than a dozen qualifiers and events across the globe. Despite not lifting a trophy this year, his relentless activity and performance have cemented his place among the world’s elite Tekken 8 competitors.

His next big challenge will be EVO Nice 2025 in France, taking place from October 10 to 12, where he’ll join 256 players competing for a share of the €18,481 prize pool and valuable Tekken World Tour points.

The Face of Vitality’s Fighting Game Division

Jeondding has become the cornerstone of Team Vitality’s fighting game division, representing the brand on international stages and helping bridge the gap between Western and Asian FGC audiences. His presence extends beyond Tekken 8, he’s also competed in Street Fighter 6, Street Fighter V, and even older titles like Tekken Tag Tournament 2.

The magnitude of his extension even invites comparisons to esports legends like Faker, who is signed with T1 until 2029. For Jeondding to receive a similar level of commitment shows just how valuable he has become, both competitively and commercially.

As fighting games continue to rise in popularity thanks to titles like Tekken 8 and the Esports World Cup spotlight, Jeondding’s historic contract could pave the way for a more stable and professional future for the FGC.

Team Vitality’s message says it all, Jeondding isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.