With Evo Japan, 2023 rapping up their Tekken lineups the recent Tekken 8 new fighters announcements and Tekken 7 winners have left fans excited for the upcoming release and prospects of Tekken esports.
Tekken 8 New Fighters; Asuka Kazama
Asuka Kazam rides back into the ring, sporting a new girl scout esc look!
While Being the cousin of series lead Jin Kazama, Asuka has held a not-so-important role in the main line story of Tekken. However, this has not stopped her from being a fan favorite thanks to her boyish personality and diverse moveset.
Fans are delighted and surprised to see her return as she was originally introduced as a Jun Kazama replacement ever since the character’s supposed death.
Now that all three Kazamas are announced for the roster this makes Tekken 8, the first time in Tekken history that the Kazama family will outnumber the Mishimas!
Her showcase video displays that most of her moves from Tekken 7 are still around in Tekken 8 like her back 1+2 counter, and her ever-reliable launcher forward 2. Very exciting is her new stance, which appears to be string-able mid-combo. It can even be canceled!
Showcasing her new impressive rage drive/heat system, will Asuka place higher on top of the Tekken 8-tier list?
Related: Tekken 8 has Crossplay, Rollback & Betas!
Tekken 7 DLC turned mainstay, Leroy Smith!
Punching quicker than we can type, Leroy Smith styles back into Tekken!
First appearing in Tekken 7 as season 2 DLC, Leroy Smith is now a leading fighter of Tekken 8.
Sporting a white/gold Chinese-styled drip similar to his Tekken 7 costume, Leroy looks cooler than ever!
It appears his aggressiveness has only been turned up for Tekken 8 with his new counters and follow-ups.
Dominating Tekken 7 tournaments until his much-needed nerfs, will we see a similar occurrence in Tekken 8 for Leroy?
Pakistan Player Arsian Ash, Wins Tekken 7 Evo Japan 2023!
Winning the title back in Evo Japan 2019, Arslan Ash reigns at the top once more for Evo Japan 2023!
27-year-old Arslan Ash from Pakistan manages to score the win thanks to his elusive Zafina playstyle. Up against strong competition though, his opponent Meo-Il from South Korea played just as well with a ruthless Geese Howard.
Evo Japan 2023 Highlights
There was tension in the air as Arslan had already fought and beat Meo-Li back in the early losers round with a 2-1. Would Meo-Li be able to beat Arslan given this second chance?
Starting with a close match for the first round, Arslan just manages to bag a victory with a close 3-2. Arslan’s game was only just heating up as he wins the next round 3-1, and at his peak performance wins with a clean 3-0.
He Forces Meo-Il into a well-deserved second-place spot. Followed by South Korean player Rangchu in a close 3rd.
Shockingly, Ranchu came close to beating Arslan in the winner’s finals with his trusty Panda. But, lost in the final round at a tight 2-3.
Switching up his game for Meo-Il, Rangchu goes with Julia to challenge Geese. After a promising first-round win. However, Rangchu loses 1-3.
And last but not least securing 4th place with his deadly Eliza, is Japanese player Watanabe. Dominating the loser’s rounds up until he clashes with Meo-Li.
EVO Japan 2023 Winners are:
- Arslan Ash (Pakistan)
- Meo-Il (South Korea)
- Rangchu (South Korea)
- Watanabe (Japan)
Arslan takes home the one million yen prize, along with the satisfaction of securing a second Evo victory.
Yet Evolution Japan 2023 is still ongoing with games such as Street Fighter 5, Guilty Gear Survive, The King of Fighters 15, Granblue Fantasy, Melty Blood, and Virtua Fighter 5!
Check out their website here for more updates.
Check out our suggestions for competitive games to get into this year!
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