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Arslan “Ash” Siddique, Pakistan’s renowned Tekken champion, has earned a prestigious spot in the semifinals of the Tekken 8 tournament at the LVL UP EXPO 2025.
The tournament, held on April 26-27 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, attracted fierce competition from 162 players vying for a $5,000 prize pool.
Ash, who is widely regarded as one of the best Tekken players in history, displayed his signature strategic brilliance in the double-elimination format, advancing to the Semifinals and further solidifying his legacy in the competitive Tekken scene.
Despite recent setbacks, Ash’s resilience shone through. After facing significant visa challenges, which led to his absence at major events like Evo Japan and Riyadh Clash 2025, his appearance in Las Vegas marked a triumphant return to international competition.
With his mastery of characters such as Zafina, Ash went head-to-head with top-tier players, including South Korea’s Rangchu and the Philippines’ AK. The high stakes and fierce competition were no match for Ash’s exceptional skills, keeping him firmly in the race for the title.
This latest achievement comes on the heels of recent controversy when Tekken 8 director Katsuhiro Harada mistakenly banned Ash on X (formerly Twitter), sparking an outcry within the fighting game community.
Both Harada and Ash clarified the situation, explaining the incident was a misunderstanding, and the two resolved the issue amicably.
Ash’s performance in the LVL UP EXPO 2025 is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, and his journey in Tekken continues to inspire fans and players around the world.
