Lahore | October 2025 Pakistani esports superstar Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique has once again etched his name in the history books, capturing yet another international title by winning EVO France 2025. Rising dramatically from the lower bracket to claim victory, Arslan has now become a seven-time EVO champion the most in Tekken history, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players the fighting game community has ever seen.
From Lahore Arcades to Global Glory
Born on August 20, 1995, in Lahore, Pakistan, Arslan’s journey from playing in a small neighborhood gaming arcade to conquering the world’s biggest Tekken stages is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting his competitive journey in 2010, he first gained national recognition after winning the Pakistan Tekken 6 Grand Masters Championship (GCC), which established him as the country’s top player.
Initially aspiring to become a doctor, Arslan changed his path after realizing his extraordinary potential in esports. “You become what is written in your fate,” he once said a statement that perfectly captures his story of determination and destiny.
The Road to International Success
After dominating Pakistan’s gaming scene for nearly a decade, Arslan broke onto the international stage in 2018 at the KOF GCC Tournament in Oman, where he impressed the global community by winning in both Tekken 7 and King of Fighters XIV.
However, 2019 was the year that changed everything. Arslan became the first-ever player to win both EVO Japan and EVO America in the same year, a feat never before accomplished in Tekken history. These victories established him as a global phenomenon and earned him recognition as ESPN’s Esports Player of the Year 2019 and a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2020) list.
EVO France 2025: The Historic Seventh Title
Arslan’s latest victory came at EVO France 2025, held in Paris, where the world’s best Tekken 8 players gathered to compete for the championship title. Despite being sent to the lower bracket early in the tournament, Arslan made a spectacular comeback defeating top international players one by one with his signature patience, precision, and psychological mastery.
In the Grand Final, he faced fierce competition but ultimately triumphed, lifting his seventh EVO trophy, an unprecedented achievement in the history of competitive Tekken. His win came just months after his sixth EVO title at EVO Las Vegas 2025, where he defeated fellow Pakistani champion Atif Butt.
Arslan’s seven EVO titles now include:
EVO Japan 2019 🏆
EVO America 2019 🏆
EVO 2022 (Las Vegas) 🏆
EVO Japan 2023 🏆
EVO America 2023 🏆
EVO Las Vegas 2025 🏆
EVO France 2025 🏆
With this record, Arslan Ash now holds the most EVO titles ever won by a single Tekken player, surpassing every major competitor in the game’s competitive history.
Mastery, Training, and Character Selection
Known for his calm and analytical playstyle, Arslan is a master of Geese Howard and Kazumi Mishima, though his favorite character remains Nina Williams. His technical precision, adaptive strategies, and exceptional mental composure make him nearly unbeatable under pressure.
He dedicates eight hours a day to structured practice studying opponents, refining movements, and perfecting strategies. This discipline has been the foundation of his long-lasting dominance in the international scene.
Global Impact and Legacy
Arslan’s dominance has not only brought him global recognition but has also put Pakistan at the center of the fighting game community. His success has inspired a new generation of players from South Asia, proving that world-class talent can emerge from anywhere, regardless of infrastructure or resources.
With every title, Arslan continues to carry Pakistan’s flag proudly, reshaping global perceptions of esports talent from developing regions. His story — from Lahore’s local arcades to global esports arenas embodies perseverance, humility, and excellence.
Looking Ahead
As Tekken transitions into its Tekken 8 era, Arslan Ash remains the benchmark for mastery and consistency. With seven EVO championships already under his belt, the 30-year-old icon shows no signs of slowing down.
“I always move forward with a dream to achieve,” he says. “Each time I reach one goal, I set the next. That’s how I grow.”
Whether it’s through his next global title or mentoring future Pakistani players, Arslan ‘Ash’ Siddique’s reign is far from over. The world may now know the Tekken throne belongs to Pakistan.
