Pakistan has unexpectedly risen to prominence in the global Tekken community, with four players now ranked among the top ten globally. Despite the country’s rapid ascension, Tekken’s director, Katsuhiro Harada, remains puzzled by this development.
Tekken, a Japanese 3D fighting game first introduced 30 years ago, released its eighth installment earlier this year. Traditionally, top players have emerged from East Asia, but Pakistan has shocked the esports world with its dominance.
Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique, Pakistan’s most famous Tekken player, catapulted to fame after his victory at the prestigious EVO tournament in 2019. His success marked Pakistan’s arrival on the global Tekken stage, as he went on to win four more EVO titles, solidifying his place as one of the game’s elite competitors.
Despite this, Arslan’s recent performance at the Red Bull Golden Letters Tournament in London saw an early exit, leaving him ranked 10th in the world. Atif Butt, another Pakistani player, currently holds second place globally, showcasing the nation’s rising influence in the Tekken arena.
In a recent interview at the tournament, Harada admitted his surprise at Pakistan’s sudden success. “It seemed to happen out of nowhere. We didn’t even know they were playing Tekken,” he said. “We haven’t been to Pakistan yet, so I’m still curious about how they became so passionate and skilled at the game.”
Tekken producer Michael Murray echoed Harada’s amazement, recalling Arslan Ash’s swift rise to prominence. “No one knew him, and suddenly he appeared, saying Pakistan had many strong players. Everyone was shocked. It was an incredible story,” Murray said.
The competitive Tekken scene has thrived since the release of Tekken 7, and the game’s global popularity continues to grow. At the Red Bull Golden Letters tournament, South Korean player Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon took first place, defeating fellow countryman Jae-hyun “CherryBerryMango” Kim in the final. The event attracted players from the USA, Japan, Europe, and more, underscoring Tekken’s international appeal.
Reflecting on the game’s history, Harada expressed pride in Tekken’s enduring success but noted the decline of other 3D fighting games. “It would be more exciting if there were more competitors,” he mused, referencing the genre’s shrinking competition.
Despite early challenges in convincing his family about his career in video games, Harada is now widely celebrated for his impact on the industry. “Now they’re impressed, saying, ‘Wow, you’re actually doing something with it,’” Harada said with a smile.
