Pakistani esports superstar Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique has once again cemented his place in gaming history, capturing his seventh Evo championship title at Evo France 2025, and further solidifying his legacy as the greatest Tekken player of all time.
The event, held in France, marked a major milestone in competitive gaming as it became Europe’s largest fighting game tournament to date, drawing more than 1,100 players from across the world. Despite the global lineup of elite competitors, Arslan’s dominance in Tekken 8 remained unshaken, reaffirming his reign at the top of the international fighting game community (FGC).
Following his victory, Arslan took to social media to share his gratitude, tweeting, “I may be the one holding the trophy, but this win belongs to everyone who believed.”
Dominating The Global Tekken 8 Stage
The Tekken 8 tournament at Evo France featured some of the world’s best players, but few could stand against Arslan’s unmatched consistency and precision. The Top 8 lineup included formidable names such as Jeon “Jeondding” Sang-hyun, LowHigh, Fergus McGee, and KingReyJr, yet Arslan once again displayed strategic mastery and composure under pressure.
Arslan, representing Team TM, advanced through the Losers Bracket after an early setback, displaying remarkable resilience throughout the finals. In Losers Finals, he swept Fergus McGee 3–0, earning his rematch against Jeondding in the Grand Final.
Jeondding, who had been dominant from the Winners side, entered the final confident, but Arslan turned the tables. With precise reads, unrelenting pressure, and clutch decision-making, Arslan defeated Jeondding 3–1 to trigger a bracket reset, a rare and thrilling moment in fighting game tournaments. In the decisive set, Arslan showcased complete dominance, taking home another Evo trophy with a commanding performance.
A Historic Career In Competitive Tekken
Arslan Ash’s journey from local tournaments in Lahore to the global stage has been nothing short of inspirational. With this latest victory, he now holds the most Evo championships in Tekken history, surpassing any other player in the game’s competitive scene.
His consistency across multiple Evo events, from Japan to Las Vegas and now France, highlights his adaptability across versions of Tekken and his ability to outperform even the strongest regional champions. Arslan’s unique ability to read opponents, switch characters fluidly (notably Nina and Anna), and maintain composure under high-stakes pressure has made him a symbol of excellence in esports.
Interestingly, Arslan was initially skeptical about the expansion of Evo tournaments across different regions, arguing it might dilute the event’s prestige. However, his latest win at Evo France 2025 proves otherwise, if anything, it has reinforced his unrivaled supremacy in Tekken’s competitive landscape.
Pakistan’s Esports Dominance On The Global Stage
Arslan Ash’s continued success underscores Pakistan’s growing prominence in the global esports scene, particularly in fighting games. His achievements have inspired a new generation of gamers from South Asia, proving that with talent, discipline, and determination, players from developing esports regions can rise to world champion status.
With seven Evo titles to his name, Arslan Ash isn’t just a Tekken champion, he’s a symbol of perseverance and excellence, rewriting esports history one tournament at a time.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.