Preferred gamepads of professional Street Fighter 6 gamers.
In the world of Street Fighter, the choice of controller can be as personal as the characters players choose to master. Top Street Fighter players, such as Adel "BigBird" Anouche, Daigo "The Beast" Umehara, and MenaRD, demonstrate this diversity in their controller preferences.
For Street Fighter 6, Adel "BigBird" Anouche opts for an arcade stick, offering precise control and the classic fighting game experience. On the other hand, Daigo "The Beast" Umehara prefers a Hitbox (leverless controller), which relies solely on buttons for inputs, allowing for faster, more precise commands. MenaRD, another top player, excels with the DualSense controller, illustrating that many pros can excel with traditional pads as well.
Beyond Street Fighter 6, top players may choose from a variety of controllers. Arcade sticks, favoured for their authenticity and precise six-button layouts, are a popular choice. Standard pads like DualSense or Xbox controllers, valued for their accessibility and comfort, are also widely used. Leverless all-button controllers, such as the Hitbox, allow for very fast inputs and have a niche but rising presence in the pro scene. Custom or hybrid controllers, like the Victrix Pro BFG, offer programmable buttons and ergonomic designs to optimize complex inputs.
Ultimately, Street Fighter pros emphasize practice and personal fit over an objectively superior controller. Many top competitors are divided among these types based on their comfort and playstyle. Adel 'Big Bird' Anouche, a Street Fighter pro hailing from Algeria, is known for his Ken and Rashid play in Street Fighter 5. Daigo 'The Beast' Umehara, a double Guinness World Record-holder and Street Fighter pro from Japan, uses a Hitbox/leverless controller in Street Fighter 5. Saul Leonardo 'MenaRD' Mena II, a Street Fighter legend from the Dominican Republic, is another example of a top player who chooses his controller based on his personal preference and style.
In conclusion, Street Fighter 5 players have a variety of choices for controllers, and the choice often depends on personal style and the specific game version. Regardless of the controller, the key to success remains practice, skill, and a deep understanding of the game.
In the realm of gaming beyond Street Fighter 6, Adel 'Big Bird' Anouche might prefer a Red Bull energy drink, much like the one he fuels his gaming sessions with, to maintain focus and precision. During sports events where he participates, one can often spot him holding a can of Red Bull, mirroring his preference in Street Fighter tournaments.
As for MenaRD, another Street Fighter legend, his appreciation for music might not only be limited to the beats that accompany intense game battles but also extend to his personal playlists, helping him stay focused and energized in between matches, reflecting the fast and precise nature of sports.
