During EVO 2024, I had the opportunity to catch up with Arslan Ash who shared his thoughts on the pressure he is facing to win the tournament. He has been continuously improving since the release of Tekken 8, driven by his desire to compete while he still can.
Ever since his victory at EVO Japan in 2019, there have been numerous changes in Arslan’s life. With a total of 4 EVO championships in Tekken 7 and the recent addition of fatherhood, he has even more motivation to continue his unmatched legacy in the game.
Despite having a legacy to uphold and a family to support, the renowned Pakistani Tekken player has a great deal to demonstrate in Tekken 8. He believes he has a limited amount of time to reclaim his position as the top player in the world.
Arslan Khan cements his legacy in Tekken while he still can
When I recently caught up with Arslan a couple of months back, he mentioned feeling a bit uncertain about Tekken 8. He seemed visibly upset when I inquired about his thoughts on the game and how he was adapting to it in comparison to Tekken 7.
Earlier this year, he shared with me a snippet of what he had told me before.
“Mastering Tekken 8 is quite challenging. I have been experiencing many losses recently, making me feel like a beginner all over again.”
Arslan initially struggled in Tekken 8, as his tournament results were not promising. He faced difficulties in finding a character that suited his playstyle and the current meta, and he also expressed concerns about character balance and the excessive strength of chip damage.
Nevertheless, his performance has greatly enhanced ever since Tekken received an update.
“According to him, the game is progressing positively. He initially mentioned a few issues that required adjustments, and those changes are currently being made. The Heat Burst has been toned down, chip damage has been addressed, and overpowered characters have been nerfed. He is pleased with the current direction of the game.”
Arslan mainly played Azucena when Tekken 8 came out, but he swapped characters after she received a few nerfs.
Arslan stands out among the Tekken pros for his willingness to adapt to the constantly changing meta and play whatever he believes will give him the greatest advantage. He is always ready to switch to a new character if he believes it will increase his chances of winning, much like fellow players Doujin, Knee, and Shadow20z. However, such flexibility is a rarity among the Tekken community.
Although it is not mandatory to swap characters in order to win, Arslan believes that his ability to adapt to whatever challenges come his way sets him apart.
“I believe it’s a challenging question, however it’s important to practice. As a player, I have experience playing with a variety of characters. Even when I played Tekken 7, I would frequently switch between characters. This makes it easier for me to adapt in any situation.”
However, I have observed certain players who become skilled at the game by solely using one character. They gain recognition and achieve victories with the same character, just like me, Knee, and other players. Yet, if their character undergoes a nerf, they face challenges. They are unable to switch characters as easily as I or other players can. While it is a challenging feat, I believe it is a crucial skill to possess.
Fortunately, Arslan has become more at ease with Tekken 8, as he faces the weight of everything else. Due to his triumph in Tekken 7, there is an expectation for him to emerge victorious in all other competitions.
I get the feeling @PBE_AK has been holding on to this pop off for 5 years. Congrats to @COMBOBREAKER‘s first @TEKKEN 8 champion! pic.twitter.com/OuDmpYO6gc
— Esteban Martinez (@TheBesteban) May 27, 2024
“Even when I placed third, people immediately began saying, ‘Oh, Arslan is no longer on top.’ I couldn’t understand why they were saying that when I still placed in the top three. Then, when I achieved second place at Combo Breaker, the comments were still negative, saying ‘Arslan is not winning anymore, blah blah blah.’ I believe this is because I have set a high standard for myself and people expect nothing less than continuous wins from me. It’s difficult to constantly meet those expectations. It’s a tough situation.”
Despite the added stress, Arslan is also now a family man – a responsibility that he must balance with his frequent travels for work. This only adds to the significance of his success in competitions and maintaining his position at the pinnacle of his profession.
According to the speaker, there is a common belief among many individuals, particularly gamers in Japan and Korea, that getting married means giving up the possibility of being a professional player. They may think that there won’t be enough time to play video games. However, the speaker disagrees with this belief and believes that it is possible to balance a successful gaming career with a healthy relationship, as long as there is understanding and communication with one’s partner.
I believe my partner is incredibly understanding and has a great understanding of my game. Although it may have an impact on our relationship, I truly believe it is for our mutual benefit.
This point is particularly relevant, given that Arslan already senses the pressure of time ticking away on his chances of winning major tournaments. He believes he only has a limited amount of time to continue competing at his highest level.
“Occasionally, after spending too much time playing the game, I start to feel exhausted. However, I am reminded of my family and my future, and the realization that my time is limited. As an esports player, the window of opportunity for success and reaching the top is very narrow,”Arslan expressed with disappointment.
“Becoming a legend, continuing to play until the end, or even pursuing a career as a streamer are all possible paths for success in the gaming world. Justin Wong serves as a great example, as he has transitioned from competing to commentating and other ventures. However, for those who strive to maintain a winning streak, time is of the essence. This thought constantly crosses my mind as I am aware of the limited time I have to continue achieving victories and remaining in the game.”
I inquired about the age he thought he would live to.
“I’m not sure, it’s hard to say. Maybe around 35 or 36? Arslan is currently 28 years old, so he still has some time before reaching that age.”
Currently, Arslan remains in the top 6 at EVO 2024, and he has his sights set on securing another championship title.
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