It has been somewhat of a tough time for arguably the best Tekken player in the world recently. The Esports World Cup in Riyadh did not go according to plan when Arslan’s fightstick malfunctioned leading to a group stage exit.
Redemption has been secured however, with Arslan showcasing a dominant performance at Thunderstruck 2024 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Not only did Arslan take the win in the Tekken 8 tournament at the event, but pulling double duty Arslan also secured the win in the King Of Fighters XV tournament as well.
It is no secret that the King of Fighters series is the game that has shaped the backbone of the Pakistani FGC, with many of the country’s greatest players, including Arslan, having been players of that series before moving to Tekken.
To win a King of Fighters tournament in Mexico, where the game has a scene second to none however, is a monumental achievement.
Arslan defeated home favorite DanyKOF to clinch his KOF title, beating him 2-0 in winners’ semis before finishing the job with another 3-0 set in the grand finals.
It was a somewhat familiar story in Tekken, with Arslan taking the honors in yet another all-Pakistani Grand Final as he beat compatriot Farzeen 2-0 in the winners’ semis before yet another 3-0 set in grand finals.
This return to form will be a welcome boost to Arslan as the date to the Tekken World Tour Finals draws closer. Arslan is 3rd on the global leaderboard at this time, closely followed by Atif Butt.
Farzeen for his part, is first on the regional rankings for Pakistan, a position that ensures direct qualification for the Tekken World Tour Finals as well. Only 3 major events remain on the official calendar and at this stage every point secured is crucial.