Xiaohai wins Street Fighter 6 tournament at EWC 2024

35-year-old fighting game legend proves age is just a number.
Four people holding a microphone on stage.
Xiaohai's emotional speech after winning (Image via EWC_Fighters on Twitch)
TL;DR
  • Zheng "Xiaohai" Haozhe wins Street Fighter 6 at the Esports World Cup.
  • His victory defies age stereotypes in esports.
  • He receives $300,000 for taking the first place.

Zheng “Xiaohai” Haozhe, the 35-year-old fighting game virtuoso, just showed the world he’s still got it. In a jaw-dropping display of skill, Xiaohai clinched victory in Street Fighter 6 at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. The Chinese Pro gamer received $300,000 for the first price, which equals six times the amount that Punk received during this year’s EVO for the first place.

But it wasn’t just the win that had everyone talking. Xiaohai had a raw, emotional response on stage while receiving the trophy. The usually composed champion broke down during his victory speech, tears flowing as he addressed the crowd.

Haozhe’s wife, beaming with pride, watched from the sidelines. Both have been together for years, she supported him throughout his journey to the top of the combat gaming world.

Primarily known as a King of Fighters legend, Xiaohai’s triumph in Street Fighter 6 cements his status as a multi-game master. This win isn’t just a personal victory, it’s a middle finger to anyone who thought the old guard couldn’t hang with the young guns.

While some gaming communities push the narrative that players peak in their early 20s, the fighting game community is proving that it doesn’t need to be that way. Xiaohai, a competitor in his 40s, is still dominating the fighting game scene. This shows that experience is often more valuable than youth in this genre.

Xiaohai’s victory highlights the evolving landscape of esports careers. While League of Legends pros might worry about aging out by 25, fighting game veterans show that longevity is possible with the right mindset and practice. The old dog’s still got plenty of fight left in him.

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