From LCQ to EWC Tekken Champion, M. Zubair stunned the esports world with his unstoppable skills. He embodied the true meaning of the phrase: he came, he saw, he conquered.
Who Is M. Zubair?
M. Zubair Abdulsamad, a 26‑year‑old Tekken 8 player from Pakistan, represents AG.AL Club. Known for his skill with Paul and Dragunov, he shocked the esports world by winning the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC 26). His journey from local tournaments to the global stage is a story of persistence and discipline.
Early Triumphs in Pakistan
Before stepping onto the world stage, Zubair proved himself at home. At Pakistan Tekken League Lahore 2026, an offline event with 108 competitors, he battled through the bracket and defeated Nouman Ch in the Grand Finals (0‑3, 2‑3). That victory earned him 150 ranking points and set the tone for his international breakthrough.
At the end of July, Zubair entered the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) in France — a Tier‑1 event with 444 players. Against all odds, he once again defeated Nouman Ch to secure his spot in the EWC main event. His qualification earned him the prestigious Jafonso Award, recognizing his rare achievement of qualifying from LCQ and then winning the championship.
Legendary Wins at EWC 26
Grand Finals vs LowHigh (South Korea): Zubair stunned fans by sweeping the EWC 2025 runner‑up 5‑0 in under 12 minutes.
Clashes with Arslan Ash (Pakistan): Facing the 8‑time EVO Champion, Zubair won twice — 3‑0 in group stage and 5‑4 in semi‑finals, proving his dominance against Pakistan’s most decorated Tekken player.
“I have been practicing a lot in Pakistan. There’s a specific friend of mine who actually played with me, and he also prepared me. I’m really grateful to him. When he finds out that I have won the Esports World Cup, he’s going to be very happy. He plays a very pivotal role in my success today.”
His humility and gratitude highlight the support system behind his success.
Prize Pool Earnings
By winning EWC 26 Tekken 8, Zubair secured a $250,000 prize pool share, adding his name to the list of Pakistan’s highest‑earning esports champions.
Keys to Success
Zubair’s journey shows that practice and hard work are the ultimate tools. His relentless training, strategic mindset, and ability to adapt under pressure transformed him from a local contender into a global champion.
Famous Players on M. Zubair Tekken Champion
Ulsan, the 2‑time Esports World Cup champion, said:
Can we compare Faker, the famous “Unkillable Demon King” of League of Legends, with Arslan Ash, the king of Tekken? At first, they seem to have nothing in common because they play completely different games. Faker leads his legendary team, T1, on the Summoner’s Rift, while Arslan Ash fights alone in intense, split-second fighting game matches. Yet, these two esports legends share a very similar story of success. Both have stayed at the top of their games for years, won the biggest trophies like Worlds and Evo, and made their home countries proud. By looking at their amazing skills and strong mindsets, we can bring these two kings into a single frame and see what makes them the ultimate rulers of competitive gaming.
Two Different Games, One Championship Mindset
To understand how these two players became legends, we have to look at their separate kingdoms. Let’s start with the player who has been ruling the PC gaming world for over a decade: Faker
The Rise of Faker: How T1’s Unkillable Demon King Dominated League of Legends
The story of the “Unkillable Demon King” began in Seoul, South Korea. Before he was famous, a teenage Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok started playing League of Legends at home under the secret online name “GoJeonPa”. He was so incredibly good that a massive professional team called SK Telecom T1 signed him in 2013 when he was only 16 years old.
The moment he stepped onto the professional stage, his lightning-fast reflexes and genius moves shocked the world. Everyone knew a prodigy had arrived. Over his twelve-year career, Faker has grown into something much bigger than just a pro gamer. Today, he is a massive cultural hero for South Korea, standing proudly alongside K-Pop stars and famous movie actors as a symbol of Korean pride worldwide.
Faker’s Unbreakable LoL Records That May Never Be Broken
Faker competes on the Summoner’s Rift, the virtual map for League of Legends. It is a highly complex, 5v5 strategy game that is like playing high-speed chess with four teammates. In this difficult world, Faker’s achievements are unmatched:
Six-Time World Champion: Faker has led his team, T1, to a record-breaking six World Championships (in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024, and 2025). No other player has ever come close to this level of dominance.
The Ultimate Stat Leader: He is the first player in history to score over 1,000 and then 2,000 tournament kills in the Korean professional league (LCK), while playing in more than 700 professional games.
Changing the Business of Gaming Forever
Faker did not just change how the game is played; he changed how the world looks at gaming as a real business. He is no longer just an employee—he is a part-owner of T1 Entertainment & Sports, holding a direct financial stake in a multimillion-dollar company backed by global giants such as Comcast.
Every single time Faker plays a match, millions of fans log on at the exact same time to watch him live, breaking internet viewership records over and over. Because of him, major car brands and technology giants now spend millions of dollars sponsoring esports. He has proven to the world that gaming is a real, professional sport, training like an Olympic athlete at high-tech Red Bull Performance Centers across the globe.
Faker’s Global Impact: The Ultimate Ambassador for Youth and Esports Culture
Faker’s influence stretches far beyond the Rift. Named the official Game Ambassador for the Esports World Cup and Nations Cup through 2028, he stands alongside icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen, giving esports players a global voice.
At home, the Korean National Police Agency honored him as a Senior Officer, entrusting him to lead campaigns against youth cyber‑gambling. With the same discipline that made him a champion, Faker now guides the next generation toward healthier, brighter choices — proving that true greatness is measured not only in victories, but in the lives you inspire.
Who is Arslan Ash? The Pakistani Prodigy Who Became the Tekken GOAT
Just as Faker shapes the future from the Summoner’s Rift, Arslan Ash commands the same legendary respect from the fighting game grid. While Faker commands a five-man army, Arslan fights in complete isolation, where a single frame or a split-second miscalculation means the difference between a trophy and elimination.
The History of a Solo Phenomenon
Hailing from Lahore, Pakistan, Arslan Ash’s rise is a true grassroots story. Long before international sponsorships and streaming deals, his journey began at just eight years old in the dimly lit arcades of Lahore, mastering Tekken 4. Though initially set on a traditional path toward medicine, he chose to follow his passion for gaming — a decision met with skepticism at home. Arslan silenced doubts by dominating Pakistan’s local circuits, proving his skill was unmatched. In 2018, with modest financial help from friends, he traveled to Oman for his first international tournament. That leap of faith marked the turning point, launching him from local champion to a name recognized across the global fighting game community.
Arslan Ash’s Unbreakable EVO Records: The Highest Ceiling in Fighting Games
Arslan Ash has carved his legend in the unforgiving world of Tekken, a 1v1 fighting game where every frame and reaction can decide victory. His dominance is unmatched, reflected in a trophy cabinet that has redefined the fighting game scene.
The 8-Time EVO King: Arslan is an unprecedented eight-time Evolution Championship Series (EVO) champion. He shocked the world in 2019 by becoming the first unified champion to win both EVO Japan and EVO USA in the same calendar year.
The 2026 Milestone: Solidifying his legacy, Arslan captured his historic eighth EVO title in Las Vegas, routing a massive 1,355-player bracket to tie all-time fighting game records. He followed this up with an elite top-4 finish at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 in Riyadh.
The Arslan Ash Revolution: Turning South Asia Into a Global Esports Powerhouse
Arslan Ash did not just win titles; he single-handedly put Pakistan on the international esports map. Before his 2019 breakout, the global fighting game community largely ignored South Asian talent. By defeating established international legends, Arslan forced global organizations to recognize Pakistan as a premier hub for fighting games. Today, representing the premium esports organization Twisted Minds and backed as a global Red Bull Athlete, he has opened the doors for a new generation of Pakistani pro-gamers to secure international visas, sponsorships, and careers.
For anyone unfamiliar with Pakistan’s esports scene, one truth stands out: no Tekken player from the country can claim success without Arslan Ash paving the way first. He was the first drop of rain that broke through the drought of doubt, opening doors to respectful esports careers for Pakistani players. Before him, arcade gamers were often dismissed as loafers or wanderers — young men “wasting time” in unhealthy games with no future. Arslan shattered that mindset.
By rising to the very top of global competition, he proved that discipline, resilience, and iron nerves could turn a passion into a profession. Unlike Faker, who never faced such cultural disdain in Korea, Arslan had to fight not only his opponents but also the stigma of his own society. His victories are more than trophies; they are proof that esports can be a path of pride and possibility for Pakistan.
Fun Facts: What Makes Arslan & Faker Similar
One Continent, Two Legends: Both hail from Asia — Arslan from Pakistan and Faker from South Korea — proving the continent is home to esports greatness.
GOAT Status: Whether in Tekken or League of Legends, both are celebrated as the Greatest of All Time in their respective titles.
Age of Excellence: Each is 30 years old, yet still competing at the very top of their games.
Esports Icons: They’ve turned gaming into global careers, inspiring millions and reshaping how the world views competitive play.
Takedown 2026 Pakistan is poised to be the most significant prize pool event ever for the fighting game community (FGC). While some may argue that online gaming is a waste of time with no real future, the truth is quite the opposite. Online gaming is evolving and offers incredible opportunities for growth and success. Esports are rapidly gaining traction in Pakistan too, showcasing their potential. Last year, the prize pool for the Takedown event reached an impressive 2.5 million PKR, and this year it has doubled to a remarkable 5 million PKR for a three-day event featuring 4exciting game titles. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more!
What Game Titles Can We Look Forward To?
Takedown 2026 features four major competitive game titles. The tournament rules and formats are structured to test the absolute peak of player skill:
Tekken 8: Singles format with a grueling Double Elimination bracket.
Street Fighter 6: Singles format with a Double Elimination bracket.
EA Sports FC 26: Singles format with a high-stakes, unforgiving Single Elimination bracket.
Community Insight: While many local fans have asked why King of Fighters XV was left out, industry analysis suggests the organizers chose these specific four titles because they directly align with active global league circuits—such as the Tekken World Tour and the SNK World Championship—guaranteeing maximum international impact.
The organizers have strategically distributed the 5 million PKR total prize purse based on community scale, global circuit standing, and local appeal:
Tekken 8: 2,500,000 PKR
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves: 1,400,000 PKR
Street Fighter 6: 500,000 PKR
EA Sports FC 26: 500,000 PKR
Player Participation and International Attendance
Takedown has grown from a local tournament into an international attraction, with total registration numbers rising steadily year over year:
Last Year’s Scale: The previous event drew 554 total players to the tournament brackets.
International Competitors: The event successfully attracts foreign talent. Last year’s participant list included international players traveling from Spain and Thailand.
Current 2026 Registration: There are already 427 registered attendees signed up for this year’s event. With weeks left before registration closes, final player participation and spectator attendance are expected to exceed last year’s totals.
How Takedown Connects Pakistan to the World
Pakistan has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse for the Fighting Game Community (FGC). Local players possess an incredible passion for the genre, and Takedown is turning that passion into international careers.
Official TWT Status: Takedown 2026 is an officially sanctioned Tekken World Tour (TWT) Challenger Event. It is a fully recognized stop on Bandai Namco’s global calendar.
The Path to Global Finals: Local players do not just win prize money. They earn official Global Leaderboard Points required to qualify for the prestigious Tekken World Tour Global Finals.
Overcoming Travel Barriers: Historically, Pakistani esports athletes faced severe visa issues and high travel expenses when attempting to qualify abroad. Bringing a Challenger tier event directly to Lahore gives homegrown talent a fair, accessible opportunity to prove they belong among the world’s elite on their own turf.
Top Local Players to Watch Out For
With massive global circuit points and life-changing money on the line, Pakistan’s absolute elite are locked in to compete at Packages Mall. The local lineup expected to draw the heaviest crowds includes:
Arslan Ash: The legendary 8-time international EVO Champion looking for major redemption after last year’s shock exit.
Usama Abbasi: The reigning Takedown 2025 Defending Champion who took the crown last year and is fighting to keep it.
Farzeen: One of the most dangerous, fast-rising stars globally, fresh off dominant international tournament runs.
Atif Butt: A former global Tour Finals Champion and a strategic mastermind who remains a permanent favorite to take the bracket.
Shehram: The lethal Zafina specialist who shocked the entire esports world last year by delivering the biggest upset in Tekken history.
Numan Ch & The Jon: Highly competitive, world-renowned local veterans who consistently push the top tier to its absolute limits.
The Biggest Upset in Tekken History
Takedown is known for extreme stakes and unpredictable drama. In last year’s event (Takedown 2025), the esports world witnessed arguably the biggest upset in Tekken history.
The legendary Arslan Ash suffered a shocking defeat in his very first match. He was knocked out of the winner’s bracket by Shehram, a relatively unknown local grassroots player. Arslan ultimately finished in the 25th–32nd place category, leaving fans and international analysts completely stunned. It proved that the depth of raw gaming talent in Pakistan runs incredibly deep.
Event Details & Registration Logistics
Organizer:Baaz (baaz.gg) is the main organizer of this event.
Dates: The tournament runs from September 4 to September 6, 2026.
Venue:Packages Mall, Lahore.
Ticket Tiers & Pricing
Player registration is split into phases. Sign up early to secure the best rates via the official organization portal:
Early Bird Registration: 1,100 PKR (Ended)
Normal Registration: 1,500 PKR (Ongoing until August 9, 2026)
Late Registration: 2,000 PKR (From August 10 to August 28, 2026)
To secure your spot as a competitor or spectator, visit Baaz.gg, where the full registration process is outlined.
Both are Champions, both are Friends and both are Pakistanis.
Tekken’s journey in the FGC feels incomplete without the contributions of Pakistani players and if you know the game, then you have definitely heard the names Arslan ash and Atif butt.
Arslan Ash, a seven-time EVO champion and Tekken World Tour 2023 winner, is currently representing Twisted Minds. Atif Butt, the Tekken World Tour 2022 champion and IESF World Champion 2023, now plays under Team Falcons. Both players hail from Pakistan and began their journeys in Lahore’s arcade scene, rising from local competition to become global icons of the Tekken community.
Who is Arslan Ash?
Arslan Ash Siddique is a Lahori who began playing Tekken in his early childhood. From the start, Arslan’s dominance was clear; he defeated anyone who challenged him in local arcades. With his friends, including Atif, he declared: “My game is beyond limits. I want to compete with the legends of Tekken like Knee and Ulsan, and I know I will defeat them.” At the time, few believed him.
Yet his determination, consistency, and willingness to take risks pushed him forward. Borrowing money, relying on friends’ support, and carrying his mother’s prayers, Arslan traveled to Oman for his first international competition and amazingly won.
From that moment, he never looked back. He went on to defeat South Korea’s legendary players like Knee, Ulsan, and LowHigh in multiple tournaments, establishing himself as nearly invincible on the global stage.
Who is Atif Butt?
“People know me as the Tekken World Tour Champion, Atif Butt!” That’s how Atif Ijaz Butt introduces himself to those unfamiliar with his legacy. Belongs to Gujranwala, a city in Punjab, Pakistan, Atif has been playing Tekken and other fighting games since 2005. His journey from local competitions to becoming a global champion reflects years of dedication, skill, and an unbreakable passion for the fighting game community.
Gameplay
Arslan’s Style
Arslan Ash’s style is often described as calm and lowkey. He plays with his opponents’ nerves, keeping his composure under the pressure of finals and large crowds. Rather than locking into one character, he experiments and switches until he finds the one that feels most natural, focusing on how the character evolves in his hands. This adaptability makes him unpredictable and hard to counter.
Interestingly, he has now become strongly associated with Nina, a character he has used to secure more victories than anyone else, further cementing his reputation as one of Tekken’s most versatile champions.
Atif’s Style
Atif Butt’s style is aggressive and fearless. He overwhelms opponents with sharp moves and lightning-fast actions, often turning his enemy’s character into pulp under relentless pressure. He frequently uses characters like Anna, Jin, and Dragunov to deliver this punishing style.
Known as a fearsome competitor, Atif thrives on momentum; once he gains control, he dismantles his rivals with speed and precision. This intensity, combined with his ability to sustain pressure throughout a match, makes him one of the most dangerous and dominant players in the Tekken scene.
Arslan Ash – Career Highlights
7× EVO Champion
EVO Japan 2019 defeated Alexandre Laverez from Philippines
Widely credited with putting Pakistan’s Tekken scene on the global map
At the Esports World Cup 2025, Arslan Ash secured 14th position and earned $20,000 in prize money.
Atif Butt – Career Highlights
Tekken World Tour Champion 2022
Defeated JeonDDing in the grand finals to claim the world title.
IESF World Champion 2023
Represented Pakistan and secured victory on the global stage.
Tokyo Tekken Masters 2019 Winner
Shocked the international scene by defeating top Japanese and Korean players with Akuma.
CEO 2025 Tekken 8 Champion
Dominated the competition with his aggressive style and versatile character pool defeating Ulsan in the Finals.
Other Notable Wins
Consistent victories against elite players such as Knee, Ulsan, and Chikurin in various tournaments.
Helped Pakistan win the Gamers8 Tekken Nations Cup 2024, defeating South Korea alongside Arslan Ash and Khan.
Atif Butt finished 12th at the Esports World Cup 2025, two ranks above Arslan Ash, and took home $27,500 in prize money.
Their Friendship
Arslan Ash and Atif Butt have risen as nation’s brightest Tekken stars. Their journeys, built on modest beginnings and relentless dedication (practicing together for continuous 10 to 12 hours or more for the event), have carried them to international fame since 2019. Training side by side and traveling together, their bond is reflected both in competition and beyond.
Though they often face each other as fierce rivals, their friendship endures; victories are celebrated with warm embraces, reminding the world that they are not just competitors, but brothers in the journey. As Arslan said on his X account after winning EVO Championship against Atif in 2024: ‘Despite the rivalry, I believe we can both win more tournaments together.’
As their careers continue to unfold, one thing is certain: their friendship and passion will keep inspiring the next generation of esports champions. Yup! Absolutely.
