Ninjas in Pyjamas have officially signed Meo-IL and entered the Tekken 8 esports scene, marking a fresh expansion for the long-standing Swedish organisation. The announcement confirms that NiP is stepping into competitive Tekken 8 with South Korean talent Oh ‘Meo-IL’ Dai-il leading the charge.

HE’S EXCITED, WE’RE EXCITED, YOU’RE EXCITED

Welcome @WaMEOIL1!

그가 신났어, 우리도 신났어 , 당신도 신났어

Meo-IL을 환영해요! pic.twitter.com/XddSXtqLDT

— Ninjas In Pyjamas (@NIP) February 18, 2026

The organisation shared the news on social media with a celebratory welcome message.

Ninjas In Pyjamas Expand Into Tekken 8

The move adds a new title to NiP’s competitive portfolio, which already spans Apex Legends, Rocket League, and League of Legends.

Meo-IL joins the organisation after a four-year stint with South Korean team SOOPers. During that time, he competed in Tekken 7 and later Tekken 8 tournaments around the world, building a reputation as one of the more consistent performers on the international stage.

His arrival also makes him the fifth member of NiP’s fighting games division. He joins players such as Joel ‘Juicyjoe’ Sundell and Arman ‘Phenom’ Hanjani, who represent the organisation in Street Fighter, further strengthening NiP’s presence in the FGC.

Meo-IL’s Recent Tournament Results

Throughout 2025, Meo-IL delivered several strong results at major Tekken 8 events. In May, he secured a top-six finish at EVO Japan, one of the most prestigious fighting game tournaments globally.

He followed that up with another top-six result at CEO, reinforcing his status among the world’s top Tekken competitors. Closing out the year, he once again finished sixth at the SOOP Super Tournament, consistently reaching the latter stages of competition.

After the signing was announced, Meo-IL shared his excitement on social media, writing, “I’m excited to join NiP. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. I will do my best to represent the team well.”

Tekken 8 Esports Continues To Grow In 2026

NiP’s move into Tekken 8 comes at a time when the title’s esports ecosystem is expanding. More organisations are entering the scene, drawn by rising viewership and increased publisher support.

Earlier this year, French organisation Team Vitality signed 16-year-old player Neia after the youngster placed 17th at Evo France, highlighting how teams are investing in emerging talent.

Tekken 8’s inclusion at the 2026 Esports World Cup has also boosted interest. The tournament will feature 32 players competing from August 4 to 7 for a $1 million prize pool, adding another major global platform for top players.

March will also see the launch of Tekken 8’s Season 3 update, bringing balance adjustments and changes to the Ranked system. With competitive formats evolving and new organisations stepping in, NiP’s entry signals that Tekken 8 is becoming an increasingly important battleground in the fighting game space.

For Ninjas in Pyjamas, signing Meo-IL is not just about adding a player, it is about planting a flag in one of the fastest-growing corners of esports right now.

The post Ninjas In Pyjamas Sign Meo-IL, Enter Tekken 8 Esports appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Team Vitality has officially added another rising star to its Fighting Games division, announcing the signing of French Tekken 8 talent Neia for the next two competitive seasons.

L’avenir de Tekken 8 est entre ses mains : la pépite française rejoint la ruche pour s’emparer du trône !

WELCOME @neiaa_tk 👑🐝 pic.twitter.com/mC7OK1S4Ta

— Team Vitality 🐝 (@TeamVitality) January 24, 2026

The move highlights both the organisation’s long-term focus on talent development and the arrival of a new generation of competitors in the Tekken scene, with Neia becoming one of the youngest players to join a top-tier European esports club.

A Breakout Year For A New Tekken Star

At just 16 years old, Neia has already made a strong impression across multiple major events in 2025. Known for her aggressive and creative Lili play, she first caught widespread attention during a Kayane Session at V.Hive, Team Vitality’s Paris headquarters, in June.

During the session, Neia defeated several high-level players, including a professional competitor, immediately turning heads within the French fighting game community. The moment marked the start of a rapid rise that continued throughout the year.

She followed up with a 13th-place finish at Ultimate Fighting Arena in Paris, before delivering her biggest result yet at EVO Nice, where she placed 17th out of more than 2,500 competitors worldwide. While representing French club BMS, Neia eliminated multiple international threats, including Tibetano, cementing her status as one of the scene’s most exciting prospects.

Her momentum carried into December, where she finished fourth at Galaxian Explosion, defeating Jodd in the top eight for her best competitive result to date.

From Discovery To Vitality Colours

Neia’s early breakthrough was closely linked to French champion and content creator Kayane, who discovered her during the June session and has since acted as a mentor.

After evaluating her options for the upcoming season, Neia has now committed to Team Vitality, choosing to continue her esports career in the organisation’s iconic yellow and black jersey.

She joins an established Fighting Games roster that already includes Tekken stars Jeondding and KingReyJr, alongside the H-DOPE and K-TOPE duo CientifiKOF competing in Fatal Fury.

Team Vitality’s Focus On Talent Development

As one of Europe’s leading esports organisations, Team Vitality has consistently positioned player development at the centre of its competitive strategy. The signing of Neia reinforces that philosophy, offering her access to elite training environments, professional coaching, and high-performance support.

Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and Co-Founder of Team Vitality, praised the young player’s potential and mindset.

He said the organisation is convinced Neia has all the qualities needed to reach the next level on the international stage, adding that the club is proud to support her growth alongside mentor Kayane and the rest of Vitality’s fighting game roster.

What’s Next For Neia In Tekken 8

Neia’s competitive calendar is already shaping up to be a busy one. Her next major appearances are set for Tekken World Tour Sweden in January 2026, followed by EVO Japan in May.

With Team Vitality backing her development and a growing list of strong results behind her, Neia now steps into 2026 as one of Tekken 8’s most promising young talents to watch.

The post Team Vitality Signs 16 Year Old Tekken 8 Prodigy Neia For Next Two Seasons appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Canada’s premier fighting game festival is officially back. Battle of BC 8 has opened registration and confirmed its full competitive games lineup, locking in one of the most anticipated fighting game events of 2026.

Set to take place from June 5 to 7, 2026, Battle of BC 8 will return to the Vancouver Convention Centre, bringing together top level competitors, casual players, and fans from around the world for a weekend focused on competition, community, and celebration.

A Major Summer Event for the Global FGC

Now entering its eighth year, Battle of BC continues to grow into one of the most important fighting game tournaments in North America. For 2026, the event moves into the summer fighting game circuit, placing it alongside global mainstays such as Evo and CEO.

With many major summer tournaments based in the United States, Battle of BC 8 stands out as a must-attend destination for Canadian and international players, offering elite competition paired with one of the most scenic venues on the circuit.

Official Games Lineup Confirmed

Battle of BC 8 will feature a strong mix of established favourites and next generation titles, with a particular spotlight on emerging competitive scenes.

The confirmed tournament games are:

• Rivals of Aether 2, Singles and Doubles
• 2XKO
• Street Fighter 6
• Tekken 8

With 2XKO on the main lineup, Battle of BC 8 is shaping up to be one of the most prominent international 2XKO tournaments heading into next summer.

Competition and Activities for Every Type of Player

Battle of BC is built to welcome everyone, not just seasoned competitors. Alongside high stakes brackets stacked with world class players, the event also offers beginner friendly tournaments, casual matchmaking, and free play areas.

Fans can also watch the biggest matches unfold during the live streamed finals on Sunday, making it easy to follow the action both in person and online.

Image Credit: Galint Gaming

A Prime Waterfront Venue in Downtown Vancouver

The event will once again be hosted at the Vancouver Convention Centre, offering more than 40,000 square feet of event space in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

Battle of BC is one of the few fighting game events that doubles as a travel experience. Attendees can step outside the venue and explore the city, making it an especially attractive stop for international visitors.

Special Events and Industry Opportunities

Battle of BC 8 goes beyond tournament brackets with a wide range of side events and networking opportunities throughout the weekend.

Highlights include:

• The return of the annual Boat of BC boat party
• A new LANd Party experience with live music
• An expanded exhibitors and vendors area
• Competitive and casual side events running all weekend

Image Credit: Galint Gaming

The Canadian Esports and Gaming Industry Summit also returns for its second year, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of esports and gaming in Canada.

How to Register for Battle of BC 8

Registration for Battle of BC 8 is now open, with multiple pass options available.

Here’s how to secure your spot:

1. Visit battleofbc.com
2. Click the “Get Your Pass Now” button
3. Choose to register directly on the site or via start.gg
4. Select your event pass and tournament entries
5. Complete payment to confirm your registration

Players can easily add more tournament events to their registration at any time through start.gg.

Important Registration Deadlines

Key dates to note:

• Early Bird Registration until January 30, 2026
• Standard Registration until May 10, 2026
• Day Passes available until May 11, 2026
• Registration transfers available until June 1, 2026

Refunds are not available, but pass transfers can be arranged through the official Battle of BC Discord or by contacting the organisers.

A Proven Event With Real Impact

Battle of BC 7 welcomed nearly 2,000 attendees in 2024, generating more than $700,000 in economic impact across the weekend. Previous partners have included Domino’s Canada, ASUS, Red Bull, AOC, Cineplex, Novus Entertainment, and ZENNI Optical.

Image Credit: Galint Gaming

With registration now open, a prime summer slot, and a stacked games lineup, Battle of BC 8 is shaping up to be the biggest edition yet.

The post Canada’s Battle of BC 8 Opens Registration for 2026 With 2XKO, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Rivals of Aether 2 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Nintendo is expanding its development footprint in a major way, confirming that it will acquire Bandai Namco Studios Singapore and bring the team under a new name, Nintendo Studios Singapore. The move is set to strengthen Nintendo’s long-term development structure, especially in the areas of in-game art, worldbuilding, and asset creation.

A Strategic Move To Strengthen Development

Nintendo has entered a share transfer agreement with Bandai Namco Studios that will see the Singapore arm, Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, become an official Nintendo subsidiary. The studio has worked with Nintendo for years, contributing to titles across multiple platforms, most notably the Splatoon series.

The acquisition is planned in two stages. Nintendo will take an 80 percent stake on April 1, 2026, followed by the remaining shares after the subsidiary’s operations have stabilised. Once the transition is complete, the studio will officially operate as Nintendo Studios Singapore.

Nintendo noted that Bandai Namco Studios Singapore has a long history of producing high-quality in-game art assets, animation, and modelling. This expertise has already supported some of Nintendo’s biggest modern franchises, making the acquisition a natural step as the company continues to scale its development capacity.

Inside Bandai Namco Studios Singapore

Founded in 2013 and based in the Infinite Studios complex in Singapore, Bandai Namco Studios Singapore has served as one of Bandai Namco’s key overseas development hubs. Over time, the team has built a strong portfolio across Nintendo and Bandai Namco titles, contributing not only to Splatoon 3 but also to well known global franchises such as Tekken and Ace Combat.

The studio’s work on Splatoon 3 covered concept art, character modelling, animation, and environment modelling. Beyond Nintendo titles, its involvement with Tekken 7 and Tekken 8 includes support for network libraries, which form part of the backbone of the fighting game’s competitive experience.

A Quiet But Important Expansion For Nintendo

Nintendo already holds shares in Bandai Namco Holdings, its long-time development partner, ranking among the company’s top ten shareholders as of September 2025. Bringing the Singapore studio directly under the Nintendo umbrella further tightens this partnership while giving Nintendo direct access to a strong art-focused team in Southeast Asia.

The acquisition also follows Nintendo’s recent move to establish a new local entity in Singapore aimed at accelerating its regional business. With Southeast Asia becoming an increasingly important market for development and operations, the new subsidiary signals Nintendo’s growing commitment to the region.

Nintendo has clarified that the acquisition will only have a minor effect on its financial results for the current fiscal year, but the long-term impact is expected to strengthen its global development structure for future projects across both established and upcoming franchises.

A Studio With Esports Impact

Bandai Namco Studios Singapore’s contributions have reached deep into competitive gaming as well. Splatoon 3 continues to thrive with active leagues and open-bracket events, including a North American tournament series set to enter its Playoffs at the end of December.

The studio’s work on Tekken has also supported one of the most recognisable fighting game franchises in modern esports. Tekken 8, in particular, remains a headliner across major competitive events, from EVO France to this year’s Esports World Cup.

By bringing BNSS in-house, Nintendo gains a proven team with experience across both single-player and competitive titles, reinforcing its capacity to deliver polished, visually distinct worlds.

What Comes Next

Once renamed Nintendo Studios Singapore, the team will continue game development under Nintendo’s direction, contributing to future titles and strengthening the company’s production pipeline. For fans, the acquisition signals Nintendo’s ongoing investment in building high-quality games with globally distributed talent.

With development demands rising across the industry, Nintendo’s decision to acquire a trusted partner instead of building a new branch from scratch shows a strategic, long-term approach to supporting its biggest franchises and exploring new ones.

The post Nintendo Acquires Bandai Namco Studios Singapore To Boost Its Global Development Power appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Evolution Championship Series (Evo) is coming back to Nice, France, in 2026 following the massive success of its debut European event earlier this year.

Evo France 2025 marked a major milestone for the fighting game community (FGC) as the first-ever Evo tournament to be held in Europe. After an electrifying three-day spectacle in Nice, the organisers have now confirmed that the event will return next year, running from October 9th to 11th, 2026.

𝗔 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

See you in 2026. pic.twitter.com/nZd7ILOCCl

— Evo France (@Evo_France) October 12, 2025

Evo France’s official X account shared the news with a simple but powerful message: “A legendary first edition. See you in 2026.” Fans quickly filled the replies with excitement and promises to attend, calling the event one of the best in Evo history.

The 2025 edition wasn’t just historic, it was packed with big moments. It hosted the official tournament debut of Riot Games’ new 2v2 fighter, 2XKO, where French prodigy Marwan “Wawa” Berthe claimed the title in front of a home crowd. The event also featured iconic staples of the FGC like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8.

Beyond the games, Evo’s 2025 calendar has been transformative. The organisation has seen major ownership changes, with NODWIN Gaming acquiring the majority stake from Sony Interactive Entertainment in August, and Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya fully acquiring Evo’s tournament operator RTS the following month. These moves signal Evo’s ambitions to expand its global footprint even further.

Evo France 2026 won’t just be a return, it’s a statement that the FGC in Europe is thriving. With growing hype around titles like 2XKO, Tekken 8, and Street Fighter 6, next year’s edition in Nice could be even bigger.

Before that, fans can look forward to Evo Japan 2026, set to take place from May 1st to 3rd in Tokyo.

Whether you’re a die-hard fighting game fan or just discovering the FGC, one thing’s clear: Evo France has made its mark, and the community can’t wait for round two.

The post Evo France Confirms 2026 Return After a Historic Debut appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

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.

He is not going anywhere!
We’ve extended our contract with @Jeondding_tk until

2027 ❌
2028 ❌
2029 ❌
2030 ✅ pic.twitter.com/ZsITm5Vf5v

— Team Vitality 🐝 (@TeamVitality) October 8, 2025

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.

The post Tekken 8 Star Jeondding Signs Record-Breaking Contract with Team Vitality Until 2030 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

NAVI has officially disbanded its Tekken 8 roster, stepping away from the fighting game scene just over a year after first entering it. The move means that Kim ‘Kkokkoma’ Moo-jong and Alexandre ‘AK’ Laverez are now free agents and on the lookout for new organisations to represent in upcoming Tekken 8 tournaments.

Our Tekken 8 chapter pauses here. Huge thanks to @kkokkoma_mujoy and @AK_Philippines! #navination pic.twitter.com/I7USFuUPz4

— NAVI (@natusvincere) August 29, 2025

The Ukrainian esports giant first joined the Tekken scene in April 2024 when it signed Kkokkoma, before expanding the roster a month later with the addition of AK. During that short time, both players managed to carve out impressive results on the international stage. Kkokkoma secured a Top 12 finish at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia and also lifted the trophy at Emirates Showdown 2024. Meanwhile, AK made waves with a victory at Combo Breaker 2024 and a strong runner-up finish at Red Bull Golden Letters 2024.

Guess who will perform on Friday?#EWC2025 pic.twitter.com/7ye5wESmwY

— NAVI (@natusvincere) August 13, 2025

NAVI’s Tekken run came to an end following this year’s Esports World Cup, where the team fell short of deeper success. While the organisation has confirmed it is only temporarily leaving the Tekken esports scene, no timeline has been given for a return.

Part of a Bigger Year for NAVI

2025 has been a huge year of expansion for NAVI across multiple esports titles. The organisation is part of the Esports World Cup Club Programme, a multi-million dollar initiative designed to provide stability and growth for the industry. NAVI competed in nine different titles at this year’s World Cup, finishing 32nd overall with 500 points, narrowly missing out on a share of the massive $27 million prize pool.

Beyond Tekken, NAVI has been growing its footprint across the esports landscape. In the last eight months, the organisation has entered CrossFire, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and even chess. It also purchased a spot in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) after Rogue exited the competition. Alongside big names like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Apex Legends, NAVI is still active in the fighting game scene too, currently fielding a player in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.

What’s Next for the Players

For now, the spotlight turns to Kkokkoma and AK as they search for new homes. With proven results at top-tier events and experience under one of the biggest esports banners in the world, it’s likely both players will be highly sought after by organisations looking to make their mark in Tekken 8.

NAVI’s exit from Tekken 8 might only be temporary, but it marks the end of an exciting chapter for the organisation. Whether it returns to the scene or not, the team’s short run has already left its mark on the fighting game community.

The post NAVI Disbands Tekken 8 Roster After Esports World Cup appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Esports World Cup 2025 has wrapped up after eight weeks of top-tier competition, and no organisation came out bigger than Saudi Arabia’s own Team Falcons. Playing on home soil in Riyadh, the Falcons locked in first place in the Club Championship, collecting a staggering $7 million prize and stamping their mark across the esports landscape.

They’ve defined being “locked in” 🔒 @TeamFalconsGG secure first place in the Club Championship 🦅 pic.twitter.com/c0NEpbw4rL

— Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN) August 21, 2025

Their run was nothing short of overwhelming. Falcons competed in 21 of the 25 events this year, finishing at the top of the leaderboards in Free Fire and Call of Duty: Warzone, with Tekken 8 star Atif “ATIF” Ijaz also turning heads. Add in strong results across Rocket League, Apex Legends, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and the Falcons left rivals like Team Liquid in the dust.

“They bought every team”

While the trophy shines brightly in Riyadh, the reaction online has been far more mixed. Many fans accused Falcons of winning by default, pointing out that they’ve bought into almost every esport on the EWC stage.

“125 rosters and stress until the end, let’s realise the almost pathetic performance,” one user wrote, while another posted the now-viral line:

“We bought a team in every esport that not every org has, so we win by default.”

The perception that Falcons simply spent their way to the top has become the defining talking point of this year’s EWC. For some, it’s proof of Saudi Arabia’s growing power in the esports world. For others, it’s the very definition of pay-to-win.

This org and tournament are a disgrace to E-sports. pic.twitter.com/Uen3J0iHeL

— Mason Low (@u4ryaa) August 21, 2025

The NPC fan debate

Adding to the firestorm was a viral clip from Team Spirit’s CS2 captain Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov, who joked that Falcons’ supporters were just “300 hired workers” told to chant in the stands.

What might have been throwaway banter quickly blew up. Falcons fans, especially in the Arab community, saw it as a serious insult, and chopper’s socials were flooded with backlash. Event staff even asked him to delete the video, and reports claim he may need private security while in Riyadh.

Meanwhile, esports Twitter had a field day, with memes comparing Falcons’ fan section to NPC crowds from EA Sports FC.

Is it me, or do the Falcons fans look like EAFC NPC’s? pic.twitter.com/oSZKTzYX9Z

— CS2-Universe (@CS2Universe) August 21, 2025

Overshadowing the players

Another sore point among fans was the lack of recognition for individual champions. While Falcons as an organisation grabbed the headlines, players like the Street Fighter champion who battled his way to victory barely got mentioned.

You’re still being disrespectful to the Street Fighter player who won. You’d rather say that Falcons won the EWC than give credit to the player’s victory. Bunch of hypocrites.

— Léopold 🔥❄️ (@FlamingFrost_) August 21, 2025

It’s a reminder that behind the Falcons brand, real players are grinding, competing, and putting in the work, something the pay-to-win narrative can sometimes overshadow.

Pride at home, scepticism abroad

Still, for Falcons and their CEO Mossad “Msdossary” Al-Dossary, the Club Championship means more than outside criticism. After clinching the title, he said through tears:

“We promised ourselves that we wanted this trophy to stay at home. Now, finally, we can say it’s home. This is for all the Saudi people. It remains in Saudi.”

That emotional moment highlights the divide: inside Riyadh, Falcons are heroes bringing pride to the region. Outside of it, many still see them as proof that money can buy trophies.

The bigger picture

With two EWC Club Championships in a row and an unrivalled presence across nearly every esport, Team Falcons aren’t going anywhere. Whether you see them as trailblazers or just the ultimate pay-to-win org, they’ve changed the way the esports world looks at competition.

The real question now: will other organisations follow their model, or will the backlash eventually force a rethink on how esports’ biggest prizes are decided?

The post Team Falcons Take EWC 2025 Club Championship After Pay to Win Spending Spree Across Esports appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon has done it again. The South Korean star defended his Tekken 8 crown at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, picking up his second straight EWC trophy and proving once more why he’s one of the best to ever touch the game.

✨ Excellence has a name today!

Congratulations to your BACK-TO-BACK TEKKEN 8 Champion Ulsan 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8mzkoDUyVD

— Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN) August 16, 2025

It wasn’t an easy ride either. Across four days of stacked competition, Ulsan had to battle through some of the world’s most feared Tekken players. Early on, he took down legends like JDCR and the reigning Tekken World Tour champ Rangchu. A loss to Kkokkoma in the second phase could have derailed his run, but instead it seemed to fire him up. He went on to eliminate EVO 2025 champion Arslan Ash, before carving a path through the playoffs with dominant first-to-five sets.

By the time the grand final rolled around, it was all South Korea. Ulsan faced off against Yoon “LowHigh” Sun-woong in a Dragunov vs Bryan showdown. The result? A 5–2 win for Ulsan, locking in both the title and a massive $250,000 prize from the million-dollar pool.

HE HAS DONE IT!@tekkenUlsan WINS TEKKEN 8 AT EWC AGAIN!! pic.twitter.com/p76OSUL8XW

— EWC Extra (@EWC_Extra) August 16, 2025

Dragunov Still Gets it Done

Despite balance changes and new DLC fighters shaking up Tekken 8’s meta, Ulsan stuck with his tried-and-true Dragunov. While others experimented with fresh characters like Clive from Final Fantasy XVI or brought back classics like Heihachi, Ulsan’s loyalty paid off. Just like in 2024, Dragunov carried him all the way to the trophy.

Korea on Top of the Tekken World

This year’s results only reinforce how strong South Korea is in Tekken right now. Six of the top eight were Korean players, with the other two spots filled by Japan’s chikurin and PINYA. Even further down the bracket, the dominance was clear, 12 of the top 16 hailed from Korea.

Image via esportsworldcup.com

For DN Freecs, Ulsan’s victory was extra sweet. It not only secured the organisation its first EWC win of 2025 but also earned them a valuable 1,000 Club Championship points, bumping them up the standings.

What’s Next for Ulsan

After lifting the EWC trophy two years in a row, Ulsan now turns his focus back to the Tekken World Tour. Sitting fifth on the global leaderboard, he’s in a solid spot to qualify for the TWT Finals later this year. With back-to-back Esports World Cup titles under his belt, he’s chasing something bigger now: legend status.

As Ulsan himself put it after the win: “I wanted to prove myself on this stage, and I’ve done it. I’m still hungry, I just want to make myself a legend.”

If this tournament is anything to go by, he’s well on his way.

The post Ulsan Becomes Back-to-Back Tekken 8 Esports World Cup Champion appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The dust has settled in Riyadh and the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) for TEKKEN 8 at the Esports World Cup 2025 has wrapped. Four fighters have battled their way through a brutal three-day gauntlet to claim the final tickets to the main event, and now, the full 32-player roster is locked in.

From August 13–16, these top-tier competitors will step onto one of the biggest stages in fighting game history, chasing their share of a whopping $1 million prize pool. For fans, it’s shaping up to be four days of pure, high-octane Tekken action.

LCQ: Four Fighters Survive the Riyadh Brawl

The LCQ saw 415 hopefuls enter, but only four could make it through. After nail-biting matches and some serious upsets, the final spots went to:

• Numan Ch
• qudans
• kkokkoma
• Qasim Meer

These four now join the elite roster of players who qualified through earlier events like EVO Japan, Combo Breaker, CEO, and The MIXUP.

Congratulations to @tk_numanch, @qudans1987, @kkokkoma_mujoy and @QasimMeer3 for qualifying to TEKKEN 8 via the EWC LCQ! pic.twitter.com/Ryfwjpqi9F

— EWC Extra (@EWC_Extra) August 9, 2025

The Full TEKKEN 8 EWC 2025 Roster

Here’s everyone stepping into the ring:

Participating Players | Image via esportsworldcup.com

Format and Stakes

The tournament kicks off with two group stages, whittling the field down from 32 to just eight. From there, it’s straight into the high-pressure single-elimination bracket where one mistake could mean a ticket home.

Tournament Format | Image Credit: Esports World Cup

With $1 million up for grabs, every match is going to feel like a grand final. Last year, Ulsan walked away with the trophy and $350,000 in prize money. This year, the field looks even tougher, and no one’s safe.

I AM ULSAN#EsportsWorldCup Champion
” Dreams come true ” pic.twitter.com/tQrIumleuG

— DNF | ULSAN (@tekkenUlsan) August 24, 2024

Where to Watch

Fans can catch every moment of the TEKKEN 8 action live from Riyadh on the official Esports World Cup channels:

• YouTube: youtube.com/@ewc
• Twitch: twitch.tv/EWC_AmazonArena_EN

The countdown is on. Whether you’re a long-time Tekken head or a casual fighting game fan, TEKKEN 8 at EWC 2025 is going to be one for the history books.

The post TEKKEN 8 EWC 2025: LCQ Wraps Up, Full Player Line-Up Revealed for $1 Million Showdown appeared first on Shane the Gamer.