In a remarkable display of skill and experience, Zeng “Xiao Hai” Zhuojun has emerged as the champion of the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC) Street Fighter 6 tournament. The seasoned competitor secured his victory with a dominant 5-2 win over Masaki “Kawano” Kawano in the final match.
Xiao Hai’s Path to Glory
Xiao Hai, widely acclaimed as one of the greatest King of Fighters players of all time, has demonstrated his elite fighting game prowess in Street Fighter 6 as well. At 35 years old, he showcased a level of play that belied his years, proving his adaptability and skill in the competitive scene.
In the group stages, Xiao Hai led Group D with a flawless 2-0 record. However, he faced a setback in the second round’s GSLB, finishing second to Ryukichi. Despite this, his performance in the Playoffs was exemplary. Xiao Hai first overcame Hikaru “Hikaru” Nakatani with a narrow 5-4 victory in the round of eight. He then advanced to the semifinals, where he defeated Tsunehiro "gachikun" Kanamori with a 5-3 scoreline.
In the Grand Finals, Xiao Hai’s expertise was on full display as he managed to drop only two rounds to Kawano, clinching the title with a convincing 5-2 victory.
Prize Pool and Club Points
Xiao Hai’s triumph at the EWC Street Fighter 6 tournament was rewarded with $300,000 from the impressive $1,000,000 prize pool. Additionally, he earned 1,000 EWC Club Points for his outstanding performance.
With this victory, Xiao Hai joins a prestigious group of teams and players in the EWC 2024 Club Point standings, including Alliance, Alpha 7 Esports, Selangor Red Giants, Smart Omega Esports, Crazy Raccoon, Wolves, XSET, Team BDS, and KPL Dream Team, all tied for 6th place.
Xiao Hai’s victory not only solidifies his reputation as a top-tier fighting game player but also marks a significant milestone in the history of competitive Street Fighter 6. His performance at the Esports World Cup is a testament to his dedication and skill, making him a formidable champion in the fighting game community.