In an electrifying finale at the first Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, China's Zeng Zhuojun, popularly known as \"Xiao Hai\", secured the Street Fighter 6 title by defeating Japan's Masaki Kawano of Good 8 Squad with a score of 5-2. 🎉
At 35 years old, a relatively seasoned age in the esports arena, Zeng stood out as the sole Chinese contender in the Street Fighter 6 quarterfinals, which featured six formidable Japanese players. His impressive journey saw him overcoming Hikaru Nakatani of EVA:e, Tsunehiro Kanamori (aka \"Gachikun\") of Red Bull eSports, and finally Kawano in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals respectively to claim the ultimate crown.
“I started playing video games when I was six,” Zeng shared with reporters post-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 victory earned Zeng a $300,000 prize, a substantial sum, though slightly less than the $1 million awarded at the Capcom Cup X in Los Angeles, California, earlier this year. However, the EWC was known for its stringent qualification criteria, allowing only the best-performing players to compete, making Zeng’s win even more prestigious.
Zeng's triumph not only highlights his exceptional skills and dedication but also brings pride to the Chinese gaming community, inspiring young gamers around the world to chase their dreams in the competitive esports landscape. 🌟
