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Tekken champion Arslan Ash (Arslan Siddique), Pakistan’s pride in the global fighting game scene, has announced that he will not be able to attend the upcoming Riyadh Clash or EVO Japan due to visa restrictions. The revelation comes as the esports world eagerly anticipates his participation in Tekken 8 at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
The Esports World Cup 2025, scheduled from July 7 to August 4, will be one of the biggest competitive gaming spectacles ever, featuring over 2,000 players, 200+ clubs, and 25 top-tier games across seven weeks. With a record-breaking $70 million prize pool, it’s poised to become a landmark in esports history. Tekken 8, Arslan’s main title, will be featured in Week 6 of the event.
Arslan Ash, widely regarded as one of the greatest Tekken players of all time, has earned legendary status through his impressive run of five EVO titles, including:
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EVO Japan 2019
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EVO 2019 (USA)
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EVO Japan 2023
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EVO 2023 (USA)
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EVO 2024 (Tekken 8)
Despite his dominance on the global stage, the Tekken champion Arslan Ash has often faced challenges unrelated to gameplay—particularly visa issues. In his latest post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his disappointment over missing key international tournaments, citing visa problems that have also impacted his participation in the past.
The Esports World Cup Foundation, led by CEO Ralf Reichert, has expressed its commitment to long-term growth and stability in the industry. “The record-breaking $70+ million prize pool, along with our commitment to the Club Partner Program and multi-year publisher agreements, is a privilege to announce and validation of our purpose to elevate the industry,” Reichert stated.
As the countdown to Week 6 of the Esports World Cup 2025 begins, fans worldwide are hopeful that Arslan’s visa challenges will be resolved in time. His participation would not only boost Pakistan’s presence in esports but also add firepower to one of the most anticipated Tekken 8 showdowns of the year.
