The first-ever Esports World Cup: Street Fighter 6 tournament has a new champion, with Zeng “Xiao Hai” Zhuojun emerging victorious in a thrilling final. Xiao Hai clinched the title with a 5-2 win over Masaki “Kawano” Kawano, showcasing why he is considered a top contender in the fighting game community.
Xiao Hai’s Journey to the Top
Xiao Hai, renowned for his dominance in King of Fighters and a seasoned player in Street Fighter since 2012, demonstrated his exceptional skills throughout the tournament. At 35 years old, he faced off against younger competitors but showed no signs of slowing down. His performance was a testament to his vast experience and strategic prowess.
During the group stages, Xiao Hai secured first place in Group D with a flawless 2-0 record, although he finished second to Ryukichi in the second round’s GSLB. His real ascent came in the Playoffs, where he continued to refine his game. He edged out Hikaru “Hikaru” Nakatani with a narrow 5-4 victory in the quarterfinals and then defeated Tsunehiro "gachikun" Kanamori 5-3 in the semifinals to secure his spot in the Grand Finals.
In the decisive match against Kawano, Xiao Hai was dominant, only conceding two rounds. Reflecting on his victory, Xiao Hai shared his emotions on social media: “It's an amazing day. Finally, I get the SF6 world championship. EWC is the most important tournament that I have ever won. I have never cried because I won the championship, only this time, and more because I proved myself on the SF6. Thank you EWC.”
Prize Pool and Club Points
Xiao Hai’s triumph at the Esports World Cup: Street Fighter 6 came with a substantial reward. He took home $300,000 from the impressive $1,000,000 prize pool and also earned 1,000 EWC Club Points. In the Club Point standings for EWC 2024, Xiao Hai now shares 6th place with top teams and players, including Alliance, Alpha 7 Esports, and Wolves.
Xiao Hai’s victory solidifies his place as a formidable force in the fighting game community and highlights the competitive spirit of the Esports World Cup.