In a stunning display of skill and determination, China's Zeng Zhuojun, widely known as \"Xiao Hai\", secured the Street Fighter 6 championship at the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Competing against top-tier talent, Xiao Hai emerged victorious with a 5-2 win over Japan's Masaki Kawano in the finals.
At 35 years old, Xiao Hai defied the odds in the competitive esports landscape, where younger players typically dominate. Representing KuaiShow Gaming, he was the sole Chinese contender in the quarterfinals, which featured six Japanese competitors. Demonstrating his mastery, Xiao Hai defeated Hikaru Nakatani of EVA:e and Tsunehiro Kanamori, also known as \"Gachikun\" of Red Bull eSports, before besting Kawano in the final bout.
\"I started to play video games when I was six,\" Xiao Hai 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 Xiao Hai a prize of $300,000. While the EWC prize pool is modest compared to the $1 million awarded at the Capcom Cup X in Los Angeles, the EWC's stringent qualification criteria ensured a highly competitive environment, spotlighting the best-performing players from around the globe.
Xiao Hai's triumph not only highlights his enduring prowess in fighting games but also inspires a new generation of gamers to pursue excellence, regardless of age.
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China's Zeng Zhuojun ('Xiao Hai') wins Street Fighter 6 title at EWC
cgtn.com
