China’s ‘Xiao Hai’ Defies Age to Win Street Fighter 6 Title at EWC
In a remarkable display of skill and perseverance, China’s Zeng Zhuojun, popularly known as “Xiao Hai,” clinched the Street Fighter 6 championship at the first Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. Representing KuaiShow Gaming, Zeng triumphed over Japan’s Masaki Kawano of Good 8 Squad with a decisive 5-2 victory in the finals.
Zeng, 35, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighting game players, with a storied career spanning over a decade. Since 2007, he has amassed numerous championships in both the Street Fighter and King of Fighters series, cementing his legacy in the esports arena.
Despite being at an age considered challenging for esports competitors, Zeng was the sole Chinese player to advance to the Street Fighter 6 quarterfinals, which featured six formidable Japanese opponents. His path to the title saw him defeat Hikaru Nakatani of EVA:e in the quarterfinals, Tsunehiro Kanamori, known as “Gachikun,” of Red Bull eSports in the semifinals, and ultimately Kawano in the final showdown.
“I started to play video games when I was six,” Zeng shared with reporters after his victory. “My game ID ‘Xiao Hai’ means ‘little kid’ in Chinese. I’m 35 now. Many said I’m too old to win, but today, I proved I can still do it.”
The championship awarded Zeng a prize of $300,000. While the purse is not as substantial as the $1 million offered at the Capcom Cup X in Los Angeles earlier this year, which allocated spots to players from various countries and regions to promote the game, the EWC is noted for its highly competitive nature. The tournament allowed only the top-performing players to qualify, making Zeng’s accomplishment even more significant.
His victory not only highlights the skill and dedication required to excel in esports but also challenges perceptions about age in competitive gaming. Zeng’s success serves as an inspiration to gamers worldwide, demonstrating that passion and perseverance can overcome conventional limitations.
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China's Zeng Zhuojun ('Xiao Hai') wins Street Fighter 6 title at EWC
cgtn.com
