The Esports World Cup in Riyadh just crowned a new legend! Zeng Zhuojun (aka 'Xiao Hai') from China's KuaiShow Gaming claimed victory in the Street Fighter 6 finals, defeating Japan's Masaki Kawano 5-2. At 35, Xiao Hai defied stereotypes about age in esports, proving experience trumps youth.
Known as one of the greatest fighting game players since 2007, Xiao Hai battled through six Japanese competitors, taking down giants like Hikaru Nakatani and Red Bull's Gachikun. His win bagged him $300K—part of EWC's ultra-competitive, merit-based format.
'I’ve been gaming since I was six,' Xiao Hai said post-win. 'People said I’m too old, but today I showed them!' His ID 'Xiao Hai' (meaning 'little kid') now symbolizes resilience for gamers worldwide.
While the EWC prize is smaller than Capcom Cup’s $1M, its open qualifiers made this tournament fiercer. Xiao Hai’s triumph isn’t just a win for China—it’s a victory for every gamer chasing dreams, no matter their age.
The Esports World Cup in Riyadh just crowned a new legend! Zeng Zhuojun (aka 'Xiao Hai') from China's KuaiShow Gaming claimed victory in the Street Fighter 6 finals, defeating Japan's Masaki Kawano 5-2. At 35, Xiao Hai defied stereotypes about age in esports, proving experience trumps youth. 
Known as one of the greatest fighting game players since 2007, Xiao Hai battled through six Japanese competitors, taking down giants like Hikaru Nakatani and Red Bull's Gachikun. His win bagged him $300K—part of EWC's ultra-competitive, merit-based format. 
'I’ve been gaming since I was six,' Xiao Hai said post-win. 'People said I’m too old, but today I showed them!' His ID 'Xiao Hai' (meaning 'little kid') now symbolizes resilience for gamers worldwide. 
While the EWC prize is smaller than Capcom Cup’s $1M, its open qualifiers made this tournament fiercer. Xiao Hai’s triumph isn’t just a win for China—it’s a victory for every gamer chasing dreams, no matter their age. 
